Area under organic farming

In Greece, there is an appreciable demand for organic products, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2018/848, as consumers turn towards more sustainable choices. Organic products are being exported as well, with organic olive oil and organic vegetables being particularly popular.

Recent data indicate that organic farming accounts for 17.2% of Greece’s total agricultural area, with over 80 000 registered organic farmers, setting Greece above the EU average of approximately 10%, and showcasing the steady growth in the sector.

To achieve the national goal of 25% organic cultivation by 2030, several issues need to be addressed, including the high cost of organic certification, the limited access to financial and technical resources for small-scale farmers, and the labour-intensive nature of organic farming practices. Government interventions, such as enhanced subsidies, streamlined certification processes and targeted farmer training, are essential. Furthermore, enhancing consumer awareness and market demand for organic products can incentivise farmers to transition to organic farming methods. However, further progress on this goal also requires systemic reforms in agricultural policy and improving access to domestic and international markets.