Organic production is an overall system of farm management and food production that contributes to the preservation of natural resources and applies high animal welfare and production standards.

Recent production and market trends show the importance that organics has gained over the last decade. Organic farming responds to a specific consumer demand for sustainable food products, promoting more sustainable farming practices and contributing to the protection of the environment and improved animal welfare. This growing demand for organic products is matched by a rapidly growing production: EU organic area increased by 70 % in the last ten years and organic retail sales reached EUR 34 billion in 2017, providing farmers with further added value on their production.

The aim of this brief is to describe the main features of the organic sector and report on the latest production and consumption trends.