The European Union’s ambitious goals for organic farming are facing a reality check. A new audit by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has revealed a concerning mismatch between EU funding and actual progress in organic production. Despite channeling over €12 billion since 2014 to support organic farming, the audit found that this investment hasn’t translated into a significant increase in organic production. The share of organic land in the EU remains at a mere 4% of the total food market, far below the target of 25% by 2030.
The audit identified several key issues:
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Lack of Production Requirements:
The absence of strict requirements for farmers to actually produce organic products in exchange for EU funds has hindered progress.*
Difficulty Measuring Benefits:
The auditors pointed out the challenge of accurately assessing the environmental benefits associated with organic farming, making it hard to gauge the effectiveness of the EU funding program.*
Inconsistency in Funding Application:
The audit discovered that EU funds were not consistently applied, with money flowing regardless of whether farmers adhered to core principles of organic farming, like crop rotation or using certified organic seeds.*
Limited Market Support:
While the EU has set targets for organic land expansion, there’s been a lack of comprehensive policy and legislative action to support the market and production side of organic farming.These shortcomings have led to a fragmented approach to organic farming across EU countries, with significant differences in uptake of organic practices. For example, some countries like Austria have achieved over 25% organic land, while others like Bulgaria, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, and Poland remain below 5%.
The ECA recommends that the EU Commission develop a comprehensive EU policy specifically for the organic sector, along with quantifiable targets, milestones, and timelines to track progress. Member states are also urged to implement national policies that actively support organic farming.
Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, the ECA member responsible for the audit, emphasized that simply increasing organic land is not enough for sustainable success. “We’re asking the Commission to reconsider if and how we could promote not just the territory or land, but also the market and production so that farmers can have their way to reach the market to boost production,” she stated.
The audit highlights the urgent need for a more holistic approach to organic farming in Europe, focusing not just on land allocation but also on supporting market growth, consumer awareness, and the development of a thriving organic industry. The success of organic farming depends not only on EU funding but also on a robust market system and informed consumer choices.
