In recent years, organic farming has been promoted as a sustainable solution to address the environmental and social challenges of the agri-food sector. However, a recent report by the European Court of Auditors titled "Organic Farming in the EU: Gaps and Inconsistencies Undermine Policy Effectiveness" reveals significant deficiencies in the policies supporting this type of production, making it difficult to meet the targets set for 2030, and lacking a clear strategy beyond that date.
Although the analysis focuses on the terrestrial agri-livestock sector and does not directly mention organic aquaculture, many of the issues described also apply to this activity.
For example, the report mentions that organic production has higher costs and requires compliance with environmental standards that are difficult to implement for small producers. Low profitability also clashes with weak or practically non-existent demand, especially in the case of organic aquaculture.
The report also highlights inconsistencies and a lack of clear policies between EU countries to support organic production, creating inequalities in implementation and certification. An example of these inconsistencies is the fact that, in some EU countries, organic aquaculture farmers have struggled to obtain fully organic inputs, such as feed for fish or fry raised under organic conditions. In situations where sufficient organic inputs are not available, producers may use non-organic products under regulatory exceptions, which compromises the integrity of the organic production process.
On the other hand, there is a noted lack of data supporting the suitability of organic aquaculture practices, such as water quality, among others.
One of the most concerning points in the report is that the environmental benefits of organic farming are not always guaranteed due to failures in the implementation of regulations. In organic aquaculture, this translates into the need for strict monitoring to ensure compliance with organic standards, from water management to the welfare of cultivated species. If regulations are not effectively enforced, the environmental benefits of these practices may be diminished, undermining efforts to create a sustainable model.
Moreover, organic aquaculture faces specific challenges that do not arise in terrestrial farming. For example, the lack of full control over the aquatic environment can complicate efforts to maintain water quality and minimise impacts on surrounding ecosystems. Species raised in organic systems may be exposed to external contaminants or diseases from sources beyond the producer's control, making it difficult to comply with organic standards.
In the aquaculture sector, monitoring of environmental parameters such as water quality, biodiversity, or impact on the seabed is not always carried out in a standardised manner. This makes it difficult to create a database to compare the performance of organic aquaculture against conventional systems, and complicates the assessment of its true long-term environmental impact.
Funding is another critical aspect highlighted by the report. In organic farming, financial support from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been vital in expanding organic farmland, but it has not always been efficient in ensuring that these funds are used to maximise environmental benefits. In organic aquaculture, adequate access to financing also plays a crucial role. Producers need funds to implement clean technologies, improve farming facilities, and ensure animal welfare.
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