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 Slovenia increased to 11.36% of total utilised agricultural area (+0.26 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 2023, the number of organic agricultural producers in Slovenia increased to 3,864 producers (+82 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 2023, the total number of organic operators in Slovenia increased to 4,391 operators (+84 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 2023, organic cereal production in Slovenia increased to 9,304 tonnes (+3,263 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 2023, organic common wheat and spelt production in Slovenia fell to 2,262 tonnes (-29 tonnes y/y), highlighting production constraints in organic wheat cultivation.
Barley
In 2023, organic barley production in Slovenia fell to 938 tonnes (-70 tonnes y/y), reflecting production challenges in organic barley cultivation.
Potatoes
In 2023, organic potato production in Slovenia decreased to 1,144 tonnes (-344 tonnes y/y). This reflects production challenges in organic potato cultivation, including disease management and yield stability.
Soya
In 2023, organic soya production in Slovenia increased to 39 tonnes (+1 tonnes y/y), showing expansion in organic soya production as demand for organic protein sources grows, particularly for organic livestock feed.
Grapes for Wines
In recent period, organic grape production for wine in Slovenia amounted to N/A tonnes, .
Pesticide Sales
In 2024, total pesticide sales in Slovenia increased to 712,543 kg (+17,530 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 2023, the number of organic bovine animals in Slovenia decreased to 39,438 head (-145 head y/y). This reflects challenges in organic cattle production, including higher feed costs and certification requirements.
Dairy Cows
In recent period, the number of organic dairy cows in Slovenia amounted to N/A head, .
Sheep
In 2023, the number of organic sheep in Slovenia decreased to 31,732 head (-2,456 head y/y), reflecting production constraints in organic sheep farming.
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 2023, organic raw milk production in Slovenia rose to 10,671 tonnes (+853 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 2023, organic bovine meat production in Slovenia decreased to 459 tonnes (-23 tonnes y/y), highlighting production constraints in organic beef farming.
Chicken
In recent period, organic chicken production in Slovenia amounted to N/A tonnes. .
Frequently Asked Questions
Slovenia's organic farming area currently represents 11.36% of total utilised agricultural area, which exceeds the EU average, demonstrating strong commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Slovenia's organic farming area share of 11.36% 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 Slovenia include:
- Cereals: 9,304 tonnes
- Common wheat and spelt: 2,262 tonnes
- Barley: 938 tonnes
- Potatoes: 1,144 tonnes
- Soya: 39 tonnes
- Grapes for wine: N/A tonnes
- Apples: 1,412 tonnes
- Fresh vegetables: 1,707 tonnes
Organic farming development in Slovenia 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 Slovenia'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.