Organic agriculture is once again demonstrating its ability to withstand periods of instability. In a context marked by geopolitical tension, rising energy prices and economic uncertainty, this production model is showing a level of resilience that conventional farming cannot always match. Ecovalia highlights the sector’s competitiveness even in an environment of political and economic volatility.
🌍 Crises as a stress test for the sector
Crises are never good news for agriculture: they create uncertainty, disrupt markets and complicate planning. But they also reveal which production systems are more robust. Organic farming has already proven its strength in difficult moments:
- during the 2020 pandemic,
- in 2022 after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine,
- and now, in the midst of a new geopolitical escalation affecting global energy markets.
In each of these situations, the organic sector maintained stability and continued operating under adverse conditions.
🌿 A model less dependent on oil
One of the reasons for this resilience lies in the very nature of organic production. Unlike conventional agriculture, it does not rely on a single external input—such as oil—for its essential supplies. Instead, it is based on:
- diversified resources,
- the use of organic carbon linked to natural soil cycles,
- and reduced dependence on fossil‑fuel‑based fertilizers and inputs.
This structure allows organic farms to better absorb shocks when energy, raw materials or logistics become strained.
⛽ Rising prices, but a smaller impact on organic systems
With gas and oil prices climbing, many agricultural inputs are experiencing significant pressure. Recent figures show:
- agricultural diesel has risen by around 28%,
- diesel and petrol prices have increased by 27% and 14%,
- mineral fertilizers have surged between 40% and 50%.
These increases reduce profit margins and force producers to pass part of the cost on to consumers.
Organic farming, however, relies on bio‑inputs, which show a more stable price trend. Although transport costs have risen, the impact is smaller because these inputs do not depend directly on fossil raw materials. In addition, organic supply chains tend to be shorter, making them less vulnerable to fuel price fluctuations.
🗣️ Ecovalia’s perspective
According to Álvaro Barrera, president of Ecovalia:
“Organic farming is not immune to crises, but it does show a greater ability to adapt. The diversification of inputs is now a strategic advantage that other sectors should pay close attention to.”
He adds that in times of uncertainty, stability becomes a key asset, and organic production offers exactly that.
📈 A more predictable and competitive model
Volatility harms planning, increases costs and reduces competitiveness. Organic agriculture, by contrast, provides:
- greater predictability,
- less exposure to energy price swings,
- a more stable cost structure.
For this reason, Ecovalia stresses that organic production is not only an environmental commitment but also a real tool for competitiveness.
🧭 Looking ahead: the next CAP must reinforce this approach
Looking to the future, Ecovalia argues that the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should firmly integrate the organic model. Supporting organic farming means investing in:
- resilience,
- stability,
- and competitiveness.
