Policy- or market-driven development of organic farming in the EU

Almost forty years of agri-environment and rural development policy support for organic farming in the EU has seen the sector grow from less than 100,000 ha in 1985 to more than 18 million ha (11.1 % of EU27 utilisable agricultural area (UAA)) in 2024. While globally, the organic food market has been the primary driver of organic sector growth, in the EU policy drivers are also important, if not dominant, in explaining the growth trends. Regulatory definition of organic practices, agri-environmental payments for organic conversion and maintenance, rural development investment aids, promotion funding, public procurement, research and advisory measures have all contributed, often integrated in organic action plans. Overall, growth is continuing at similar rates, but with some significant variations between Member States. With the EU targeting 25% of agricultural land to be managed organically by 2030, it is relevant to ask which drivers could be leveraged to secure the desired results. In this paper we explore the evidence relating to policy, market and information drivers and their influence on the development of organic farming at EU level and in individual member states. Policy recommendations to achieve this, with a focus on the next CAP, are highlighted.