The status and prospects of organic farming in Poland – assessment of challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the European Green Deal for agriculture

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the main objectives of the European Green Deal for agriculture and present the perspectives on the development of organic production in Poland. In 2020 the share of organic farming in agricultural areas in Poland was 3.5% (with an EU average of 8.5%), while organic farms accounted for only 1,4% of all farms in Poland. Since 2014, Poland has seen a decrease in the area intended for organic production as well as a drop in the number of organic farms. This is the opposite trend to what was expected and supported by the Common Agricultural Policy. The research hypothesis assumed proposes that the difficulties related to the greening of farming are a consequence of the socio-economic condition, consumers’ purchasing power on the organic foods market and the state of farming in Poland. Based on the EU and domestic law, the article explains the principles of organic farming. Further, using statistical data for the years 2004–2020, it discusses and compares the production and economic situation of organic farms in Poland and the EU. It analyses the EU strategies and national plans calling for more action on organic farming. The summary indicates the strengths and weaknesses as well as challenges and opportunities facing organic farming in Poland.