Organic farming in Portugal has developed considerably since its beginnings in 1985. In 2010, there were 2,434 organic farms cultivating 210,981 hectares, corresponding to 6 percent of the total agricultural land. Growth has been triggered by the introduction and direct application of EU regulations and financial support after 1993, and today area-based support for organic farming is maintained under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
However, the organic support scheme has been closed to new entrants since the beginning of 2011 and, although rapid growth is expected, the market share for organic produce is still small (0.2 percent of the total food market in 2010).
In order to sustain the future growth of organic agriculture, a national organic action plan is currently being developed by the organic farming community.
Further information
Organic-Europe.net: Country report Portugal
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