Currently, 7.5% of the total agricultural land in the European Union (EU), is organic, covering a total area of 13.4 million hectares (ha); with the expectation of growth in the future. There has been a great increase in demand for organic products in Europe. The consumption of organic products in the EU is consistently increasing.
Organic agriculture in Europe is categorized according to the way the land is used and the crops produced:
- arable land crops which includes vegetables and cereals,
- permanent grassland which is composed of pastures and meadows (mostly used as grazing land for animals),
- and permanent crops like fruit trees and olive groves.
With over 210 members in 33 countries, IFOAM Organics Europe is one of the regional bodies of IFOAM - Organics International, and its main aim is to advocate for organic food and farmers in Europe. Their member organizations range from farmers & processors, to retailers, certifiers, consultants, traders, researchers, and environmental & consumer advocacy bodies.
From their head office in Brussels, IFOAM Organics Europe, in collaboration with the European Commission and other partners, is working towards creating a fair, environmentally conscious, healthy, and caring food system in Europe, with their project, Vision 2030. They envision having 50% of Europe’s agricultural land, managed organically.
They are the unified voice and presence in the EU that influences vital and relevant EU policies and institutions relating to organic.
Visit our Membership Directory to Meet our Members in Europe
Our members are diversified, from Portugal to Lithuania we are represented by NGOs, companies, farmers’ organizations, universities, governments and certification bodies.