Area under organic farming

The area of agricultural land certified for organic production in Lithuania has more than doubled in the past 15 years. In 2020, the certified organic area (excluding that of fish farms) accounted for 8.02% of the total declared agricultural area, growing to 8.95% in 2021 and reaching the peak of 9.36% in 2022. While in 2023 it decreased to 8.25%, or 244 388 ha, in 2024 certified organic area increased again to 8.6%, or 250 626 ha. The decrease in 2023, as well as the modesty of the increase in organic farming area in the past decade, may have been influenced by the relatively small yields and revenues of organic production, as mentioned by farmers and experts, and also direct payments insufficiently compensating for losses in profit caused by compliance with the requirements of organic farming. More general reasons, for example the ageing of farmers or the abandonment of rural areas, may have played a role as well. However, the common agricultural policy strategic plan for Lithuania supports sustainable farming and encourages the expansion of the area under organic farming. It is expected that the area will reach almost 13% by 2028.