The European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy sets an ambitious goal: By 2030, at least 25% of agricultural land should be farmed organically. Yet, results indicate that this target cannot be met without structural policy shifts – as well as stronger supply chain alignment, and greater consumer engagement and capacity building.
Securing A Pivotal Role Of Organic Agriculture In The Future Food System
To address these challenges, the Horizon Europe project OrganicTargets4EU has developed four scenarios outlining alternative pathways to achieve the 2030 target of organic agriculture. Co-created with stakeholders, the scenarios explore both supply-driven and demand-driven approaches:
- Two “Push” (supply-driven) scenarios: Green Public Policy and Divergent Pathways for the Organic Sector
- Two “Pull” (demand-driven) scenarios: Organic on Every Table and Organic Power to the People
All four scenarios were designed around a central question: “How can the F2F target be reached by 2030, considering that continuing with a business-as-usual approach will not lead to success?”
Each of the scenarios depicts distinct trajectories shaped by policy, market, and societal dynamics.
Collaboration, Policy Coherence, And Integrating Organics Into Sustainability Transitions
Integrating organic practices into sustainability strategies – backed by inclusive governance, transparent markets, and knowledge exchange – is key to addressing the environmental, economic, and social challenges facing European agriculture.
Across all envisioned scenarios, four conditions emerge as fundamental:
- Policy Coherence & Regulatory Integrity at the EU level
- Active Engagement of Supply Chain Actors, Particularly Large Retailers and SME Networks
- A Pivotal Role of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) in Fostering a Societal Transition Toward Organic Food and Farming Systems
- Trust-Building and Capacity Development Within Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations
Securing A Pivotal Role Of Organic Aquaculture In The Future Food System
Organic aquaculture offers clear environmental and economic benefits. By eliminating synthetic chemicals and applying ecosystem-based management, it reduces water pollution, minimises habitat destruction, and enhances biodiversity. Many farms use integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), co-culturing fish, shellfish, and seaweed to optimise nutrient recycle and cut waste.
Beyond sustainability, organic aquaculture opens premium market opportunities and strengthens rural economies by creating jobs – particularly in coastal and remote regions. Despite higher certification costs, producers are increasingly adopting organic practices.
Regulatory Frameworks, Innovation-Oriented Knowledge Systems, Consumer Engagement, Equity & Economically Viable Business Models As Drivers Of Organic Aquaculture
The development of organic aquaculture requires:
- Coordinated action by EU institutions and Member States to refine existing regulations, eliminating unnecessary administrative barriers while maintaining rigorous sustainability standards
- Collaboration among researchers, industry actors, and extension services as essential to develop feed, juveniles, and health management solutions consistent with organic principles
- Efforts directed toward consumer engagement to foster stable demand through education, transparency, and trust-building.
- Commitment to fairness. Its benefits should extend beyond large-scale producers and affluent consumers to include smallholder farmers, coastal communities, and society at large.
European organic aquaculture can achieve sustainable growth by addressing core challenges such as seed and feed innovation, market access, and supportive policies. Future research must back the transition with advances in hatchery techniques, health management and vaccination strategies aligned with organic standards, and climate‑resilient systems like integrated multi‑trophic aquaculture. At the same time, socio‑economic studies, including updated scenario studies, are needed to understand consumer behaviour, create effective incentives for producers, and assess the wider benefits for rural communities and wild fisheries.