Estonia: Organic area continues to grow

Organic production has grown rapidly in the country, one of the reasons being the financial support given per organic hectare since the year 2000. By 2010 organic land (121'815 hectares) was about 13 percent  of all agricultural land in use, with 1356 organic producers.

In addition about 1000 hectares of  natural areas were certified. The size of organic farmland has expanded from year to year, to an average area of 90 hectares.

Six of Estonia’s largest organic farms have over 1000 hectares of land. The largest number of organic producers is in Võru County, but the largest amount of organic land is in Saaremaa. Organic farming is also widespread in Tartu, Viljandi, Pärnu and Lääne County. In Hiiu County nearly two third of all agricultural land is organic.

Development of organic processing and marketing has been modest. In 2009 the organic farming register had a total of 85 organic processors and traders.

Organic products reach consumers mostly via direct sales and specialist organic shops, and some products are on sale in conventional stores. Consumer interest to purchase organic food has increased considerably. The areas of organic processing and marketing will undoubtedly develop soon, making organic food much more widely available, and this is a main aim of the
Organic Farming Action Plan 2007–2013.

Further information

Link

• maheklubi.ee: Organic Farming in Estonia

Quote

Estonian Organic Farming Foundation (2011): Organic Farming in Estonia 2011. Edite by Airi Vetemaa, Merit Mikk. Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Estonia