In a recent audit by the European Court of Auditors, it was revealed that member states of the EU are applying EU funds for organic farming inconsistently and disregarding basic principles of organic agriculture. Despite €12bn being channeled to support organic farming since 2014, there has been no significant increase in production. The lack of conditionality requiring farmers to produce organic products in return for EU funds, as well as the inability to measure environmental benefits, were cited as reasons for the low rate of organic production. The EU has set a non-binding target for increasing organic farming, but this is likely to be missed due to differences in definitions between countries.
The audit also found that funding for organic farmers was not consistently applied, as funds continued to flow regardless of whether growers followed organic principles. Additionally, there were concerns about organic farmers using non-organic seeds when planting crops. The European Commission was urged to develop a comprehensive EU policy for the organic sector, while member states were encouraged to implement national policies to support organic farming.
Keit Pentus-Rosimannus of the ECA stressed the need for a thriving organic farming industry driven by informed consumers, rather than one dependent on EU funds. Professor Peter Strohschneider emphasized the importance of increasing organic production and agroecological farming practices. The European organic movement is looking forward to seeing how the EU institutions will implement recommendations to promote organic agriculture and food production.
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