Totschnig Sets Incentives to Strengthen Organic Farming in Austria

Akim Kovalev

Increased funding and support measures aim to bolster Austria’s leading position in organic agriculture.

Austria’s Minister of Agriculture, Norbert Totschnig, proudly declares Austria as the number one organic farming country: “My goal is to ensure this leadership continues. Currently, 27 percent of agricultural land is under organic cultivation. Austria’s success story in organic farming is not accidental but the result of hard work by our farmers and consistent agricultural policies. Like all sectors of agriculture, organic farmers are currently facing numerous challenges in international markets. Therefore, we are enhancing incentives in this sector as well.”

Recently submitted to the EU Commission in Brussels for approval, the adjusted GAP strategy plan includes provisions to allocate approximately €30 million annually starting in 2025 specifically for organic farms under the “Organic Farming” measure. Starting in 2025, the premium for organic arable land will increase to €235 per hectare, and smaller farms will receive enhanced support through an annual €400 per farm subsidy to cover transaction costs.

Barbara Riegler, Chairwoman of Bio-Austria, comments: “BIO AUSTRIA has tirelessly advocated for improvements that impact the income of organic farmers and bring simplifications in practical implementation. The announced adjustments are urgently needed due to the current challenging economic situation. For organic farming in Austria to fully realize its potential for sustainable agriculture, further evolution is required in the future Common Agricultural Policy. Comprehensive farm-level ecological transition through agroecological farming systems, such as organic farming, should be a top priority.”

“The support for organic farming has been of high importance in Austria since the early 1990s. We are now intensifying efforts to further strengthen organic production. Our focus is now on increasing market demand for organic products in a way that ensures economically viable pricing for organic producers. Through targeted marketing support measures, we aim to enhance market penetration,” adds Totschnig. Austria’s Bio-Action Program 2023+ serves as a strategic guideline to accompany further positive developments.

Approval by the EU Commission is expected in September, with increased payments set to apply from the 2025 application year.

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Totschnig Sets Incentives to Strengthen Organic Farming in Austria

Akim Kovalev

Daily Market Wire - July 12, 2024

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