Organic Production in Europe

Europe was the first continent to set international standards. The EU took an official step in this field by enacting organic farming regulations on June 24, 1991. The regulation, which is an important step in the legal sense, has been enriched later and became much more comprehensive. Europe, which has always been a pioneer in organic production, has reached an advanced level especially in organic agriculture.

Organic production within the EU countries is completely within the framework of standards. In addition, full attention is paid to the implementation of these standards in products imported from third countries. Significant developments on organic production and agriculture have taken place in EU countries after the regulation. The momentum caught in both organic production and consumption reaches better points day by day.

Development of Organic Production in Europe

As we mentioned above, the foundations of organic production in Europe were laid in 1991. After the regulation made as a regulation, both the product range was expanded and the standards were increased. The production of products without harm to nature, ecological balance and humanity is aimed at this point. Organic production started in many fields such as textile, cosmetics, clothing and chemicals, especially agriculture and animal husbandry.

Organic Agriculture in Europe

When it comes to organic, agriculture comes to mind first. It is aimed to produce agricultural products with sustainable and renewable resources. Products that use no chemical raw materials in their production are called organic agricultural products. Organic farming in Europe has improved a lot since 1991. Compared to those years, the amount of land allocated for organic farming has increased 10 times. After Latin America and Australia, Europe is the continent with the highest organic farming production in the world. Almost half of the total organic market in the world belongs to EU countries.

Organic products produced in EU countries were sold in private markets. With a later arrangement, all these products were started to be sold in supermarkets. Organic product consumption is also high in EU countries. Countries such as Switzerland, Denmark and Luxembourg are the countries that consume the most organic products. The high welfare of these countries is important in high organic consumption.

An arrangement was made in 2004 under the name of action plan in ecological nutrition and agriculture. Organic farming has reached a very important point in the European agricultural agenda. Regulations, laws, inspections and incentives implemented help organic farming to reach much better levels in Europe. The number of farmers interested in organic farming and production has increased a lot. Europe launched its organic agriculture action plan in 2005. Within the framework of this action plan, the sector has reached much better points. In the action plan prepared, there are many other factors such as production standards, training of manufacturers, marketing, distribution, and awareness of the consumer.

Support to Organic Agriculture in Europe

It provides very serious support to organic agriculture in Europe. Various government supports, incentives and loans are provided within the scope of the support programs implemented. An average of $ 3,7 billion in support is provided for organic farming each year in the EU. Among the European countries, Italy is the country with the most organic farming areas. When we look at the EU agricultural standards, it is clear that our country should prepare a serious action plan in this direction. Organic farming criteria are also prominent within the scope of EU harmonization laws. It can be seen with certainty that organic farming will reach much better points in Europe. Much more attention should be given to organic agriculture for sustainable and renewable agricultural activities. Natural events such as global warming, climate disruptions, deterioration of ecological balance, warming of ocean waters and the start of melting glaciers have made everyone more sensitive in organic farming.

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