The Action Plan for the development of organic production is a policy at the EU level addressing all Member States with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall purpose of this Action Plan is to develop a sustainable food system for the European Union by producing high quality food with low environmental impact. To this end, the targets of this policy are to use at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming and achieve a significant increase in organic aquaculture by 2030. Local and small-volume processing will be fostered to enhance social inclusion in rural areas while promoting decent working and living conditions. Measures will be taken for organic farming in rural areas that promote gender equality and youth farmers as well as employment. The action plan includes three interlinked sections in line with the Green Deal sustainability objectives and these sections will be supported by 23 actions. First section lays down actions to stimulate demand and ensure consumer trust. Data about the environmental, economic and social benefits of organic farming will be collected continuously and citizens, including farmers, will be informed about these benefits. An enhanced budget will be allocated in the framework of the agricultural promotion policy, with a view to raising consumer awareness of, and stimulating the demand for, organic products. EU organic products will be promoted in targeted third country growth markets and export opportunities will be increased for EU organic producers. Consumers’ awareness of the EU organic logo will be measured to monitor progress and the effectiveness of the Commission’s actions to promote the organic logo. Furthermore, organic products will be integrated into the minimum mandatory criteria for sustainable food public procurement to be developed as part of the legislative framework for sustainable food systems by 2023. The Commission will identify ways to increase further the distribution of organic products in the school schemes with the engagement of the Member States. A study will be carried out on the real price of food, including the role of taxation. A robust supervision of control systems will be ensured in Member States and third countries to prevent food fraud. The fight against fraudulent practices will be strengthened by developing and implementing an organic fraud prevention policy. Moreover, traceability will be improved by developing a database of certificates of all EU operators, and later also relevant third country operators. The role of retailers, wholesalers, catering services, restaurants and other businesses will be reinforced to support and increase the distribution and sale of organic products. Second section lays down actions for encouraging conversion of the entire value chain, investment, exchange of best practices and innovations in organics, and the full use of relevant Common Agriculture Policy instruments such as eco-schemes and rural development environmental management commitments, which include organic farming. Sector analysis will be developed to increase market transparency by publishing regular reports on organic production and a yearly report on imports from third countries. In addition, an analysis will be carried out of the degree of organisation in organic sector supply chains with the aim of identifying ways to improve it in consultation with producer organisation representatives and other concerned stakeholders. Organic aquaculture will be reinforced through support research and innovation on alternative sources of nutrients; breeding and animal welfare in aquaculture; the promotion of investments in aquaculture systems; and the promotion of hatcheries and nurseries activities for juveniles. Finally, third section lays down actions to improve the contribution of organic farming to sustainability by reducing climate and environmental footprint, enhancing genetic biodiversity and increasing yields, and enhancing animal welfare, making more efficient use of resources.
2021-03-25