These are the data highlighted in the document “The World of Organic Agriculture 2024", referring to 2023, and presented at Biofach by the FiBL Institute for Organic Agriculture Research in collaboration with IFOAM , the Federation of Organic Associations worldwide.
The survey finds that organic land in the European Union has reached 17.7 million hectares, equal to 10.9% of the total agricultural area and with an increase of 3.6% compared to 2022. Extending the perimeter to the entire European territory, organically cultivated fields include 19.5 million hectares (4.1% compared to the previous year) with a percentage of 11% . As for the individual countries, Spain, with 3 million hectares, surpasses France which follows with 2.8 million hectares, while Italy occupies third place with 2.5 million hectares, but is first in terms of percentage of organic UAA, which is almost 20%, about double the European average .
Our country confirms itself as one of the most organic in Europe , maintaining its primacy in terms of the number of organic producers, with over 84,191 operators out of the 495,000 active in the whole of Europe. Furthermore, Italy is also at the top of the rankings in terms of the number of processors, almost 25,000 , out of a total quota in Europe of 94,627.
After a slight decline in 2022, the market trend also returned to positive territory, reaching 54.7 billion euros in Europe (3%), of which 46.5 billion in the European Union (2.9%).
Germany remains the largest market, with sales of €16.1 billion. The EU ranks as the second largest market for organic products, after the United States with €59 billion.
Globally, according to statistics highlighted by “The World of Organic Agriculture 2024”, the agricultural area cultivated with organic products increased by 2.6% in 2023 , reaching a total of 98.9 million hectares, managed by 4.3 million organic producers . Retail sales of organic products also increased, exceeding 136 billion euros.
“The data presented at Biofach are undoubtedly positive - says Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio - The agroecological transition continues its momentum, supported by the Green Deal and the Action Plan for organic farming in the EU, fundamental tools for promoting an agricultural model capable of combining sustainability and valorization of the territories. The increase in agricultural areas confirms organic as the resilient agricultural method, capable of protecting soil fertility, safeguarding biodiversity, responding to the climate crisis, guaranteeing food security for future generations and a fair income for farmers. Even if sales have started to grow again, it is necessary to continue to push consumption, further raising citizens' awareness of the benefits that good organic food brings to people's health and the environment. Furthermore, to encourage a lasting transition towards a sustainable and responsible consumption model, it is essential to support investments in research and innovation to make organic the reference model for the entire agri-food system and to guide the future strategies of the post-2027 CAP”.
