Bioland calls for the expansion of organic
On the occasion of BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic food in Nuremberg, Bioland is calling for Federal Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner to be more committed to organic farming. In its sustainability strategy, the federal government has set itself the goal of doubling the organically farmed area to 20 percent of the agricultural area in the next ten years. “In order to achieve the 20 percent organic farming agreed in the coalition agreement by 2030, we need significantly more investments in the expansion of organic. For years, the farmers' association and the organic associations have criticized the inadequate funding of research funding for organic farming. When it comes to rewarding environmental services, the need for funds increases annually by an additional 50 million euros, ”says Jan Plagge, President Bioland eV. "Just as the EU Commission has already set the strategic course for more organic products in Europe with the Green Deal, the 20 percent target must also become a core component of the German strategy for realigning the Common European Agricultural Policy (GAP). In order to advance organic, Germany must become a role model and a pioneer in EU agricultural policy. Because organic farming makes an important contribution to the desired transformation of agriculture as a whole. "
Klöckner also has no interest in environmental dumping within the framework of EU agricultural policy. However, with a view to the CAP, the Federal Government has so far remained inactive and has not given a substantial answer. The ecological associations demand that at least 70 percent of the national GAP budget be rewarded for environmental, climate and animal welfare efforts of the companies. At the federal level, too, Klöckner must provide significantly more funding for the expansion of organic farming through the joint task of agricultural structure and coastal protection (GAK). That is why Bioland welcomes the announcement by the Federal Cabinet that it will increase agri-environmental programs and investment funding by 250 million euros each over the next four years.
"Many farmers would like to switch to organic and now need a clear signal and planning security from politicians that the common good of organic cultivation will be adequately rewarded in future," said Plagge.
Organic expansion from the field to the plate
The organic market is growing, as is the organically farmed areas. In the out-of-home catering, on the other hand, the proportion of organic food stagnates at one percent. Here, too, Bioland is demanding more financial and exemplary support: “Politics has a key function here. Local organic produce in canteens, hospitals and restaurants must become normal. A breakthrough in the field of out-of-home catering would be possible via minimum quotas and investment aid, which would ensure immense planning security for all those involved in the value chain. This market is an important lever in the further expansion of organic farming. Something urgently needs to be done here by 2030, ”adds Plagge. "Many public institutions are not aware of their power, but they could play a key role in shaping the transformation."
More and more conventionally working farms are converting to organic farming. According to Bioland, however, not enough to preserve the earth's livelihood. In 2019, the number of organic farms rose by 410 to 8154. Every second new organic farm opts for Bioland from among the nine German organic farming associations. An additional 32.667 hectares were cultivated in 2019 as part of a Bioland circular economy. Thus, around 451.048 hectares of land are treated with respect for our livelihoods at Germany's leading association for organic farming - in the interests of a future suitable for grandchildren.
To the Bioland Association
Bioland is the most important association for organic farming in Germany. About 8.100 Farmers, gardeners, beekeepers and winegrowers operate according to the Bioland guidelines. In addition, there are more than 1.200 partners in manufacturing and trade such as bakeries, dairies, butchers and gastronomy. Together, they form a community of values for the benefit of people and the environment.
