Introduction
Organic farming represents a growing segment of modern agriculture. Organic farming refers to agricultural production methods that avoid synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms, focusing instead on natural processes and biodiversity. The share of organic farming area in total utilised agricultural area reflects the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and alignment with European Union environmental and food safety policies.
Organic farming has been expanding in recent years, driven by consumer demand for organic products, environmental concerns, and EU support programs. Understanding these trends helps assess progress toward sustainable agriculture goals, market development opportunities, and the environmental impact of farming practices.
Data come from Eurostat's organic farming statistics, which compile harmonised data from national certification bodies and statistical offices across EU member states. These data are updated annually and provide comprehensive coverage of organic farming area, production, and certification trends.
Organic Farming Area
In 2020, the share of organic farming area in Austria rose to 25.69% of total utilised agricultural area (+0.36 p.p. y/y). This reflects challenges in organic farming adoption, including conversion costs, market access barriers, and technical support needs.
Organic Operators
Organic operators include all entities involved in the organic supply chain, from agricultural producers to processors, importers, and exporters. The number of operators reflects the development and maturity of the organic sector infrastructure.
Agricultural Producers
In 2024, the number of organic agricultural producers in Austria fell to 25,342 producers (-188 producers y/y). This indicates expansion in organic agricultural production as more farmers adopt organic farming methods and enter the organic market.
All Operators
In 2024, the total number of organic operators in Austria fell to 29,173 operators (-192 operators y/y), demonstrating growth across the entire organic supply chain, from production to processing and trade, as the organic market develops.
Pesticide Sales
In 2024, total pesticide sales in Austria fell to 5,232,472 kg (-18,952 kg y/y). This indicates increased pesticide sales, which may reflect expanded agricultural production or challenges in reducing pesticide dependency despite growing organic farming adoption.
Organic Livestock
Organic livestock farming represents an important component of the organic agriculture sector, encompassing various animal species raised according to organic standards. The following sections detail the numbers of different organic livestock categories, reflecting the development of organic animal husbandry practices and market demand for organic animal products.
Bovine Animals
In 2024, the number of organic bovine animals in Austria fell to 405,386 head (-7,913 head y/y). This shows growth in organic cattle farming as demand for organic meat and dairy products increases.
Dairy Cows
In 2024, the number of organic dairy cows in Austria decreased to 121,583 head (-2,289 head y/y), demonstrating expansion in organic dairy production as consumer demand for organic milk and dairy products grows.
Swine
In 2024, the number of organic swine in Austria fell to 94,532 head (-7,876 head y/y). This indicates growth in organic pig farming as farmers respond to market opportunities for organic pork products.
Sheep
In 2024, the number of organic sheep in Austria fell to 117,313 head (-1,280 head y/y), showing expansion in organic sheep farming as demand for organic lamb and wool increases.
Organic Animal Products
Organic animal product production includes a range of products derived from organic livestock, such as milk, meat, and eggs. These products meet strict organic certification standards, ensuring animal welfare, natural feed, and sustainable farming practices. The following sections provide detailed information on specific organic animal product categories.
Raw Milk
In 2024, organic raw milk production in Austria increased to 615,325 tonnes (+5,392 tonnes y/y). This reflects challenges in organic milk production, including feed costs and processing capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Austria's organic farming area currently represents 25.69% of total utilised agricultural area, which exceeds the EU average, demonstrating strong commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Austria's organic farming area share of 25.69% compares to other European countries as follows:
- Austria: 25.69%
- Sweden: 16.66%
- Italy: 19.49%
- Germany: 11.11%
- France: 9.47%
- Czechia: 15.96%
- Hungary: 6.07%
Organic farming development in Austria is influenced by several factors:
- Market demand: Growing consumer interest in organic products and willingness to pay premium prices
- EU support: Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments and organic farming subsidies
- Environmental policies: EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy targets for organic farming expansion
- Technical support: Extension services, training programs, and knowledge transfer for organic farming methods
- Market infrastructure: Development of organic supply chains, processing facilities, and retail networks
Organic Farming in Other Countries
Compare Austria's organic farming results with other European countries to explore broader regional trends.
Methodology and Data Sources
All charts and indicators update automatically based on Eurostat's annual organic farming statistics, typically released approximately 12-18 months after the reference year once national certification bodies and statistical offices publish their final results. The data are derived from organic farming certification records and agricultural surveys, harmonised to ensure comparability across EU member states. The organic farming area share is calculated as the percentage of total utilised agricultural area that is either fully converted to organic farming or currently under conversion, while organic crop production data reflect actual production volumes from certified organic farms.
Pesticide sales data come from Eurostat's agricultural environmental indicators, which track the volume of pesticides sold annually. Organic livestock and animal product data are compiled from organic farming certification records and livestock surveys, providing comprehensive coverage of organic animal production across EU member states.