Current Status and Future Prospect of Organic Farming in 25 European Countries with Special Reference to Increasing Number of Organic Farms and Financial Support Policy

유럽 25개국의 유기농업 현황과 전망 -유기농장의 재정보조 정책을 중심으로-

The number of organic farms are increasing in European countries during last 10 years. Most European governments are giving subsidies for organic farmers as well as converting organic farms from conventional farming method. The price level of most organic products are higher than price level of conventional products in general. However, there are certainly some market demand problems in organic products in some countries. Organic farms will be increased in 2005 and 2010 for 10∼20% of the total agricultural area in some European countries. Government subsidy payment is also increasing. Therefore, many farmers are going to change into organic farming method from conventional farming. However, there will be certainly some market demand problems in future because of national economic growth problems. At the same time, the quality of soil can be improved and status of health of urban consumers should be improved by consuming organic products.