50,000 hectares of organic agriculture

The Netherlands is one of the smallest and
most densely populated countries in Western
Europe. But still, more than 50 percent of the
Dutch land area, 1.9 million of the total of
3.4 million hectares, is dedicated to high-
productivity agriculture.

Currently (2010) just over 50,000 hectares
of agricultural land are used for organic farming
on 1395 certified organic farms. What makes
the Netherlands special is that the organic farms
work together intensively and share their
techniques and experiences. The result is that
their land is highly productive.

The Dutch government’s policy to support
organic farming translates into active promotion
of research and consumption, aiming for at least
10% growth per year. Supermarkets as well as
specialised health food shops play an important
role in this process.

Consumer spending on organic products in the
Netherlands grew by 12.4% in 2008 to well over
580 million euros. Again in 2008 the growth rate
for organic food outpaced general growth in food
consumption. Organic food now claims a market
share of 2.1%. For fresh products the organic
market share grew from 2.5% in 2007 to 2.8%
in 2008.

However, more than 50% of organic production
in the Netherlands is exported, and finds its way
to super market shelves all over Europe and beyond.