Organic farming in Europe

30.9.2024

Question for written answer  E-001866/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Olivier Chastel (Renew), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Benoit Cassart (Renew), Sophie Wilmès (Renew)

In September 2024, the European Court of Auditors published a report on organic farming in the EU.

The report flagged gaps relating to quantifiable targets for objectives and actions, as well as a lack of indicators with which to monitor progress. The only objective for the organic sector, namely to have 25% of agricultural land be organically farmed, is non-binding and is intended only to increase the area.

• 1.Does the Commission plan to strengthen the performance criteria? If so, how and by when?
• 2.The Court points out that five Member States alone accounted for 62% of the EAFRD budget allocated to organic farming between 2014 and 2022. What initiatives has the Commission planned to support the development of organic farming in Europe in light of the differences between Member States?
• 3.The Court states that training and advisory services should be provided to farmers to allow them to build necessary knowledge. According to the report, farmers face an administrative and financial burden when they decide to convert to organic farming. Will the Commission take action in relation to this?

Submitted: 30.9.2024