In this text, we will delve deeper into organic farming . It is an agricultural system that focuses on producing food using exclusively natural processes and substances . This system fits into many contexts regarding current ecological issues, as we will explore later in this article.
Organic farming also plays a strategic role within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) , as a key tool for achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal . At the same time, in recent years, organic farming has established itself as a central element of the food system, responding to a demand increasingly focused on values such as sustainability, health, and supply chain transparency.
Objectives of organic farming
The goals of organic farming are ambitious and interconnected : it’s not just about eliminating chemical pesticides, but about redesigning the relationship between agricultural production and the ecosystem. The main ones are:
- Make responsible use of energy and natural resources .
- Preserving biodiversity .
- Safeguard the ecological balances present at the regional level.
- Making the soil increasingly fertile .
- Respect water quality .
Furthermore, animal welfare is an integral part of the organic model: farmers are required to ensure living conditions that respect the ethological and physiological needs of animals, not just satisfy their primary needs.
Regulations and benefits for agricultural companies
From 1 January 2022, the European regulatory framework for organic products is Regulation (EU) 2018/848 , the “basic act” that defines the rules for the production and labelling of organic products, replacing the previous one. Reg. (EC) 834/2007 . The new framework also provides for transitional periods for the entry into force of certain provisions (particularly on trade ), while the operational details will be clarified over time through secondary legislation:
- Delegated regulations : which integrate or amend non-essential aspects of the text.
- Implementing regulations : which establish uniform conditions of application.
Overall, the provisions related to 2018/848 cover three main areas: production and labeling , controls , and trade , strengthening the system’s reliability (traceability, verification, and correct labeling). To consult the legally valid texts, the Official Journal of the EU (EUR-Lex) is always the reference, while the “consolidated” versions are useful for orientation but have only informative value.
For agricultural companies, adopting organic means positioning themselves in a growing market segment, with higher margins and increasingly structured demand. The main advantages are:
- Organic products are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides , resulting in a measurable reduction in chemical residues in food. This represents a concrete and certifiable advantage, distinct from more generic health claims that scientific research has not yet definitively confirmed.
- The environmental impact is significantly reduced compared to conventional agriculture. The use of organic fertilizers helps preserve soil fertility and reduce the risk of groundwater contamination, a benefit also documented by the FAO and the IPCC.
- Demand for organic products is driven by consumers who are increasingly attentive to the origin of their food and its environmental implications. On the distribution front, large-scale retail trade has progressively expanded its organic offerings, complemented by restaurants and short supply chains, which enhance the direct relationship between producer and consumer.
- Certified organic products command prices that are on average 20-50% higher than conventional ones , generating significant added value for companies that choose this path.
Transition to organic farming: what it is and why it is necessary
The transition to organic farming is defined as the shift from a resource-intensive production system to a model based on environmental, social, and economic sustainability . This is not a merely technical change, but a profound redefinition of the relationship between agriculture and the ecosystem. So, what is the difference between conventional and organic farming?
Conventional agriculture is often based on intensive monocultures , aimed at maximizing production yields . Fully developed during the economic boom of the twentieth century, it prioritizes productivity through high energy consumption and the use of synthetic chemicals for plant protection and fertilization. It is important to note, however, that not all conventional systems are the same : there are farms that adopt more careful soil management practices, even without resorting to organic certification.
Organic farming , on the other hand, produces food using natural substances and processes , respecting the fertility of the soil and natural life cycles . The fundamental distinction compared to conventional farming is not the total absence of chemicals, but the ban on synthetic chemicals : Regulation (EU) 2018/848 allows the use of certain substances of natural origin—such as copper, sulfur, and pyrethrins—as long as they are included in the list of authorized inputs.
The main techniques of organic farming
- Crop rotation: alternate different crops on the same land to preserve and improve its fertility over time.
- Use of rustic and native species: varieties adapted to the local environment, more resistant to disease and less dependent on external treatments.
- Green manure: a technique that involves burying specific plants to return organic matter to the soil and increase its fertility.
- Use of beneficial insects: biological control of pests through natural predators, reducing the need for treatments.
- Use of organic fertilizers: naturally occurring nutrients that support plant growth with significantly reduced impact on wildlife, although careful dosing is required to avoid unwanted effects on water.
Economic advantages of organic farming
A widespread misconception is that organic farming is economically disadvantageous compared to conventional farming. The data tell a more complex story.
Regarding the hidden costs of the global food system , the IPES-Food 2024 report, “The True Cost of Food,” estimates that the negative externalities of conventional agriculture—including hunger, malnutrition, obesity, biodiversity loss, environmental damage, and climate change —generate global costs in the order of $10–15 trillion annually. A transition to more sustainable models, including organic, would significantly reduce these impacts, with measurable benefits for both ecosystems and public health.
For individual farms , the picture must be interpreted carefully. The transition involves significant initial costs and a 2-3 year conversion period, during which productivity may decline before the economic benefits are consolidated. In the medium to long term, however, ISMEA data indicates that certified organic farms achieve higher margins thanks to the premium price and access to high-value-added distribution channels.
On the distribution front, the idea that a transition to organic would necessarily penalize large multinationals is not supported by the data: companies like Carrefour, Coop, and Esselunga have gradually expanded their organic lines, adapting their business models to growing demand. The change concerns procurement methods, not necessarily volumes or margins.
Organic as a strategic lever: reputation, supply chain, and B2B market
The reputational and supply chain advantages of organic farming today represent a strategic element for companies and organizations seeking to increase their credibility and competitiveness. In a context where consumers, retailers, and commercial partners are increasingly paying attention to how food is produced , a farm’s credibility also depends on its ability to demonstrate what it does. This is where organic offers a concrete advantage : certifications, production specifications, and traceability systems, required by Regulation (EU) 2018/848 , make processes verifiable from origin to finished product. Transparency, in this case, represents a tool that reduces the information gap between producers and buyers. Safety, ethics, and sustainability are among the main reasons consumers choose organic . This is largely a perception that, in the consumer market, has real effects : in the medium term, it tends to translate into more loyal customers, more willing to pay a premium, and more inclined to speak highly of the brand.
On the B2B front, retailers, HORECA operators, and food industries are integrating ESG criteria into their purchasing policies , and certified organic companies are in an advantageous position when selecting suppliers. However, for smaller businesses , building structured relationships with organized B2B channels requires time, resources, and often external support .
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to convert a farm to organic?
It depends on the crops and the initial condition of the land. Regulation (EU) 2018/848 establishes different conversion periods: two years for annual crops, three years for perennials such as grapevines and olive trees. During this period, the farm is already subject to organic regulations, but cannot yet market its products as certified organic—an aspect that requires careful planning, both from a production and financial perspective. - Is organic farming also suitable for small farms?
Yes, and often smaller businesses are able to better leverage it, thanks to their ability to build short supply chains, focus on quality, and develop direct relationships with consumers. It’s important to note, however, that the initial phase involves certification costs and bureaucratic formalities that can be burdensome for smaller businesses. Consulting support during the transition phase can make all the difference.
- What digital tools can support organic management?
The most useful tools fall into three categories: traceability software , which documents production processes and simplifies inspections by regulatory bodies; crop monitoring platforms , which integrate agrometeorological and satellite data to optimize decisions in the field; and collection and reporting systems , which centralize operational data, reducing administrative burden. Plantvoice, for example, supports agricultural companies in managing and enhancing their organic journey, from supply chain documentation to communication with B2B markets.
Find out how Plantvoice can help your company communicate and promote its organic journey.
