- Spain has the largest area of organic farmland in Europe and it is one of the most significant producers of organic food in the European Union, supported by certified land, product diversity, and strong export performance.
- In 2024 organic production reached approximately 4 million tons, although Spanish consumers are not yet demanding organic products in the same proportion as other European countries.
- Spain’s trade performance in organic products stands out. Exports reached record levels, generating a trade surplus of roughly €3.1 billion, a 28% increase compared to 2023. Spain is the third largest exporter of organic products in the world and the fifth largest importer.
- The Netherlands ranks as the third destination for Spanish organic exports and plays a strategic complementary role through trade-logistics, and market access.
Spain’s leadership in organic farming. A rich territory paired with strong certification
According to the “Analysis of the Characterization and Projection of Organic Production” published by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, organic agricultural land in Spain reached approximately 3 million hectares in 2024 (12.3% of the total).
The Spanish organic sector is characterized by a high degree of diversity. Pastures and permanent grasslands account for a significant share of certified land, particularly linked to extensive livestock systems, which also provide important an important role in Spanish efforts to protect and maintain natural areas. At the same time, Spain has developed a strong base of organic permanent crops and arable land, producing high-value products such as olive oil, wine, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
Organic production reached 3.75 million tons, which in terms of estimated value represents an increase of almost 350% since 2012. Organic livestock production is a relevant component of the sector. Thousands of certified farms operate under EU organic standards, especially in ruminant meat, poultry, and egg production. While growth in livestock has been more moderate than in crop production, it remains stable and contributes to the overall balance of the organic value chain.
Thousands of certified processors and distributors now operate across the country, covering activities such as milling, olive oil extraction, wine production, dairy processing, and packaged organic foods. This expansion reflects increasing professionalization and market maturity.
Beeld: © LAN team Madrid / LAN team Madrid
Spanish cows
Domestic Consumption and Market Dynamics
Despite its strong production capacity, domestic consumption of organic food in Spain remains comparatively lower than in several other European countries. Although consumer spending on organic products has grown in recent years, a significant share of Spanish organic output is still oriented toward export markets.
Spain is the third largest exporter of organic products in the world (7.4% of the total) and the fifth largest importer (5.7%). In Europe exports are destined to Germany, France, and the Netherlands, and outside the European Union, the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Japan. In 2024, organic exports reached record levels, generating a trade surplus of roughly €3.1 billion, a 28% increase compared to 2023.
Nonetheless, internal demand shows gradual improvement. Organic meat led the way in spending, representing 29.4% of the total, followed by fresh fruit (13.1%) and fish (12.2%). The market share of supermarkets and discount stores continued to rise, while hypermarkets declined slightly and e-commerce maintained its growth.
Continued consumer education, better distribution, and price accessibility are expected to support further growth in domestic consumption over the medium term.
Spain and The Netherlands: an organic partnership
The Netherlands presents a contrasting but complementary profile within the European organic landscape. Its organic agricultural area is relatively small compared to Spain, but organic food consumption in the Netherlands has expanded in the last decade, especially through supermarkets and specialized retailers. For instance, the Galician region, produces canned goods with special sauces destined for the Dutch market, as the LAN team learned in their activities to explore in more depth Spanish production regions.
Several clear complementarities emerge between the two countries. Spain contributes with large volumes of organic raw and semi-processed products, particularly Mediterranean crops with strong export appeal. The Netherlands, by contrast, excels in aggregation, logistics, processing, and redistribution. This relationship allows Spanish organic producers to access Northern and Central European markets efficiently, while Dutch traders and retailers benefit from a stable supply of high-quality organic products. The two countries mutually reinforce their positions within the European organic value chain.
Together, these dynamics illustrate how specialization and integration within the European Union contribute to the development of a resilient and interconnected organic food system.