Area under organic farming

Estonia’s organic agriculture development plans for 2007–2013 and 2014–2020, the programme for the Estonian eco-economy for 2018–2021 and common agricultural policy measures have contributed to the development of organic farming. Great attention has been paid to the training of those engaged in organic farming, the development of the organic farming control system, the marketing of organic products and the promotion of export.

Until 2022, there were continuous increases in the number of organic farmers and the area of organic agricultural land, but in 2023 and 2024 both of these decreased. In 2023, organic agricultural land covered 227 741 ha, which was approximately 23% of the total agricultural land. There were 1 968 agricultural enterprises engaged in organic production in 2023, a decrease of 78 (3.8%) compared with the previous year. Organic farms have grown larger over the years; in 2023, the average organic farm had approximately 116 ha of organic land.

Economic and profitability issues and administrative burdens are the main reasons for ending organic production. The Estonian organic farming action plan for 2023–2030, which aims to promote the development of organic agriculture in Estonia, contributes to the fulfilment of the EU goal of 25% of agricultural land being used for organic farming by 2030.