Following the Organic Action Plan published by the European Commission (EC) in March 2021, the Netherlands has drawn up a national strategy. The action plan implements the European Green Deal, the Farmer-to-Board Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy. The Commission aims for 25% organic farming area in the European Union by 2030. With this, the Netherlands meets the EC's request to elaborate the European ambition within its own national context.

The plan states that there will be an exploration with provinces on how organic farming can provide a solution. And especially in areas where agriculture needs to be intensified under the nitrogen approach and the National Rural Area Programme. It depends, for instance, on location, nature and size of the farm.

The commitment to organic farming is substantial and its growth is needed. With the action plan, Minister of LNV, Piet Adema is aiming to accelerate the growth of organic farming area from 4% (in 2021), to 15% in 2030. That means growth from about 80,000 hectares now to about 300,000 hectares in 2030. A hefty ambition where growth will have to come mainly from dairy farming and arable farming. Sectors with a lot of acreage that are land-bound and with conversion can contribute to the major challenges in terms of nature, nitrogen, water, biodiversity and animal welfare. This can also boost circular agriculture and nature-inclusive farming.

Switching to organic is a big step, I am well aware of that. It requires a different management and a different approach. Farmers have questions about this. I want to help them with advice and knowledge. Farmers will only be able and willing to switch if they can make a good living from it. This is linked to the need to expand the sales market as well. Countries around us have shown that this is possible when

The action plan prioritises the promotion of marketing opportunities for organic products. This requires cooperation in the chain with all the different sales channels (retail, food services, catering, consumers).

With this action plan, the central government is taking the initiative by making further agreements on this with chain parties. This will be included in the agricultural agreement to be drawn up.

Action plan: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2022/12/19/lnv-actieplan-biologische-landbouw