Eu Falls Short on Organic Farming Goals Amid Calls for Better Support

According to a recent investigation by the European Court of Auditors, there are indications that the European Union's comprehensive strategy to encourage organic farming practices and minimize its ecological footprint might be falling short of its projected targets.

Target Unlikely to Be Met

Despite being allocated a significant amount of around €12 billion in EU funding over the past eight years since 2014, the implementation of organic farming practices has demonstrated considerable disparity across various European Union countries, with some member states applying these funds irregularly and neglecting essential principles that are foundational to organic farming.

Ineffective Support Mechanisms

The European Court of Auditors' investigation revealed a significant shortcoming in the current system of support for organic farmers, where many beneficiaries are being awarded funds without meeting fundamental requirements like crop rotation and adherence to animal-welfare standards.

'The European organic movement looks forward to seeing how the EU institutions will realise the recommendations of the Strategic Dialogue, namely in the EU's "Vision for Agriculture and Food.'

IFOAM Organics Europe

Ireland Lags Behind EU Peers

In comparison to other European Union countries, Ireland stands out as one of the weakest performers in terms of adopting organic farming practices, having set an ambitious yet relatively modest goal of reaching a 10% share of organic farming by 2030.

Need for a Comprehensive Policy

There is growing pressure on policymakers to establish a more conducive framework that can stimulate interest in organic products and level the playing field between organic and conventional farming practices.

The European Union auditors emphasize that merely expanding areas under organic cultivation will be insufficient; instead, a comprehensive policy framework must be implemented to provide sustained support for the entire organic farming sector.