Area under organic farming

From 2011 to 2023, the utilised agriculture area (UAA) under organic farming in Latvia increased steadily each year due to the expansion of existing farms, and the number of newly arrived farmers in the sector increased rapidly. But in 2023 a drop in these indicators was observed for the first time: in 2022, 314 kha of UAA were under organic production, but in 2023 there were 299 kha. The rates recovered to 315 kha in 2024. The share of the total UAA area in Latvia decreased as well, from 15.97% in 2022 to 15.19% in 2023, and again recovered to 15.97% in 2024. The drop in certified organic UAA in 2023 was influenced by several factors: predominantly disadvantages in farming due to low yields or low prices, but also restrictions and requirements applicable to the organic farming sector, the ageing of farmers and the abandonment of rural areas. Consequently, experts do not predict significant growth either in the number of farms or in the certified organic UAA. Latvia has approved its 2023–2030 action plan for the development of organic farming in order to promote production and ensure progress towards the target of 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030.