Area under organic farming

Organic farming in Bosnia and Herzegovina started to develop in the 1990s. Despite an eightfold increase in the area under organic production between 2014 and 2022, the total agricultural area under organic production reached a modest 2 495 ha in 2022. One of the objectives of the 2021–2027 rural development strategies is to bring about a significant increase in organic farming.

The export value of organic products is increasing, which may be an incentive for further growth. Consumers are becoming more interested in organic products, motivated by the idea of returning to nature and the health value and safety of organic food, but are dissatisfied with the sales service and high prices.

The collection of statistics on organic farming areas will be improved by the recently adopted action plan for the preparation, implementation and dissemination of the results of the agricultural census in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023–2026.

Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted legislation on organic production and introduced financial incentives for organic livestock and crop production. There is still a need to strengthen the certification and control system and to harmonise the legal framework with EU requirements.