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 2023, the share of organic farming area in Cyprus increased to 8.61% of total utilised agricultural area (+2.3 p.p. y/y). This indicates continued expansion of organic farming as farmers respond to market opportunities and environmental incentives, supported by EU agricultural policies and growing consumer demand for organic products.
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 Cyprus decreased to 1,462 producers (-53 producers y/y). This reflects barriers to organic farming adoption, including technical challenges and market access constraints.
All Operators
In 2024, the total number of organic operators in Cyprus decreased to 1,669 operators (-109 operators y/y), highlighting challenges in building a comprehensive organic sector infrastructure.
Organic Crop Production
Organic crop production encompasses a diverse range of agricultural products, from cereals and grains to fruits and vegetables. The following sections provide detailed insights into specific crop categories, highlighting production volumes, trends, and the development of organic cultivation practices across different crop types.
Cereals
In 2024, organic cereal production in Cyprus increased to 1,814 tonnes (+549 tonnes y/y). This shows increased production as organic cereal area expands and farmers gain experience with organic cultivation techniques.
Common Wheat and Spelt
In 2024, organic common wheat and spelt production in Cyprus rose to 1,094 tonnes (+1,017 tonnes y/y), demonstrating strong demand for organic wheat products as consumer preferences shift toward organic food.
Barley
In 2024, organic barley production in Cyprus fell to 410 tonnes (-3 tonnes y/y), reflecting production challenges in organic barley cultivation.
Potatoes
In 2024, organic potato production in Cyprus increased to 240 tonnes (+128 tonnes y/y). This indicates growing organic potato production as farmers adopt organic methods and market demand increases.
Grapes for Wines
In 2024, organic grape production for wine in Cyprus increased to 1,121 tonnes (+196 tonnes y/y), demonstrating growth in organic viticulture as wine producers respond to consumer demand for organic wines and sustainable production methods.
Apples
In 2024, organic apple production in Cyprus rose to 50 tonnes (+7 tonnes y/y). This shows increased organic apple production as orchard management techniques improve and market demand grows.
Fresh Vegetables
In 2024, organic fresh vegetable production in Cyprus rose to 2,183 tonnes (+359 tonnes y/y), showing expansion in organic vegetable production as consumer demand for organic produce increases.
Pesticide Sales
In 2023, total pesticide sales in Cyprus decreased to 825,210 kg (-184,585 kg y/y). This reflects continued reliance on conventional pesticides, highlighting the need for further support for organic farming transition and sustainable agricultural practices.
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 Cyprus increased to 646 head (+171 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 Cyprus fell to 338 head (-44 head y/y), highlighting constraints in organic dairy farming, including feed availability and animal welfare standards.
Sheep
In 2024, the number of organic sheep in Cyprus increased to 6,150 head (+1,313 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 Cyprus fell to 3,608 tonnes (-416 tonnes y/y). This reflects challenges in organic milk production, including feed costs and processing capacity.
Chicken
In 2024, organic chicken production in Cyprus rose to 9 tonnes (+2 tonnes y/y). This indicates expansion in organic poultry production as consumer preferences shift toward organic chicken products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cyprus's organic farming area currently represents 8.61% of total utilised agricultural area, which is approaching the EU average, showing steady progress in organic farming development.
Cyprus's organic farming area share of 8.61% compares to other European countries as follows:
- Austria: 25.69%
- Sweden: 18.44%
- Italy: 18.78%
- Germany: 11.16%
- France: 9.68%
- Czechia: 16.2%
- Hungary: 6.3%
The main organic crops produced in Cyprus include:
- Cereals: 1,814 tonnes
- Common wheat and spelt: 1,094 tonnes
- Barley: 410 tonnes
- Potatoes: 240 tonnes
- Grapes for wine: 1,121 tonnes
- Apples: 50 tonnes
- Fresh vegetables: 2,183 tonnes
Organic farming development in Cyprus 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 Cyprus'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.