News Organic
Fewer switchers to organic farming
The area of organic farming has increased by 2020% to 5,9 hectares in 79.664, according to figures from Skal Biocontrole. Nevertheless, fewer farmers switched to organic last year than in 2019. The growth in acreage is therefore mainly attributable to existing certified organic companies.
In 2020, 96 agricultural companies have made the switch to organic. That is 22% less than in 2019 when 124 companies switched. It is the sixth year in a row that fewer farmers are opting for organic. The decrease is not only caused by uncertainty about agricultural policy in the Netherlands. The lagging demand for organic products also plays an important role.
small market
The market share of organic products in the Netherlands remains small at 3,2%. "If more consumers buy organic, there will be enough farmers who want to make the switch. After all, they are entrepreneurs who look for opportunities," says Michaël Wilde, director of Bionext. "It is important that we create more demand for organic products. For example, Bionext, together with Coop, conducted a trial in 2 supermarkets. Due to minor adjustments, such as a different layout of the shelf, the sale of organic dairy increased by 40%."
In most agricultural sectors, the number of companies is declining, partly due to an uncertain future and uncertainty about agricultural policy. The organic sector is an exception. New companies are still being added here and the acreage is growing.
The operating results of organic farms are generally higher than that of conventional farms. "In the past, the mistake was sometimes made to encourage farmers to switch to organic, without checking whether there is also demand for the products," says Wilde. "We now mainly have to stimulate the market and also develop opportunities for export to Germany and France, for example. The switch from conventional to organic is expensive and not feasible for every farmer. If the sale of organic products is in order, the government can support those who want to make the switch, but are unable to make it due to the financial situation."
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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