The interest of German farmers in organic farming continues to grow
At the moment, more than ever before, German farmers are thinking about switching to organic farming.
The "Current Agricultural Economic Barometer" commissioned by the German Farmers Association (DBV) shows a new high with interest in organic conversion at 20%. Of those 20% of farmers who are considering the possibility of switching, 18.7% are still considering a final decision, 1.3% are planning to switch.
In the south of Germany, 27.5% of farms are ready for conversion, according to a farmers' association. Small farms up to 50 ha are especially interested in organic farming. According to those interviewed, sales security, higher prices and better financing are especially important for making a transition decision.
If the average growth in demand over the past 10 years continues, organic farming products will occupy 20% of the German market in the next decade. After a jump in 2020, demand growth in 2021 is back in the mid-single-digit range of previous years.
While there is reason for optimism on the consumption side, Germany's organic agriculture is threatened by over-regulation of organic legislation in the EU.
Therefore, DBV is calling for clear revisions to the federal government's national strategy plan to combine new environmental regulations in the first pillar with support for organic farming and agro-environmental measures in the second pillar.
In addition to stable sales opportunities, secure financing is a prerequisite for German farmers to reap the benefits of the ongoing eco-boom. A rapid reform of EU legislation in the field of organic farming is also required.