Growing Demand for Organic Products in Germany

In Germany, there is an increasing trend towards the consumption of organic food products. Recent reports indicate that the country is poised to achieve record sales in the organic sector for the previous year. However, domestic agricultural producers are struggling to keep pace with this rising demand.

The Bund Ökologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft (BÖLW), Germany's leading association for organic food producers, has highlighted that while the area dedicated to organic farming has expanded, the growth is not sufficient to meet consumer needs. If the current situation persists without adequate political intervention, Germany may find itself reliant on imported organic goods. This issue is particularly evident in the meat sector, as well as in the fruit market.

In 2023, German consumers spent approximately EUR16.1 billion on organic food, representing an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. Although part of this growth can be attributed to rising prices, the demand for organic products has largely driven the increase. After a period of cautious spending due to inflation, consumers are now returning to a focus on quality. Many are motivated by a desire to contribute positively to environmental sustainability, climate protection, and biodiversity.

Despite the growing number of farmers transitioning to organic practices, Germany remains far from the goal of converting 30% of its agricultural land to organic farming by 2030. The BÖLW has underscored the importance of policy measures to support this transition. As the next federal elections approach, there are calls for the upcoming government to double the organic farming area and commit to the European Union's agricultural reforms aimed at enhancing climate and species protection.

For farmers interested in converting to organic methods, reliable support and clear guidelines are essential. The BÖLW emphasizes that inadequate political action at this critical juncture could squander a significant opportunity for the domestic agricultural sector.