Spain is the EU's largest organic producer by surface area and the sixth largest in the world, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food's latest study on the characterization and projection of organic production in 2023.
Organic production reached 4.94 million tons in 2023, +47.9% over the previous year. This figure translates into a value of 5,962 million euros, +77.92% compared to 2022, consolidating organic production as a strategic and sustainable model.
According to the study, spending on organic products stood at 2,916 million euros in 2022, +9.83% over the previous year, accounting for 3.36% of total food consumption and a per capita expenditure of 60.65 euros.
Fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, eggs, and milk were the most consumed organic products. Supermarkets, discount stores, and online commerce grew, while hypermarkets decreased their share.
In addition, exports reached 3,047 million euros (82.56% more than in 2022), far exceeding imports, with a positive trade balance of 1,567 million euros. Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan were the main destinations. These data reflect Spain's worldwide leading position in organic imports and exports.
Organic livestock also grew by 18.24%, with more than 11,000 registered activities.
The director general of the Food Industry, José Miguel Herrero, analyzed these figures today at a round table discussion with representatives of the Spanish Association of Organic Processors and Traders (Asobio), the Spanish Professional Association of Organic Production (Ecovalia), and the National Association of Large Distribution Companies (Anged).
In his speech, Herrero stressed the government's commitment to the promotion and development of organic production. The National Food Strategy (ENA), recently presented, includes the promotion of measures, technical support, and economic incentives to increase production and consumption, consolidate production systems, and create marketing platforms, he stated.
Spain also has a law preventing food losses and waste, and a royal decree for promoting healthy and sustainable food in educational centres, which establishes that a minimum percentage of the cost of food purchases, or main courses, will be used in organic produce.
For more information:
Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación
www.mapa.gob.es