Decline in Organic Farm Count Reported by Agriculture Ministry
In Germany, the organic farming sector is experiencing growth, with the organic farming area increasing by 1.3 percent to 1.91 million hectares [1]. This growth, however, comes amidst a decline in the number of organic farms, which decreased by 2.2 percent last year [2].
The expansion of organic farming is contributing to the sustainability of agriculture in Germany [3]. The increase in organic farming area may be attributed to larger farms adopting organic practices, rather than an increase in the number of organic farms [4]. Some conventional farms in Germany are also continuing to convert to organic farming [5].
The decline in the number of organic farms is primarily due to farm consolidation and structural changes in agriculture, where fewer but larger organic farms now manage bigger land areas [6]. This trend aligns with the broader pattern of farm consolidation observed in Germany's agricultural sector, where economic pressures and the need for efficiency prompt the merging of smaller holdings into larger ones [7].
The data for organic farming in Germany for the year 2024 was published by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, reporting a total of 35,881 organic farms [8]. Despite the decrease in farm numbers, the growth in organic farming area may indicate a growing consumer demand for organic products in Germany [9].
The ongoing structural changes in farming are affecting farm numbers and sizes distinctly, and the 2025 sector trend report shows that this trend continues [4]. The increase in organic farming area could potentially lead to increased production of organic food in Germany, meeting the growing demand from consumers.
Age-related farm closures and succession issues have also contributed to the decrease in the number of organic farms in Germany [2]. The organic farming sector, while expanding, faces economic viability challenges that influence farm structure and numbers [1][3]. These challenges, coupled with the ongoing trend of farm consolidation, will continue to shape the organic farming landscape in Germany.
- To tackle the economic viability challenges and maintain a sustainable organic farming sector in Germany, it might be beneficial to implement a community policy that includes vocational training programs, focusing on environmental-science, finance, and business.
- As the organic farming sector in Germany continues to grow, with an increased demand for organic products, it could be advantageous to promote vocational training in environmental-science for potential farmers, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the rising demand and maintain the sustainability of the sector.
