Organic farming

Organic farming refers to a specific set of production methods that are monitored by the Skal Biocontrole foundation. Regulations for organic farming are laid down in the European Regulation on organic production (2018/848). In the Netherlands, Skal Biocontrole is the body responsible for implementing these European regulations.

Certified organic farms use no artificial fertilisers or chemical plant protection products, and use organic manure and organic plant protection methods instead. There are also regulations concerning the use of concentrated feed and veterinary medicines for livestock, for example, and livestock must have access to outdoor grazing.

The figures from Skal Biocontrole are higher than those shown here. This is because the agricultural census has a lower limit on SO (Standard Output) of three thousand euros and uses a different reference date. The reference date for the agricultural census is 1 April, whereas the reference date used by Skal Biocontrole is 31 December of the reporting year, a difference of nine months.