OrganicTargets4EU: paving the way for a greener European food system

31/03/2026

The OrganicTargets4EU project has been officially completed, marking the end of four years of intensive collaboration, research, and practical activities across Europe. Today, it is no longer just about vision — the project’s results are concrete, practical, and applicable in real-world settings, contributing to the development of a more sustainable European food system.

The transition towards a sustainable food system is one of the key priorities of current European policy. Within the strategic framework of the European Green Deal, the “Farm to Fork” and “Biodiversity” strategies are fundamentally reshaping the European food system towards a fairer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly model. In this context, organic farming and aquaculture have evolved from niche sectors into one of the main pillars of EU food security and ecosystem restoration.


The path to 2030, however, remains a challenge. Without coordinated data, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based policies, the EU risks falling short of its ambitious goals. This is where the OrganicTargets4EU project played a crucial role — helping to bridge strategic objectives with real-world practice and laying the foundation for their successful implementation.

What is OrganicTargets4EU? A Collaborative Roadmap

OrganicTargets4EU is a flagship initiative of the Horizon Europe programme, aimed at linking strategic objectives with practical implementation on the ground. The project serves as a platform for collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders and effectively bridges legislative ambitions with the realities of agricultural practice.

By identifying socio-economic barriers and supporting agroecological approaches, the project develops evidence-based frameworks that enable the scaling of organic production across the European Union.

Key project partners:

To ensure regional relevance, the project conducts in-depth analyses across diverse conditions throughout Europe, specifically in Austria, Denmark, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Romania. These countries serve as model cases, allowing proposed solutions to be scaled across the broader European context while refining targets for 2030.

The Core Mission: 25% and Beyond

A true transformation of agriculture requires more than just vision — it demands concrete and measurable targets. OrganicTargets4EU focuses on delivering the key ambitions of the “Farm to Fork” strategy:

  • 25% of agricultural land under organic management by 2030

  • Development of organic aquaculture — a significant increase in the production of fish and seafood from sustainable sources

These targets are critically important as they respond to two major challenges of our time: biodiversity loss and dependency on chemical inputs. Expanding organic systems helps reduce the environmental impact of production while strengthening the resilience of the European food supply chain.

Research and Policy in Practice

Achieving a 25% share of organic farming requires a well-designed support system. OrganicTargets4EU is therefore built around three strategic pillars:

1. Policy Innovation
The publication of 12 Policy Briefs provides policymakers with clear and structured tools to address the economic and legislative challenges associated with the transition to organic farming.

2. Knowledge Sharing
Between 2022 and 2024, the project developed Organic Knowledge Hubs and AKIS overviews (Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System). These tools make innovations and best practices accessible directly to those working on the front lines of production.

3. Future Modelling
Through the use of Foresight Scenarios, the project anticipates market developments and environmental conditions, enabling stakeholders to better prepare for both climatic and economic challenges.

Thanks to these tools, the entire value chain — from farmers to retailers — gains a clear and reliable foundation for long-term decision-making.

Delivering Real Value: Tools for the Sector

The true value of the project lies in its practical outputs, which can be actively used by different stakeholder groups:

Farmers and Aquaculture Operators

  • Practical guidelines and methodologies

  • More efficient management and process optimisation

Policy-makers

  • Policy Briefs and development scenarios

  • Better alignment of national policies with EU objectives

Researchers and Advisors

  • Knowledge platforms and project outputs

  • Support for innovation and knowledge sharing

The Future of Organic Farming

The long-term impact of the OrganicTargets4EU project lies in building a stronger and more interconnected European market for organic products. By combining high-quality research with practical, field-based data, the project creates a stable environment in which organic farming can become an integral part of the economy.

At the same time, the project places strong emphasis on stakeholder perceptions. The transition to organic farming is not only a technological shift, but also a societal one. The active involvement of farmers, businesses, and consumers ensures that the transformation is inclusive and sustainable in the long term.

Conclusion: Join the Transition

OrganicTargets4EU represents a key driver in achieving the EU’s organic farming targets by 2030. By combining data, policy recommendations, and practical tools, the project creates a solid foundation for a healthier and more resilient food system.

How to get involved:

  • Download the 12 Policy Briefs and use them for your strategic planning

  • Explore AKIS Factsheets to better understand the innovation infrastructure in your region

  • Visit Organic Knowledge Hubs and work with the latest practice-based insights

  • Stay updated through the project’s newsletter and specialised media

The future of European agriculture is organic — and the tools to make it happen are already available to all actors across the value chain.

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