Spain, Europe’s green leader: opportunities and challenges of organic production
Spain has reached a significant milestone in the European agricultural scene: it has become the country with the largest area dedicated to organic production in the European Union < span style=”font-weight: 400; “>, surpassing France. This achievement, confirmed by recent data, not only consolidates Spain’s position as a benchmark in sustainable agriculture, but it also opens up a range of opportunities and poses significant challenges for the sector. Let’s take an in-depth look at this new reality.
A look at the numbers: the unstoppable rise of Spanish organic farming
The numbers speak for themselves. According to provisional data for 2023 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), Spain already has 2.97 million hectares dedicated to organic production. This represents an impressive increase of 12% compared to 2022, demonstrating dynamism and a clear commitment to this production model.
Globally, Spain ranks as the third power in organic production, only behind Australia and Argentina, which underlines the magnitude of this sector in our country.
This progress places Spain in a good position with regard to the objectives of the European Union, which seeks to achieve 25% of the useful agricultural area (SAU) under organic production by 2030. Currently, Spain has around 11% of its SAU, which indicates that, although the path is promising, there is still a long way to go.
Opportunities on the green horizon
The Spanish leadership in organic production brings with it a wealth of strategic opportunities: {%/p%}
Responding to growing demand
At a global and European level, the demand for organic food continues to grow. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy and sustainable diet, and are willing to pay a premium for products with organic certification.
Added value and differentiation
Organic production makes it possible to offer products with greater added value, differentiating itself from conventional agriculture. This is especially relevant for exports, where Spain can consolidate its image as a supplier of high-quality, environmentally friendly food.
Environmental benefits and the fight against climate change
Organic farming contributes significantly to the protection of the environment: it improves soil health, promotes biodiversity, reduces pollution from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil.
Rural development and population fixation
This type of agriculture, often more labor-intensive, can generate employment and boost rural economies, helping to fix populations in areas threatened by depopulation.
Alignment with European policies
The European Green Deal and the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) prioritize and support the transition to more sustainable food systems. Being at the forefront of organic production facilitates access to European grants and funding programs.
The challenges of planting a sustainable future
Despite the optimistic outlook, the Spanish green sector faces significant challenges that must be addressed to consolidate its leadership and fully exploit its potential:
The big challenge: domestic consumption
Paradoxically, although Spain is the leader in production, domestic consumption of organic products is still relatively low compared to other European countries. A large part of the production is destined for export. The Spanish leadership in organic production does not reach the shopping basket en masse.
Price and accessibility
The final price for the consumer remains a significant barrier, often perceived as too high compared to conventional products. At the same time, organic farmers face higher production costs and sometimes lower yields, especially during the conversion period.
Bureaucracy and certification
Although necessary, certification processes can be complex and costly for small and medium-sized producers, which can discourage the transition.
Need for technical support, training and research
More investment is required in research and development (R+D+i) adapted to the particularities of organic farming, as well as training programs and technical advice for farmers.
Adapting to climate change
Organic farming is not immune to the effects of climate change, such as prolonged droughts or extreme weather events, which can affect the viability of farms.
Promotion and awareness raising
It is essential to improve communication and promotional campaigns to inform consumers about the benefits of organic products and the importance of their consumption for health and the environment.
Looking to the Future: Strategies for Consolidating Leadership
Spain’s leadership in organic production is excellent news, but it should not lead to complacency. To ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the sector, it is crucial to implement strategies that address the above-mentioned challenges. This includes encouraging domestic consumption through awareness-raising campaigns and facilitating the availability of eco products in regular distribution channels, supporting research to improve the efficiency and resilience of organic crops, simplifying administrative procedures and ensuring fair remuneration for producers.
In short, Spain is in a privileged position to lead the transition to a more sustainable food system in Europe. Seizing this opportunity will require the coordinated effort of administrations, producers, industry and consumers, transforming current challenges into engines of innovation and growth for a greener and healthier future.
