2012
For the sixth time, the brochure "Organic Farming in Estonia" has been published
In Estonia, organic land has expanded about five times during the last ten years. The number of processing and marketing enterprises is also growing every year. The Estonian Organic Farming action plan 2007–2013 and the Estonian Rural development plan 2007–2013 will contribute to the expansion of the organic sector in Estonia. Both organic farming organizations and enterprises are actively contributing to the development of the organic sector.
By 2012 organic land (144 149 ha) was about 15,3% of all agricultural land in use, with 1478 organic producers. In addition 129 212 ha of natural areas were certified. The size of organic farmland has expanded from year to year, to an average area of 98 hectares. Six of Estonia’s largest organic farms have over 1000 hectares of land.
Development of organic processing and marketing hasn’t been keeping up with development at farms. However, in 2012 also in this area good growth has been noticed: the organic farming register had a total of 158 organic food processors, caterers and traders. Organic products reach consumers mostly via specialist organic shops and direct sales. Increasing amount of products is 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.