Development of Organic Farming and Its Environment in Poland in the Light of the European Green Deal Challenges

Abstract

The aim of European Green Deal (EGD) is to implement a pro-environmental and pro-climate policy, which should be translated into economic practice. EGD concerns agriculture, including organic, hence the importance of recognizing the current path of development of this management system and future prospects. The aim of this paper is illustration of current challenges in organic farming and its environment in Poland, taking into account European strategic and market goals. The population of organic farms and other organic entities operating in this segment were analyzed. The period covered 2004-2020, and data of Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection and Statistics Poland. Indicator analysis methods were used and trends were established. A comparison of the statistics for 2020 and 2004 showed the development of organic farming in Poland, taking into account the farms’ number and the agricultural land in organic system. The period 2004-2020 was not homogeneous, and the last years can be considered as a period of stagnation. In the adopted perspective, the production profile of organic farms changed, which more and more often carried out only crop production, omitting livestock production. The further development of organic farming will be an important challenge, also taking into account the level of development of the market environment of organic farms, in particular the number of processors and operators involved in the supply of certified seed. The main determinant of the development of organic farming in Poland was, and in the next few years probably will be, the institutional factory.

The significance of organic farming in the European Union from the perspective of sustainable development

“…Organic farming is deemed an important element of sustainable development, as it promotes environmental sustainability and social responsibility involving practices that minimise the adverse impact of agriculture on the environment and human health (Brzezina et al, 2017;Pânzaru et al, 2023). Thus, the benefits of organic farming are equally important to consumers (highly nutritive food products) and to the environment and climate (due to the low-cost agricultural production system -involving the industrial means of agricultural production -and the low economic pressure on the environment) (Wrzaszcz, 2022).…”

“…In contrast, axis 3 contains organics, leading by example to improve the contribution of organic farming to environmental sustainability (European Commission, 2021). The progressive greening of the common agricultural policy results from numerous premises, which, on the one hand, are the environmental costs incurred by society as a result of irresponsible management of environmental resources, and the other are environmental benefits, including ecosystem services, which are necessary for human existence (Wrzaszcz, 2022). This is how the EU fulfils its obligation to incorporate sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).…”

Tendencies and Perspectives of Organic Farming Development in the EU – the Significance of European Green Deal Strategy

“…The factors also include the level of development of the environment of organic agricultural producers, which should include the number and scope of activities of organic operators involved in the preparation of organic products, processors, as well as units involved in the supply of certified seed to organic agricultural producers. The level of development of the environment of the agricultural producer, including the level of development of the institutional environment, significantly determines the development of organic supply (Czyżewski et al 2008;Wrzaszcz 2022). The war in Ukraine, which was initiated by Russia in February 2022, forces a need of international discussion on possible realization of European Green Deal goals.…”