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 2021, the share of organic farming area in Greece rose to 12.22% of total utilised agricultural area (+2.1 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 2021, the number of organic agricultural producers in Greece rose to 35,813 producers (+5,944 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 2021, the total number of organic operators in Greece rose to 38,183 operators (+6,276 operators y/y), demonstrating growth across the entire organic supply chain, from production to processing and trade, as the organic market develops.
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 2021, organic cereal production in Greece rose to 166,327 tonnes (+14,209 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 2021, organic common wheat and spelt production in Greece decreased to 7,549 tonnes (-566 tonnes y/y), highlighting production constraints in organic wheat cultivation.
Barley
In 2021, organic barley production in Greece increased to 11,535 tonnes (+213 tonnes y/y), showing growth in organic barley production as demand for organic malt and feed increases.
Potatoes
In 2021, organic potato production in Greece fell to 3,601 tonnes (-124 tonnes y/y). This reflects production challenges in organic potato cultivation, including disease management and yield stability.
Soya
In 2021, organic soya production in Greece rose to 121 tonnes (+28 tonnes y/y), showing expansion in organic soya production as demand for organic protein sources grows, particularly for organic livestock feed.
Apples
In 2021, organic apple production in Greece decreased to 3,294 tonnes (-112 tonnes y/y). This reflects production challenges in organic apple cultivation, including pest and disease management.
Fresh Vegetables
In 2021, organic fresh vegetable production in Greece increased to 47,152 tonnes (+4,801 tonnes y/y), showing expansion in organic vegetable production as consumer demand for organic produce increases.
Pesticide Sales
In 2024, total pesticide sales in Greece fell to 4,207,643 kg (-8,923 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 2021, the number of organic bovine animals in Greece rose to 193,596 head (+30,530 head y/y). This shows growth in organic cattle farming as demand for organic meat and dairy products increases.
Dairy Cows
In 2021, the number of organic dairy cows in Greece increased to 21,101 head (+2,367 head y/y), demonstrating expansion in organic dairy production as consumer demand for organic milk and dairy products grows.
Swine
In 2021, the number of organic swine in Greece rose to 5,588 head (+513 head y/y). This indicates growth in organic pig farming as farmers respond to market opportunities for organic pork products.
Sheep
In 2021, the number of organic sheep in Greece rose to 1,728,702 head (+287,981 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 2021, organic raw milk production in Greece increased to 243,666 tonnes (+112,779 tonnes y/y). This shows increased organic milk production as organic dairy farms expand and consumer demand for organic dairy products grows.
Bovine Meat
In 2021, organic bovine meat production in Greece amounted to 176 tonnes, .
Frequently Asked Questions
Greece's organic farming area currently represents 12.22% of total utilised agricultural area, which exceeds the EU average, demonstrating strong commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Greece's organic farming area share of 12.22% 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 Greece include:
- Cereals: 166,327 tonnes
- Common wheat and spelt: 7,549 tonnes
- Barley: 11,535 tonnes
- Potatoes: 3,601 tonnes
- Soya: 121 tonnes
- Apples: 3,294 tonnes
- Fresh vegetables: 47,152 tonnes
Organic farming development in Greece 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 Greece'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.