The Netherlands continues to lag behind biologically in the EU

The organic agricultural area in the Netherlands grew by 2018% in 10 to 66.600 hectares. The organic share of arable farming is increasing by 7% and is the strongest increase. However, the Netherlands continues to lag behind the European Union biologically.

Bionext reports this in a recent trend report. Due to the strong acreage growth last year, the share of organic in total agriculture is now 4%, including companies that are undergoing conversion. This means that the Netherlands is still behind the European Union average of more than 7%, according to the report report† In Germany, 12% of the total acreage is now organic. France takes a lead with an area growth of 20%, which means that the country, just like Spain and Italy, ends up with a 10% organic area share. Denmark and Austria are already at 20%.

Animal sectors stable
The number of organic farms in the Netherlands grew fastest in 2018 in arable farming and open field vegetable cultivation: 624 companies compared to 582 companies in 2017. This increase of 7% was also visible in the cultivation of feed crops with 1.265 organic farms in 2018. The number of organic dairy farms remained stable at 481 and the number of organic pig farms grew slightly from 172 to 175.

If we zoom in on the organic agricultural area per province, we see that Flevoland is once again growing the fastest. The share of organic is by far the largest in this region at 12,8% (11.415 hectares), followed by North Holland (6,1%), Utrecht (5,7%) and Drenthe (4,3%). The organic share is smallest in Zeeland, namely 1,9% (2.195 hectares).

Turnover is also increasing
The turnover of organic products in the Netherlands also increased in 2018. This is an increase of 8,4% to more than €1,6 billion. By far the largest part is realized in the supermarket channel. The organic share of the total food sector increases from 3,2% to 3,4%.

The organic market share in the foodservice channel is still lagging considerably. Despite a sharp 15% increase in turnover, the organic market share in the catering industry remains at 1,7%. The main reasons for this: limited supply and lack of knowledge.

North America Market Leader
Globally, the organic agricultural area has grown by 20%, with Ocania (31,3%) and Asia (24,9%) as the largest growers. In terms of turnover, Europe achieved the largest growth: +11,1% to €44 billion turnover on organic products. The United States and Canada have a turnover of €45,6 billion, which means they remain the market leader (42% share), just like in previous years.

According to Bionext, the Netherlands lacks targets for organic farming. Other countries do have clear ambitions, such as France with 15% organic agriculture in 2022 and Germany with 20% in 2030. “The organic sector in the Netherlands is already slightly behind in terms of growth compared to other countries. Without targets or specific policy that encourages frontrunners to contribute to the climate, biodiversity, soil fertility, water and animal welfare, the Netherlands will lag further and further behind in terms of growth," says Miriam van Bree, Team Manager Knowledge & Innovation.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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