Functional biodiversity and stable ecosystems services are essential to sustaining food production and managing the impact of our agro-ecosystems on wildlife habitats and the natural environment. In the EU the shift towards more special-ised and high input farming pratices, such as the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, has led to a dramatic decline in biodiversity including the loss and degradation of wildlife habitats1. In Western Europe, for example, intensive arable farming and a reduction in mixed livestock and arable farms have led to a uniform landscape poor in diverse flora and biodiversity. Internationally, more than 90% of crop varieties have disappeared from farmers’ fields and 75% of the world’s food is generated from only 12 plants and 5 animal species2. Organic farming, however, can offer solutions to many of the negative effects that agriculture places on biodiversity.

BIODIVERSITY

Quality schemes for agricultural products and food stuffs (Article 17) Increase organic market develop-ment by building consumer aware-ness and understanding of the role of organic farming in biodiversity conservation and enhancements as well as support for certification costs.

Agri-environment-climate (Article 29)

Application of advanced farmland biodiversity practices to enhance and maintain agro-biodiversity and genetic resources.

Co-operation (Article 36)

Promotion of collaborative appro- aches between organic farmers and other rural stakeholders to enhance the management of ecological infra-structure.

European Innovation Partnership (Articles 53, 61-63)

Support for knowledge exchange and collaboration between research-ers, the organic sector and relevant stakeholders to stimulate participa-tory agro-ecological innovation on biodiversity.

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM EU Group, Rue du Commerce 124, BE – 1000 Brussels, info@foam-eu.org, www.ifoam-eu.org

ORGANIC FARMING PROTECTS AND ENHANCES BIODIVERSITY

Higher biodiversity: Depending on altitude, organic farms host 30% more species and 50% more in-dividuals than non-organic farms. Earthworms are more abundant on organic farms and help to maintain soil structure and high organic mat-ter, improving aeration, crop root growth and drainage3.

Pest control: To support successful and resilient production systems, or-

ganic farmers rely on biodiversity to maintain soil fertility and keep pests under control naturally.

More pollination: Organic farms host more honeybees due to the ap-plication of diverse crop rotations and intercropping. It is estimated that 1/3 of the human diet comes from insect-pollinated plants, and honeybees provide 80% of that pollination4.

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

New rural development measures, in combination with organic farming (Article 30), offer targeted solutions for sustainable biodiversity stewardship. Relevant measures5 include:

CAP RURAL DEVELOPMENTMEASURES FOR SUSTAINABLE BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

CZECH REPUBLIC: POLICY SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC FARMING

The Czech Republic recorded one of the highest increases in organically managed land (+163%) between 2000 and 2010 from 165,699 hec-tares to 435,610 hectares, with the number of organic farms increasing (+525%) from 563 to 3,517 holdings. The Czech Rural Development Pro-gramme (2007-2013) links organic farming and agri-environmental measures within its organic farming support mechanisms. Organic farm-ing is also prioritised under produc-tion and processing investments, young farmers, product development

and rural tourism activities. Organic farmers are awarded bonus points as part of a point system selection pro-cess. The Czech Organic Action Plan (2011-2015) aims to increase the land area managed organically to 15% (10.5% in 2010)6 and the share of or-ganic food on the market to 3%, with Czech produced products represent-ing 60% of organic food sales. The Czech Republic has also invested in a national Technology Platform for Or-ganic Agriculture.7

REFERENCES: 1. Pytrik Reidsma et al., (2006). Impacts of land-use change on biodiversity: An assessment of agricultural biodiversity in the European Union, Agriculture, Eco-

systems and Environment, 114, 86–10. 2. FAO, (2004). What is happening to agrobiodiversity?, Building on gender, agrobiodiversity and local knowledge: a training manual.

Rome: FAO. 3. Stoate et al., (2011). Ecological impacts of arable intensification in Europe, Journal of Environmental Management, 63, 337-365. 4. Stanford University, Parasites

and Pestilence, http://www.stanford.edu/class/humbio153/AgriVetParasites/Background.html. 5. Based on the European Commission Proposal on Rural Development COM

(2011) 627 final/2. 6. Willer et al., (eds.) (2012). The world of organic agriculture, Statistics and emerging trends 2012, 12th Ed, Frick: FiBL; Bonn: IFOAM. 7. Sanders et al.,

(2011). Use and efficiency of public support measures addressing organic farming. Braunschweig: Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut (vTI). 8. Louis Bolk Insitute, Flourishing

Farm Project.

THE NETHERLANDS: INVESTING IN ON-FARM BIODIVERSITY

The Flourishing Farm Project is a col-lective approach to managing na-ture conservation areas and taking advantage of functional biodiversity funded by the Dutch Rural Develop-ment Programme from 2011 to 2014. As part of the project the Louis Bolk Institute, organic dairy farmers and conventional farmer networks have been working with over 550 farmers to promote practices that are benefi-cial both for farmers and biodiversity, with in-field meetings held during the growing period to exchange in-formation and expertise. Practices include the use of reed and grass cuttings from nature conservation ar-eas for animal bedding and compost, and the development of over 1,000

km of wild flower strips to increase and promote natural enemies that can improve pest control. The pro-ject has also encouraged many con-ventional arable farmers to reduce chemical pesticide use8.

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

© Flourishing Farm Project

This publication is co-financed by the European Community, Directorate-General for the Environment. The sole responsibility for the communication/publication lies with the IFOAM EU Group.The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.

Title photo: © Merijn Bos.

Publisher: IFOAM EU Group, December 2012. Design: Marina Morell, www.4morfic.com

Agriculture contributes to the causes of climate change. At the same time the farming sector is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of our changing climate. In 2009, farming accounted for 10.3% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU-27. These emissions are largely composed of nitrous oxides (N2O) and methane (CH4) mainly from cattle husbandry and fertiliser application1. The UNFCCC estimates that climate change adaptation for agriculture will cost between $11.3 and $12.6 billion by 20302. The effects of climate change are already visible with extreme climate events. In 2002, 100,000 hectares of agricultural land were affected during a major flood in central Europe3. Climate change is also likely to lead to a decrease of annual rainfall by up to 20% in southern Mediterranean areas, resulting in harvest losses and increasing costs. Droughts in Central and Southern Europe in 2003, led to reductions in crop and livestock production costing €11 billion4. Organic farming, however, can offer solutions to many of the negative effects that agriculture places on climate.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Agro-forestry systems and for-est measures (Articles 22-27,35) Agroforestry and the application of forest measures, in conjunction with organic farming, to enhance ecosys-tem services, sequester carbon, and contribute to climate resilience and mitigation.

Quality schemes for agricultural products and food stuffs (Article 17)

Increase organic market development by building consumer awareness and understanding the role of organic farming systems and practices for climate adaptation and mitigation as well as support for certification costs.

Knowledge transfer and advisory services (Articles 15 -16)

Options tailored specifically towards or-ganic farmers to increase understand-ing and technical expertise on climate mitigation and climate adaptation.

European Innovation Partnership (Articles 53, 61-63)

Support for knowledge exchange and collaboration between research-ers, the organic sector and relevant stakeholders to stimulate participa-tory agro-ecological innovation on climate resilience and mitigation.

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM EU Group, Rue du Commerce 124, BE – 1000 Brussels, info@foam-eu.org, www.ifoam-eu.org

ORGANIC FARMING MITIGATES AND ADAPTS TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Mitigation: Organically managed soils can store on average 450kg extra carbon per hectare each year compared to conventional soils5. N2O emissions from organically managed soils are on average sig-nificantly lower (1.04kg N2O per hec-tare each year) than emissions from non-organically managed soils6.

Adaptation: Organic farmers record higher yields during extreme climate events than conventional farmers7. Soils rich in organic matter absorb more water during extreme rainfall, reduce surface run-off and erosion, and have better water supply during dry periods8.

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

New rural development measures9, in combination with organic farming (Arti-cle 30), offer targeted solutions for sustainable climate action. Relevant meas-ures include:

CAP RURAL DEVELOPMENT MEASURES FOR SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE ACTION

AUSTRIA: POLICY SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC FARMING

The Austrian Rural Development Programme (2007-2013) links organ-ic farming, agri-environment meas-ures, investment assistance, training and education in its organic farming support mechanisms. There is also strong stakeholder involvement from actors such as the farming organisa-tion BIO AUSTRIA and environmen-tal NGOs. Organic farming support accounts for about 12% of the Axis 2 budget dedicated to improving the environment and the country-

side. Measures under Axis 1, which improve the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector, also address organic farming through marketing support such as informa-tion and promotion activities. The current Austrian Organic Action Plan (2009-2013) sets out a number of targets including increasing the to-tal organically managed land area to 20% (19.69% in 2010)10 and the or-ganic market share to 10% of all food sales by 202011.

REFERENCES: 1. European Commission, Eurostat, Climate change statistics. 2. Parry et al., (2009). Assessing the costs of adaptation to climate change: A review of the UN-

FCCC and other recent estimations. London: IIED; Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College London. 3. Interwies et al., (2006). The adequacy of EU Action on

Flood Protection, focusing on the European Commission’s recent proposal, (IP/A/ENVI/FWC/2005-35), Briefing Note, Brussels: Policy Department Economy and Science, DG

Internal Policies, European Parliament. 4. Olesen et al., Agricultural impacts and adaptations to climate change in Europe, Farm Policy Journal, 1(3), 36-46. 5. Gattinger et al.,

(2012). Enhanced top soil carbon stocks under organic farming. A global meta-analysis. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, in press. 6. Skinner et al., (2013). Greenhouse gas fluxes from

agricultural soils under organic and non-organic management – a global meta-analysis. Science of the Total Environment, submitted. 7. Pimentel et al., (2005). Environmental,

Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems., BioScience 55 (7), 573-582. 8. Zeiger et al., (2009). Impact of organic farming systems

on runoff formation processes – A long-term sequential rainfall experiment, Soil Till. Res., 102, 45-54. 9. Based on the European Commission Proposal on Rural Development

COM (2011) 627 final/2. 10. Willer et al., (eds.) (2012). The world of organic agriculture, Statistics and emerging trends 2012, 12th Ed, Frick: FiBL; Bonn: IFOAM. 11. Sanders

et al., (2011). Use and efficiency of public support measures addressing organic farming. Braunschweig: Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut (vTI). 12. Soil Association, Low

Carbon Farming Project and FCAT (Farm Carbon Assessment Tool).

UK: PROMOTING LOW CARBON FARMING APPROACHES

The Low Carbon Farming (LCF) Pro-ject trains and gives advice to farm-ers about applying climate-friendly farming practices that have the po-tential to reduce GHG emissions. These practices focus on improving nutrient and manure management, soil and grassland management, livestock production efficiency and reducing fuel use. The LCF project disseminates factsheets, organises on-farm training events and facili-tates farmer to farmer support pro-viding project participants with a car-bon measurement toolkit to monitor the farms’ carbon footprints and to assess the implementation of these practices12. The project was launched in the first quarter of 2011 by the Soil Association, in partnership with Campden BRI and is funded by the Ashden Trust and Defra’s South West Rural Development Programme for

England under vocational training and advice (measure 111). It is part of the SWARM (South West Agricul-tural Resource Management) Initia-tive managed by Duchy College and has worked with a total of 57 organic and conventional farms across the UK (50 in England, predominantly in the South West of England and 7 in Scotland).

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

© LCF Project

This publication is co-financed by the European Community, Directorate-General for the Environment. The sole responsibility for the communication/publication lies with the IFOAM EU Group.The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.

Title photo: © Teresa Elola-Calderón.

Publisher: IFOAM EU Group, December 2012. Design: Marina Morell, www.4morfic.com

Soil is the basis of food production, yet its loss and degradation currently threaten many EU regions. Soil erosion by water affects 16% of Europe’s total land area and 1 million hectares in the EU are threatened by wind erosion. Moreover, 45% of European soils show low levels of organic matter1. These problems result in poor nutrient balances, reduced drainage and water retention capacities, contributing to lower crop yields. Agricultural practices are responsible for over 90% of NH3 (ammonia) emissions leading to soil acidification and erosion2. Current trends estimate that the overall societal cost of inac-tion to adequately protect soils stands at €38 billion per year in the EU3. Soil degradation, in combination with changing climate patterns and economic constraints, can lead to the abandonment of arable land. Projections suggest that 19.8% of EU arable farmland could be abandoned by 20304. Organic farming, however, can offer solutions to many of the negative effects that agriculture places on soil.

SOIL

Knowledge transfer and advisory services (Articles 15-16)

Options tailored specifically towards organic farmers to increase under-standing and technical expertise on advanced soil management.

Agri-environment-climate (Article 29)

Application of advanced soil man-agement measures to enhance and maintain soil fertility, reduce soil ero-sion including the introduction of hedgerows and landscape elements to respond to wind erosion.

Agro-forestry systems and forest measures (Articles 22-27, 35)

Agroforestry and the application of forest measures, in conjunction with organic farming, to enhance soil man-agement and contribute to nutrient re-cycling.

European Innovation Partnership (Arti-cles 53, 61-63)

Support for knowledge exchange and collaboration between research-ers, the organic sector and relevant stakeholders to stimulate participatory agro-ecological innovation on soil.

ORGANIC FARMING PROTECTS AND ENHANCES SOIL

Enhanced soil fertility: Crop rotations which incorporate grass legume leys (e.g. clover, alfalfa, beans and peas) improve soil organic matter, and con-sequently build soil fertility and reduce nutrient loss5.

Erosion control: Soils with good struc-ture improve water infiltration, reduce surface runoff where soils are lost to streams, lakes and rivers, and help to reduce soil erosion6.

Reduced soil acidification: Farmyard manure improves soil organic matter and releases nitrogen more gradually than synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Live-stock is the main source of NH3 emis-sions, however organic farms, have lower livestock densities and as a result can have about 40% lower NH3 emis-sions per hectare than conventional farms7.

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

New rural development measures8, in combination with organic farming (Ar-ticle 30), offer targeted solutions for sustainable soil stewardship. Relevant measures include:

CAP RURAL DEVELOPMENT MEASURES FOR SUSTAINABLE SOIL MANAGEMENT

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM EU Group, RUE du Commerce 124, BE - 1000 Brussels, info@ifoam-eu.org, www.ifoam-eu.org

GERMANY: POLICY SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC FARMING

In the German region of Rheinland-Pfalz the state government recog-nises organic farming as a system approach that can contribute to keeping arable soils in a good state, socio-economic development and climate action. The Rheinland-Pfalz Rural Development Programme (2007-2013) “PAUL”9 aims to expand organic food production through in-creased payments by combining or-ganic farming with agri-environment measures. Moreover, increased sup-port for ecological infrastructure on agricultural land and the introduc-

tion of diversified crop rotations seek to improve the economic resilience of farms10. “PAUL” has prioritised or-ganic farming by increasing the or-ganic farming premium by 20-25% and providing extra payments for animal welfare measures, advisory services, research, test fields, edu-cation as well as regional market-ing and food chain management. Between 2000 and 2010 Rheinland-Pfalz tripled its total area of organi-cally managed land (5.3% in 2010) and doubled the number of organic farms.

REFERENCES: 1. Jones et al., (2012). The Sate of Soil in Europe: A contribution of the JRC to the EEA Environment State and Outlook Report — SOER 2010. Brussels: European Commission. 2.

OECD, (2008). Environmental Performance of Agriculture in OECD countries since 1990, Paris, France. 3. European Commission, (2007). Environment factsheet: soil protection – a new policy for

the EU. 4. Keenleyside, C and Tucker, G.M., (2010). Farmland Abandonment in the EU: an Assessment of Trends and Prospects. Report prepared for WWF. Institute for European Environmental

Policy, London. 5. IFOAM EU Group and IFOAM, (2009). High Sequestration, Low Emission, Food Secure Farming. Organic Agriculture: a Guide to Climate Change & Food Security. 6. Pesticide

Action Network Europe, Advantages of crop rotation & crop rotation embedded in integrated crop management. 7. Stolze et al., (2000). The Environmental Impacts of Organic Farming in

Europe, in Organic Farming in Europe: Economics and Policy, vol. 6. Stuggart: University of Hohenheim, Department of Farm Economics. 8. Based on the European Commission Proposal on

Rural Development COM (2011) 627 final/2. 9. Ministerium für Umwelt, Landwirtschaft, Ernährung, Weinbau und Forsten, Rheinland-Pfalz, Programm Agrarwirtschaft, Umweltmaßnahmen

und Landwirtschaft (PAUL). 10. This shall be achieved by planting at least 5 different crops annually, whereby legumes make up at least 8% of agricultural area, and each individual crop should

take up no less than 10% and not exceed 30% of total area. Two-thirds of the area should be devoted to cereal cultivation, and vegetables and other plants not exceed 30% of land. 11. CAAE

Association, Cuaderno ‘Setos, Sotos, Herrizas y Bosques-Isla en Agricultura’ Guía práctica.

SPAIN: ENRICHING LANDSCAPES TO

FIGHT AGAINST SOIL

EROSION

In the Spanish region of Andalusia, cli-matic conditions and well as the pres-ence of crops on sloping land are a ma-jor cuase of soil erosion. Between 2000 and 2010, the CAAE Association devised a “Campaign for landscape diversifica-tion and conservation in rural areas”. 4 million plants were distributed across Andalusia to around 6,000 farmers (of whom 65 % were organic). This includ-ed plant bushes, shrubs and windbreak trees. The aim was to restore and main-tain the rural landscape, protect soils from water and wind erosion and bet-ter fight against droughts and floods. The programme also sought to increase crop production, fight naturally against

pests and increase wild-life habitats11. It included free training courses and tech-nical factsheets to advise farmers about plant species and varieties best adapted to the needs of their farms.

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

This publication is co-financed by the European Community, Directorate-General for the Environment. The sole responsibility for the communication/publication lies with the IFOAM EU Group.The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.

Title photo: © ECOVALIA.

Publisher: IFOAM EU Group, December 2012. Design: Marina Morell, www.4morfic.com

Ensuring the good ecological status of surface waters and the sufficient availability of clean water remains a challenge in many EU member states, despite policy efforts1. The agricultural sector accounts for around 24% of total water abstraction in the EU, rising by up to 80% in some regions2, which can lead to the loss of wetland habitats. The size of the Spanish wetland Las Tablas de Daimiel, for example, has been reduced by up to 60% due to the expansion of subsidised irrigation in the area3. The use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers is deteriorating water quality and raising the costs for society. The removal of agricultural contaminants from drinking water, for example, cost the UK €190 million, in the accounting year 2007, while the social costs of damage to rivers, lakes and estuaries stand at €150 million4. Organic farming, however, can offer solutions to many of the negative effects that agriculture places on water.

WATER

Knowledge transfer and advisory services (Articles 15-16) Options tailored specifically towards organic farmers to increase under-standing and technical expertise on water management, including ad-vice on organic farming conversion to safeguard water bodies.

Natura 2000/Water Framework Directive payment (Article 31)

Application of water protection and restoration measures to support the implementation of relevant program-ming measures under river basin management plans (RBMPs).

Investments in physical assets (Article 18)

Conversion related investments such as farm building upgrades and support for more advanced water techniques such as the purchase of specialised equipment after conversion.

Leader (Articles 42-45)

Support for the development of bottom up community-led projects, including organic farmers and rural dwellers, such as the protection of drinking water supply through or-ganic land management.

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM EU Group, Rue du Commerce 124, BE – 1000 Brussels, info@foam-eu.org, www.ifoam-eu.org

ORGANIC FARMING PROTECTS AND ENHANCES WATER

Water quality: Organic farmers do not use harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilisers5. Moreover crop rota-tions help to improve soil fertility and nutrient efficiency. Farm compari-sons show that nitrate leaching rates per hectare are lower on organic than on conventional fields by 57%6.

Performance under water stress: Organic farming increases soil or-ganic matter and water holding ca-pacity7. Scientific studies show that organic crops can perform better under severe drought conditions, than conventional crops8 increasing a farmer’s resilience to cope with ex-treme weather events.

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

New rural development measures9, in combination with organic farming (Ar-ticle 30), offer targeted solutions for sustainable water stewardship. Relevant measures include:

CAP RURAL DEVELOPMENT MEASURES FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT

DENMARK: POLICY SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC FARMING

The development of organic farm-ing is a key tool in Denmark’s water quality protection and green growth strategies. In 2010 total organic sales accounted for €791 million, with up to 2677 organic producers in Den-mark.10 The Danish Rural Develop-ment Programme (2007-2013) has prioritised organic food and farm-ing to support marketing, food exhibitions, consumer awareness, investments in farm improvements and product development. It also supports training and education for the conversion of public kitchens to organic, free “conversion checks”

as well as advice for conventional farmers, conversion and mainte-nance for organic production. Fur-thermore the Danish Organic Action Plan 202011 launched in June 2012 aims to double the land area that is managed organically from 7 to 12% and ensure that up to 60% of food served in public canteens is organic (currently 15%). Moreover Denmark allocated ca. €3 million for organic crops breeding for the period 2012 to 2015 and will invest a further ca. €15 million in organic research be-tween 2013 and 201612.

REFERENCES: 1. European Commission, (2012). Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the Water Framework

Directive (2000/60/EC) River Basin management Plans, Brussels, COM (2012) 670 final. 2. EEA, (2009). Water resources across Europe – confronting water scarcity and drought,

EEA, Report No2/2009. European Environment Agency, Copenhagen. 3. Stoate et al., (2001). Ecological impacts of arable intensification in Europe, Journal of Environmental

Management 63, 337-365. 4. OECD, (2012). Agriculture and Water Quality : Monetary Costs and benefits across OECD Countries. 5. See Council Regulation 834/2007/EC

which sets the minimum standard for organic farming in the EU. 6. Stolze et al., (2000). The Environmental Impacts of Organic Farming in Europe, in Organic Farming in Europe:

Economics and Policy, vol. 6. University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart. 7. Lotter, D., et al., (2003). The performance of organic and conventional cropping systems in an extreme

climate year. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 18 (2):1-9. 8. Idem. 9. Based on the European Commission Proposal on Rural Development COM (2011) 627 final/2.

10. Willer et al., (eds.) (2012). The world of organic agriculture, Statistics and emerging trends 2012, 12th Ed, Frick: FiBL; Bonn: IFOAM. 11. Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture

and Fisheries of Denmark., (2012). Økologisk Handlingsplan 2020; Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark, ‘Speeding up organic production’. 12. Idem;

Danish Ministry of Finance., (2012). Aftaler om Finansloven for 2013. 13. French Working group on Water & Organic agriculture. 14. Roumeau, S., (2011). Qualité de l’eau : la

preuve par le développement des sites pilote « Eau&Bio », Alter Agri n°109.

FRANCE: A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Since 2007, the Fédération Nation-ale d’Agriculture Biologique (FNAB) has coordinated a multi-stakeholder working group on water and organic agriculture at national level13. The aim is to develop organic farming to help contribute to the good ecological sta-tus of water resources and to reduce water pollution from pesticides and nitrates. The working group has de-veloped ‘water and organic actions’ such as farmers exchange groups, advisory services and demonstration farms as well as financial incentives in 12 pilot sites. In the pilot site of Avesnois, 91 farms have undergone a check for conversion to organic farming on a voluntary basis. Ap-proximately 28 farms totalling 2,508 hectares have converted to organic

farming. In the water catchment ar-eas of Saint-Aubin and Sars-Poterie, which is part of Avesnois, 6 farms totalling 209 hectares have convert-ed to organic. As a result the total utilised agricultural area now under organic land management in these areas has increased from 1% to 5%14.

Organic Approaches to Rural Development Policy

© FNAB Association

Title photo: © Teresa Elola-Calderón.

This publication is co-financed by the European Community, Directorate-General for the Environment. The sole responsibility for the communication/publication lies with the IFOAM EU Group.The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.

Publisher: IFOAM EU Group, December 2012. Design: Marina Morell, www.4morfic.com