Organic farming is growing stably continue

Regional differences show the importance of politics

"Organic agriculture is a future sector, which continued to develop stably even under difficult economic conditions," concludes Felix Prinz zu Loewenstein, CEO of the Federation of the Organic Food Industry to published by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection figures is to development of organic farming in Germany in 2009. "The differences between the federal states also show the importance of the policy framework that enables farmers to seize the opportunity to convert to organic farming," says Lowenstein. The increasing willingness of consumers to buy eco-products and convert the interest of an increasing number of farmers, in this form of economy, there is a great opportunity for the Environment, Nature and a healthy diet. "That Schleswig Holstein and Rhineland-Palatinate now want to get out of the promotion of organic agriculture and refuse this chance is against this background unacceptable," says Lowenstein.

The number of Newly converted farm operations increased from 19.813 2008 21.047 on holdings in 2009, representing an increase of 1234 6,2% or establishments. During the same period the area under organic management from 907.786 ha increased to 947.115 ha - an increase of 39.329 4,3% ha respectively. However, looking only bound to a German farming association establishments, their number increased by 6%, and of them cultivated area increased by 5,2%. These figures show that the efficient farms are members of the Union, while EU organic farms are often small businesses without association membership, the faces - eg orchards - Switch. This highlights the importance of organizations for marketing, consulting and development of organic agriculture.

By far the greatest increases in organically farmed areas compared to the previous year are recorded in the federal states with the highest funding rates for conversion and maintenance of organic farming: In Bavaria this is an increase of approx. 17.000 ha, followed by Saxony with an increase of almost 5000 ha.

The importance of strengthening local organic farming is shown by the fact that the number of certified importers for organic products grew by 2009% in 15,3 compared to the previous year. "We must not leave the opportunities on the German market to foreign countries and we have to bring the services of organic farming for environmental and animal protection to the fields and in the stables on our doorstep," demands Löwenstein.

Source: Berlin [BÖLW]