Area under organic farming increased by 7.4% between 2007 and 2008 in the EU-27

The increase of 7.4% in the total area under organic farming between 2007 and 2008 illustrates the continuing positive trend in the organic sector in EU-27. In 2007, the area under organic farming accounted for 4.1% of the Total Utilised Agricultural Area. Between 2007 and 2008, the number of producers (agricultural holdings) using organic farming methods within EU-27 rose by 9.5%. Cattle and sheep are the most popular species reared using such methods. The main industrial activities in the organic sector are the processing and preserving of meat and the production of meat products, as well as the processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables. The aim of this publication is to describe the situation of the organic sector in 2008 and the more recent developments, paying particular attention to organic farming. Wherever possible, it also includes comparisons with and references to agriculture as a whole.