Farmers go organic in Slovenia

Farmers go organic in Slovenia
Farm land used for organic farming in Slovenia increased by 9% in 2016. / Pixabay
By bne IntelliNews July 5, 2017

The number of organic farms in Slovenia rose by 9% y/y in 2016, and more organic beef and poultry as well as milk was produced last year, statistics office data showed on July 5.

Organic farming has great potential in Slovenia as farms are relatively small and the country is close to European markets that put a premium on organic produce.

There were 2,933 organic agricultural holdings in 2016, which is 4.2% of all agricultural holdings in the country, the statistics agency said. The number of organic farms resumed their upward trend last year after dropping by 6% in 2015, following a 14% increase in 2014.

Agricultural holdings in the control system (organic ones and those in conversion) represented 5% of all agricultural holdings in Slovenia.

Organic agricultural farm land went up by 12% in 2016 accounting for 3,864 hectares. Out of this, the area of organic permanent meadows and pastures increased by 3,101 hectares. Permanent meadows and pastures continue to account for the lion’s share (83%) of all organic agricultural land. 

However, the area of organic arable land rose by 481 hectares, orchards by 177 hectares, vineyards by 70 hectares and olive trees by 35 hectares.

The production of organic fruit in orchard plantations and extensive orchards in 2016 was 29% lower than in 2015 due to frost. The production in vineyards was 26% lower while the output of industrial plants decreased by 59%. The production of olives increased by 23% and of grain cereals by 40%.

A total of 1,771 tonnes of organic vegetables were produced last year, which is 13% more than in 2015.

In 2016 the number of organically reared animals of all species increased, whereas the number of poultry increased the most (by 42% to 101,340). 

Data

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