The Organic Farming Action Programme of the Federal Ministry

Organic farming in Austria: a successful model with a bright future

The promotion of organic farming has been a high priority in Austria since the early 1990s. As early as 2001, the Federal Minister launched the first Organic Action Programme. Further programmes followed in 2003, 2005 and 2008, laying the foundations for the sector’s continued development.

Continuity and successful development

The 2008–2010 Organic Action Programme proved particularly successful: both the area under organic cultivation and sales of organic food increased significantly. As no major new measures were required, the programme’s objectives and instruments remained in place until 2014.

The Organic Action Programme 2015–2022 also adopted a comprehensive approach. A key instrument for the further development of organic farming was, and remains, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Through close cooperation between institutions in the fields of education, research and administration, as well as various stakeholder groups, numerous recommended measures were successfully implemented.

Ambitious targets in the European context

At European level, the aim is to further expand organic production. Austria has already met the EU target of 25 per cent organic land area and is thus playing a pioneering role. This position is to be further strengthened: The aim is to reach a 30 per cent share by 2027 and, taking market developments into account, to expand this to 35 per cent by 2030.
However, a sustainable increase in organic production can only take place in line with rising demand for organic products. Market development and the strengthening of sales are therefore of central importance.

The Organic Action Programme 2023+

A key instrument for achieving these objectives is the BMLUK’s sixth Organic Action Programme. This was developed through a broad-based public consultation process involving relevant stakeholders.

The Organic Action Programme 2023+ serves as a strategic guide for support measures aimed at further developing organic farming. It aims to expand production in line with market developments and to further consolidate Austria’s sustainable position as a pioneer in organic farming.