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 North Macedonia decreased to 0.34% of total utilised agricultural area (-0.03 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 North Macedonia decreased to 873 producers (-15 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 North Macedonia decreased to 904 operators (-9 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 North Macedonia increased to 2,321 tonnes (+285 tonnes y/y). This shows increased production as organic cereal area expands and farmers gain experience with organic cultivation techniques.
Barley
In 2024, organic barley production in North Macedonia fell to 1,037 tonnes (-13 tonnes y/y), reflecting production challenges in organic barley cultivation.
Potatoes
In 2024, organic potato production in North Macedonia increased to 41 tonnes (+17 tonnes y/y). This indicates growing organic potato production as farmers adopt organic methods and market demand increases.
Carrots
In 2022, organic carrot production in North Macedonia amounted to 1 tonnes (0 tonnes y/y), showing relatively stable organic carrot production.
Fresh Vegetables
In 2024, organic fresh vegetable production in North Macedonia fell to 69 tonnes (-63 tonnes y/y), highlighting challenges in organic vegetable cultivation, including pest management and yield variability.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Macedonia's organic farming area currently represents 0.34% of total utilised agricultural area, which is below the EU average, indicating significant potential for growth in organic farming adoption.
North Macedonia's organic farming area share of 0.34% 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 North Macedonia include:
- Cereals: 2,321 tonnes
- Barley: 1,037 tonnes
- Potatoes: 41 tonnes
- Carrots: 1 tonnes
- Fresh vegetables: 69 tonnes
Organic farming development in North Macedonia 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 North Macedonia'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.