Aspects regarding the stage of organic agriculture in the European Union

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.