Abstract:
For the New Member States from 1st May 2004, organic holdings
represent 0.25% in total holdings. In 2003, certified organic and in
conversion area accounted for 5.1 million ha in EU-15, with around 3.1
million ha of grassland&fodder crops, 1.3 million of arable crops, 0.4
million ha under horticulture and 0.3 million ha occupied by other. Cereals
appeared the most important crop and represented about 70% of organic
arable area. In 2003, EU-25 certified total livestock amounted to about 3
million livestock unit or 2.3% of the total EU-25 livestock. The number of
certified pigs is still quite low with 450,000 heads or 0.4% of the total pig
herd in the EU-15. EU-15 certified broiler and laying hens number amounted
to more than 9 and 6 million respectively. France represented about half of
broilers. The United Kingdom and France held the largest number of laying
hens. EU-15 certified sheep&goats amounted to 2.4 million heads or 2.4% of
total sheep&goats herd. Significant share of EU-15 certified sheep are
located in the United Kingdom and Italy. Half of the certified goats are
located in Greece.
