The share of organic arable land in the total agricultural area has barely increased this year. The percentage increased from 4,7% in 2024 to 4,8% in 2025, according to preliminary figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). At this rate, the national target of 15% by 2030 will never be achieved. It is noteworthy that the growth of organic arable land has stagnated for the first time since 2015 (as far back as the data series goes).
The total organic agricultural area did increase this year, by 3%. In 2024, the organic area grew by 3,4%. In 2023, the increase, at 9,7%, was well above the five-year average. Grassland and green fodder crops make up the largest portion of the total organic area, at 76,4%. That area increased by 3,5%. The organic arable area remained virtually unchanged (-0,05%).
More organic potatoes, less seed potatoes
Organic table potatoes were grown on 2% more hectares (1.672 hectares), but the area of organic seed potatoes decreased by 7,6% to 588 hectares. The area of arable vegetables decreased by 2,7% to 6.615 hectares. The area of organically grown onions increased by 7,9% to 1.810 hectares. Grains also saw an increase, by 3,7% to 4.935 hectares. The area of carrots and winter carrots decreased significantly, by 35,1% to 48 hectares and 13,5% to 1.079 hectares, respectively.
There were fewer farms in 2025, both conventional and organic. In 2024, there were 1.932 organic farms, while in 2025 there were 1.919. This is the first time since 2015 that the number of organic farms has declined.
Under the Common Agricultural Policy - National Strategic Plan, the target for organic agricultural land is 6,5% by 2027. The ambition under the action plan "Growth of Organic Production and Consumption" is 15% organic agricultural land by 2030.
Supermarkets have their own targets for the share of organicAlbert Heijn aims for a 10% share of its organic unprocessed potato, vegetable, and fruit sales by 2026. According to the latest sustainability report, the share already rose to 9,1% in 2024. Lidl aims to double its organic fruit and vegetable sales by 2026 compared to 2022, reaching a share of over 8%. Jumbo aims to have at least 8% of its potatoes, vegetables, and fruit sold organically grown by 2026 and at least 10% by 2027.
Growth on the shelf
According to CBS figures, there has been a growth in organic products on the shelves of unprocessed potatoes, vegetables, and fruit. Their share increased to 5,5% in the first half of this year. In the same period in 2024, that share was 4,7%.
Due to high food inflation and increased production costs, sales of organic under pressure according to various market partiesThey are convinced that more action is needed to achieve the national goals.