In recent years, the organic acreage in
Europe has increased rapidly, expanding from 0.12 million ha in 1986 to more
than 1.3 ha million in 1996, representing an annual increase of 25%. The number
of organic farms has increased from 7,800 to over 55,000 over the same period.
In Scandinavia and the German-speaking countries, organic farming has moved from
a marginal position of less than 0.5% of agricultural land use, to become a
significant part (1.6% in Germany and 7.6% in Austria) of the sector. This has
brought the overall western European average close to 1%.
Growth has been stimulated by strong consumer demand and
policy initiatives. Almost all western European countries, and some
central/eastern European countries, now provide direct financial support to
farmers converting to or continuing with organic farming. In the European Union,
these policies are implemented under Regulation 2078/92, known as the agri-environment
programme. In addition, financial support is available for research and
development, training and education, extension, market development and
certification procedures. A comprehensive review of the policies being
implemented in western Europe reveals a very wide range of approaches, relating
to levels and types of payment, the conditions imposed, and the actual costs
incurred.
Agricultural policy and organic farming
in Europe, Nick Lampkin, Welsh Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales,
Aberystwyth, SY23 3AL.
[This
article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 33, September 1996,
page 7]