Record year for organics in Catalonia

During the presentation of data on organic production in Catalonia for 2013, the president of the CCPAE, Daniel Valls, announced that the number of organic farms has increased by 20%. Organic land grew to over 112,000 hectares in 2013 from close to 95,000 hectares in 2012. (Picture: Daniel Valls presenting data)

The most important growth was registered for the cultivation of vines (+39%) and olives (+30%). Most livestock production in Catalonia is dedicated to beef cattle. Production was increased by close to 18 %. Poultry raised for eggs grew by close to 65%, and horses by over 30%. Processing activities have grown by 12% on average. Notable increases were registered in manufacturing and packaging oils (+ 3%), slaughterhouses, butchering and meat production (+19%), and the production and / or bottling of wines, champagnes and sparkling wines (14%). Turnovers of organic companies in Catalonia increased by close to 14% and reached €152m.
 

The current program for the promotion of organic farming, applied since 2012, added a number of new actions and tools for the sector, including the creation of an annual plan for the revitalization of the regional organic production, developed by a team of technicians located in the territory, and the creation of a virtual market for products and services for organic production (http://www.llotjapae.cat/). A line of funding for research applied in the field of organic production was established and an organic week was launched. The next edition of Setmana Bio (Organic Week) will be held from 30 May to 8 June 2014. More information (in Catalan) is available here: 

http://www.ccpae.org/