ORGANIC FARMING AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Slovenian case study
Barbara Lampič
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Department of Geography
Aškerčeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Barbara.lampic@ff.uni-lj.si
Abstract
In the paper key factors influencing the development dynamics of organic farming in Slovenia
are presented together with crucial characteristics of organic farms and their role in the domestic
organic food production. We evaluated the acknowledged contribution of organic farming to
protection of the environment and sustainable development. The case of Slovenia makes clear
that inadequate early planning of organic farming can have long-term consequences that are
difficult to fix later. Growing of organic sector is not a guarantee for sustainable development.
Both, the structure of production itself as well as the adequate spatial representation of organic
farms in vulnerable areas and high value protected areas are of great importance for sustainable
spatial development and positive environmental impact of organic farm practices.
Introduction
The purpose of the paper is to present the key factors influencing the development dynamics of organic
farming in Slovenia and characteristics of organic farms with a special emphasis on the role of the
domestic organic production and related demand. Furthermore we focused our research also in
valorisation of organic farming contribution to the sustainable development from the geographical
aspect – spatial distribution of organic farms.
Regarding conditions for agriculture, Slovenia is characterized as a country with unfavorable
conditions for agriculture. 74% of farmland is classified as less favorite areas (LFA) for agriculture.
Here traditional self-sufficient farming is prevailing (mostly orientated in livestock breeding). The
conversion to organic farming practices is much easier and quicker in these areas. On the other hand
intensive and high productive agriculture is mainly concentrated in fertile gravel plains with important
drinking water supplies.
The “Action Plan for the Development of Organic Farming in Slovenia until 2015” (2005) sets the
ambitious aim to reach 15% share of organic utilized agricultural areas and a 10% share of domestic
organic produce in the total food expenses until 2015. It is obviously now that we will not reach this
ambitious aims. The important reason is that we did not recognize all multiple effects of organic
farming on different segments of environment and sustainable development.
Development dynamics of organic farming
The promotion of organic agriculture has been intensively introduced by the EU Rural Development Programme
with special subsidies for organic food producers (organic farmers). Since 1999 the subsidies were crucial for
developing of organic sector in Slovenia and also many other EU countries.
With 6.4% of organic farmland in 2010 Slovenia is ranking at the EU-27 average; only the few EU member
states Slovenia (together with Czech Republic and Estonia) is forming the group that has been able to develop
organic farming, adapt agricultural legislation and introduce rural development programs already in the
accession period (Lampič et al., 2010). Actually we argue that Slovenia has not been able to recognize its natural
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advantages and develop them into widely recognizable sustainable model of agriculture at the “right” time
(Klemenčič, Lampič, Potočnik Slavič, 2008) therefore the organic production is still rather sporadic and “not”
market orientated.
In 2010 there were 2.218 farms included in organic control system (representing modest 2.7% of all farms in
Slovenia) with 30,735 ha of organic farmland. Out of this figure, 1.897 farms have already received organic
certificate. The increase of organic producers (farms) and the extent of organic agriculture land in Slovenia were
extremely high right after the introduction of environmental subsidies for organic farming but since 2007 the
growth is more stable.
2500
35000
30000
2000
25000
1500
20000
15000
1000
10000
500
5000
No. of organic farms
20
10
20
09
20
08
20
07
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
02
0
20
01
20
00
0
Area in organic control (ha)
Source: MAFFa, 2011
Figure 1: Numerical growth of organic farms and organic farmland (ha) in Slovenia (in the period
between 2000 and 2010)
Comparing the organic farmland structure of Slovenia and other EU countries; Slovenia has above
average percentage of permanent grassland (around 90%) and rather insignificant percentage of arable
land. The structure of organic farmland generates the farm specialization where organic stock-breeding
farms prevail. In 2010 almost 60% of organic farms were orientated in livestock breeding, around 15%
to permanent crops and horticulture and 10% to field crops farming (Slabe et al., 2010).
2
60
100%
290
11.332
90%
80%
860
19.143
70%
60%
50%
40%
705
30%
44.477
20%
420
10%
0%
Organic agricultural holdings
less than 5 ha
50 to 100 ha
All agricultural holdings
5 to10 ha
100 ha and more
10 to 50 ha
Source: MAFFa, 2011
Figure 2: The comparison of farm size structure; organic and all farms in Slovenia
The average organic farm size is in comparison to the average Slovenian farm relatively big that means 14.5 ha
in the year 2010. From the size structure of Slovenian farms (see figure 2) we see the important difference
between organic and conventional agriculture sector. Small agricultural holdings (less than 5 ha of farmland) are
prevailing with almost 60% but in organic sector farms from 10 to 50 ha prevailing.
Organic food market in Slovenia
The fact that organic farming has been an economic activity with the positive development trend for the
last 15 years in the EU is encouraging. Also consumption in two biggest worlds markets, Europe and
North America is growing close to 20% annually (Halberg et al., 2006), in some European countries
even to 30% (Slabe et al., 2010). It is important that organic agriculture is one of the most rapidly
developed market segments in the countries all over the world, even in developing countries (Halberg
et al., 2006).
In the last few years the production of organic food and also interest of Slovenian consumers for
organic products have increased scientifically. Market supplies have been enlarged and dispersed from
specialized shops and organic food markets to shopping malls (Lampič, et al., 2010). But despite the
growth of the organic food demand on the large EU markets, the organic sector does not represent more
than 1% of total food expenses in Slovenia (estimation in 2009) (Slabe et al., 2010). Also very low is
per capita expenditure for organic food and beverages which amounts to 17 EUR. If we compare this
with per capita expenditure in some other developed EU countries for example with Austria (104 EUR)
or Denmark (139 EUR) it is obviously that our organic market is still developing.
Although the market for organic food in Slovenia is still relatively small, it has been growing fast (10
to 15% per year) and the level of consumers’ preference for domestic products is high. That was proved
with our field research (Field survey, 2010), where 57% of consumers (433 included in survey) pointed
out the preference for domestic Slovenian organic food and just 13% of them do not care about origin
of the organic products. This presents a notable market opportunity for domestic producers, for direct
selling and even more for larger producers to supply retail and processors.
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Can organic farming contribute to sustainable development?
In the context of geographical research and valuation of the role of organic farming as an activity
which can contribute significantly towards sustainable development (primarily through positive
environmental impacts), we studied the expansion of organic farming in areas with a high
environmental value (protected areas, Natura 2000 areas), in less favoured areas (LFA) for farming,
and in highly sensitive water protection areas. In keeping with legislation and policies as part of the
Rural Development Programme, organic farming should be given priority in the development of areas
which have the highest natural value, and which for reasons of natural resource protection (drinking
water) are strategically important.
Figure 3: Distribution of organic farms in Slovenia
The importance of the distribution of organic farms and the associated environmental contribution of
organic farming to the sustainable development of Slovenia (particularly in preserving the quality of
drinking water and good quality farmland) is all the greater if we consider the fact that in Slovenia,
which has predominantly mountainous and karstic topography, farmland represents only a bit more
than 30% of the territory. The modest extent of farmland, in which grassland predominates, has been
under intense pressure from a number of special interests in the last decade, leading to a further
decrease in the extent of farmland in use. At the same time, the issue of agricultural self-sufficiency has
come to the fore recently as a crucial development problem, and the value of quality agricultural land in
Slovenia has risen.
The Action Plan for the Development of Organic Farming in Slovenia until 2015 anticipates that 15%
of farmland in Slovenia will be organically farmed by 2015. While this goal is unrealistic, a
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corresponding environmental effect could be achieved through the appropriate spatial representation
(and specialization) of organic farms.
Using data on the location of organic farms, we estimated the representation of organically farmed land
and organic farms in areas which are critically important for Slovenia from the standpoint of
environmental protection and sustainable development.
Sensitive areas
Protected areas
Areas of Natura
2000
Less favoured areas
(LFA)
Water protection
areas
66,293
10.69
1,487.2
Share of
area in
organic
control
(%)
4.98
142,067
22.91
6,820.2
22.86
369
17.9
449,000
72.39
28,197.5
94.51
1,922
93.0
95,768
15.44
4,913.3
16.47
263
12.7
Share of
Utilized
utilized
agriculture
agriculture
land (ha)
land (%)
Area in
organic
control
(ha)
No. of
organic
farms
Share of
organic
farms
124
6.0
Source: MAFFb, 2011
Table 1: Representation of organic farming in environmentally valuable and sensitive areas in Slovenia
Since Slovenia is characterized by poor conditions for farming, the share of farmland located in less
favoured areas (LFA) is almost 75%. In Slovenia LFAs are defined based on EU regulations and
confirmed in the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP). With respect to the criteria which
are used for the definition of these areas, they are divided into three groups: mountain areas, other
LFAs (low productivity), and areas with specific handicaps (flood-prone areas, areas subject to high
winds, and similar). Taking into account the spatial distribution of organic farms, it turned out that as
much as 94.5% of organically farmed land and 93% of all organic farms are located in areas where
conditions for cultivation are difficult and the yield is correspondingly lower. Thus we can also
understand why the greatest share of organic farms in Slovenia specializes in livestock husbandry.
Such a distribution indicates that organic farming in Slovenia is given priority by farms where
conditions for cultivation are poor, and farming practices are extensive and directed mainly towards
self-sufficiency. In this way we also arrive at the answer as to why Slovenian farmers are far from
adapting to the demands of the Slovenian market and the growing demand for organically produced
food.
From the standpoint of sustainable development, a somewhat more favourable picture is shown by the
representation of organic farms in Natura 2000 areas. This is a network of special protected areas
determined by the member states of the EU. Its principal aim is to preserve biotic diversity. The EU
created the Natura 2000 network as an important part of implementing the Habitats Directive and the
Birds Directive. These two directives support sustainable development, which is defined as meeting the
needs of current generations while preserving the environment so that the needs of future generations
may also be met. Nearly 36% of the whole of Slovenia’s territory is included in the Natura 2000
network, and 23% of its farmland (MAFFb, 2011). The spatial representation of organic farming
indicates that 18% of organic farms are located in Natura 2000 areas, and almost 23% of farmland there
is cultivated using organic methods. Agricultural policy is designed to encourage the development of
sustainable forms of agriculture in areas with high natural value, but nevertheless our assessment is that
more incentives to stimulate the spread of organic farming in areas with high biodiversity are needed.
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Protected areas are nationally recognized high-value areas. Slovenia as one of the countries with the
highest degree of biodiversity in the EU has 12% of its territory protected under various conservation
categories, but only 11% of farmland lies in protected areas. Since particular protected areas exclude
some settled areas (for example, Triglav National Park), the representation of organic farms in these
areas is very meagre. It is a fact that protected areas in their development strategies often do not
recognize the multi-functionality of organic farming and its contribution to integrated sustainable
development. In general, practically all agricultural production in protected areas, which are often
directed towards sustainable forms of tourism development, should be organic.
The gap between the achievement of sustainable development and the representation of organic
farming can also be seen in water protection areas. These areas are one of the most important forms of
protection of water bodies which are important for drinking water supply. Water protection areas and
management regimes are established by means of special regulations. Within a water protection area,
there are different degrees of protection, depending on the natural features and degree to which aquifers
and surface water are threatened. The regulations define three levels or categories of water protection
areas: VVO I (the narrowest zone), in which a very strict regime of protection is applied (banned or
restricted use of mineral fertilizers, manure, and slurry as well as phytopharmaceutical substances),
VVO II (narrower zone), and VVO III (wider zone) (MAFFb, 2011).
Slovenia is rich in water resources, and the area of water protection areas amounts to 345,127 ha, or
17% of the country’s total area. 15.5% of farmland is located in water protection areas but it should be
pointed out that for the most part this is high quality fertile land in gravel plains farmed using intensive
methods. The goal of many policies as well as agricultural environmental measures is to protect
strategic natural resources (drinking water). The high environmental sensitivity of water protection
areas should require the strictest protective measures, in particular from the negative impacts of
settlement and intensive agricultural practices. Agriculture in water protection areas should be
specialized in organic farming in its entirety, yet it is precisely here that the greatest ineffectiveness of
all existing regulations is seen: only 13% of organic farms are located in water protection areas, and
only 16% of the farmland there is organically cultivated.
Conclusions
The case of Slovenia makes clear that inadequate early planning and guidance of the development of
organic farming can have long-term consequences that are difficult to fix later, both in the structure of
production itself (far too little specialization in the production of field crops and garden produce) as
well as in the inadequate spatial representation of organic farms (in vulnerable areas of drinking water
supply and high value protected areas).
Due to the numerous natural limitations, conditions for agriculture in Slovenia are difficult in many
places, but the environmental and climatic diversity makes possible very heterogeneous cultivation.
Despite this, Slovenia did not recognize the importance of growing and processing its own food soon
enough. In the last decade the dependence on food imports has increased substantially, consumption
habits have changed, and we have neglected our own production and processing in many segments.
Currently Slovenia has a low level of self-sufficiency (around 40%), and in particular a very low level
of self-sufficiency in organically produced food. Despite the rapid growth of the organic sector after
2000, Slovenian organic producers are characterized by their “passive” approach—production is low in
both extent and heterogeneity, and there is consequently very little market orientation.
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We evaluated the acknowledged contribution of organic farming to protection of the environment and
sustainable development in the case of the current situation in Slovenia. The connection between the
role of organic farming and sustainable can be summarized as follows:
 The growth of the organic sector (the number of organic farms and organically farmed
holdings) was fairly rapid in Slovenia up until 2008 but more recently has slowed. However, the
actual area involved does not reach the target values which we defined in 2005 in the Action
Plan for the Development of Organic Farming in Slovenia.
 The gap between the demand for and supply of organic food is even more significant. The
current supply of Slovenian farmers is inadequate in both volume and type of food produced
(livestock husbandry strongly predominates) and lags behind demand (vegetables, fruits,
grains). We lag well behind other European countries in the segment of domestic production for
the market and we are far from reaching the targets set in the Action Plan for the Development
of Organic Farming (2005).
 From the standpoint of sustainable development the existing distribution of organic farms is
also inadequate: mainly it is farms in mountain areas that use organic cultivation practices,
while far too few farms adopt organic farming methods in protected areas and in low-lying
areas with groundwater, where Slovenia has strategic reserves of drinking water.
 Despite the gaps mentioned between the actual state and the goals of organic farming in the
light of sustainable development, the growth in consumption of organic food is strongly
positive. Particularly important is the growing demand for Slovenian organic products.
A number of activities are currently under way at the level of national policies for increasing selfsufficiency, better quality, and greater variety of domestic production. The role of traditional selfsufficient farming is growing once again; judging by current global aspirations, for a number of
economically weaker countries in particular, the timely awareness of the importance of one’s own
agricultural production and especially rapid action will be of crucial importance.
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