Organic Aquaculture in Europe: An Opportunity or a Challenge?

The EU’s organic aquaculture sector holds real potential to contribute to sustainability objectives, but its success will depend on overcoming significant economic and regulatory barriers. This is according to a recent study published in Reviews in Aquaculture by a team of European researchers, led by Lola Toomey, as part of the EU-funded Organic Target4EU project.

The report, based on a quantitative systematic review of the literature that analysed policy evolution in nine European countries, reveals that despite growing interest and political backing from initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Farm-to-Folk strategy, organic aquaculture in the EU remains a niche market.

The study stresses that the sector’s viability is conditioned by high production costs that are not always offset by an adequate price premium in the market. According to the authors, these costs arise from several key factors. First, organic production requires the use of certified feeds and ingredients that are more expensive and limited in availability. This is compounded by lower stocking densities, mandated by organic regulations, which reduce production volume and, consequently, profitability.

Finally, a lack of specific infrastructure and skilled personnel constitutes and additional obstacles to the sector’s development. The analysis placed particular emphasis on the most common farmed species, including Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, common carp, European seabass, gilthead seabream, and shellfish.

In addition to these challenges, there are regulatory and market difficulties. While the European regulatory framework is robust, its implementation varies among member states, creating additional costs and an uneven playing field for producers. Moreover, the EU market’s openness to import from third countries with lower production costs and different standards increases competitive pressure on European fish farmers.

Nevertheless, the report also identifies opportunities driving the sector. It highlights the EU’s political support through the Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy, as well as the increasing demand for sustainable and animal welfare-friendly products. Furthermore, access to public aid, such as from the Common Fishery Policy and other European programmes, can help to mitigate the higher costs. Finally, product differentiation and marketing strategy are essential to reach a premium market willing to pay for the added value of the organic label.

The authors emphasise that the future growth of organic aquaculture will require strategic planning, regulatory compliance, access to public funding, and a strong market capable of recognizing and paying for the value of organic products.

Reference:

Toomey, L., Alfonso, S., Jahrl, I., Quiédeville, S., Carbonara, P., Lembo, G., … & others. (2025). Unlocking the Potential of Organic Aquaculture in the EU: A Review of Policy Support and Supporting and Constraining Factors. Reviews in Aquaculture.