Action plan for the Development of Organic Farming until 2027 COMMON AGRICULTURE POLICY APOF Action plan for the Development of Organic Farming until 2027 3 JULY 2022 Ecological farming APOF Action plan for the Development of Organic Farming until 2027 Published by: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Graphic design: ART design, d. o. o. First edition: Ljubljana, 2022 Electronic edition available: https://skp.si/portal-znanja Picture on the cover page: Organic farming crops, author: Subottina Ana/Shutterstock.com 4 Kataložni zapis o publikaciji (CIP) pripravili v Narodni in univerzitetni knjižnici v Ljubljani COBISS.SI-ID 117866499 ISBN 978-961-6761-94-9 (PDF) APOF Ecological farming Contents 1 ORGANIC FARMING – a form of sustainable farming that provides healthy food, protects the environment and nature, and reduces the impact on climate change ...............................9 1.1 Preparation of the »Action plan for the development of organic farming until 2027« ....................................................................................11 2 ANALYSIS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF ORGANIC FARMING IN SLOVENIA ............................................................13 2.1 Analysis and description of the state of organic farming in Slovenia in the period between 2007 and 2020 ........................................... 14 2.2 Support for organic farming from 2007 to 2019 ............................................... 24 2.3 Control system in the Republic of Slovenia......................................................... 29 2.4 Labelling .............................................................................................................................. 29 3 LOOKING AHEAD – DEVELOPMENT VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS FOR ORGANIC FARMING IN SLOVENIA UNTIL THE YEAR 2027...............................................................31 4 SWOT-ANALYIS BY PRIORITY AREAS ..............................................................37 4.1 Production and processing with emphasis on the quality of organic products .......................................................................... 38 4.2 Knowledge transfer ........................................................................................................40 4.2.1 Education .................................................................................................................40 4.2.2 Advisory services and promotion ................................................................. 42 4.3 Organic seed production ............................................................................................. 43 4.4 Creating links and joint market presence ............................................................44 4.5 Organic food in the public procurement system ..............................................45 4.6 Marketing and Promotion ............................................................................................46 4.7 Research and development of new technologies ............................................. 47 4.8 Organic farming in relation to environment and climate change ........................................................................................................48 5 5 IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS BY PRIORITY AREAS ......................................................................... 49 5.1 Production and processing with emphasis on the quality of organic products ..........................................................................50 5.2 Knowledge transfer (education, counselling and promotion) .....................53 5.3 Organic seed production ............................................................................................. 55 5.4 Creating links and joint market presence ............................................................. 57 5.5 Organic food in the public procurement system .............................................. 58 5.6 Promotion and marketing ............................................................................................ 62 5.7 Research and development of new technologies .............................................64 5.8 Organic farming in relation to environment and climate change ........................................................................................................ 66 6 LITERATURE AND SOURCES ................................................................................69 6.1 Statistical and other data (available until 26 November 2021) .................... 70 6.2 Other sources .................................................................................................................... 70 INDEx OF GRAPHS: Graph 1: The share of agricultural land subject to organic control by EU member states in the years 2000, 2010 and 2019 ............................................. 14 Graph 2: Scenario development of organic farming in Slovenia until the year 2030..........................................................................................................................33 TABLE INDEx: Table 1: Farms, UAAs and processing plants that are subject to organic control, 2007–2020 ..................................................................................15 Table 2: The scope of UAA, by individual crops, subject to organic control, 2007–2020 ..................................................................................18 Table 3: The state of organic farming by statistical regions .......................................19 Table 4: The number of animals that are subject to organic control, and the share of animals that are subject to organic control in relation to all animals .............................................................................................................. 20 Table 5: The volume of organic production of selected crops, livestock and aquaculture, 2011–2020 (in tons) ................................................................21 Table 6: The amount of support for organic farming 2007–2020 (in EUR) .................................................................................... 25 6 Table 7: Support intended to promote organic farming, within the framework of RDP 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 ........................................... 26 Table 8: Support intended to promote organic farming, within the framework of RDP 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 ........................................... 28 THE LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED AB - Agricultural business MEDT - Ministry of Economic Develop- AECP - Agri-environment-climate pay- ment and Technology ments MESP - Ministry of Environment and AFSVSPP - Administration for Food Safety, Spatial Planning Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection MESS - Ministry of Education Science and AFSVSPP - Administration of the Republic Sport of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary MH - Ministry of Health Sector and Plant Protection MoLFSA - Ministry of Labour, Family, AIS - Agricultural Institute of Slovenia Social Affairs and Equal Oppo APOF - Action Plan for the Development MPA - Ministry of Public Administration of Organic Farming NGOs - Non-governmental organisations ARSAMRD - The Agency of the Republic of No - Number Slovenia for Agricultural Markets and Rural NVQ - National Vocational Qualification Development OF - Organic farming BC Naklo - Biotechnical Centre Naklo PAAS - Public Agricultural CAFS - Chamber of Agriculture and For- Advisory Services estry of Slovenia PG - Producer group CAP - Common agricultural policy PO - Producer organisation CCIS-CAFE - Chamber of Commerce and PP - Public Procurement Industry of Slovenia – Chamber of Agricul- PPs - Phytopharmaceuticals tural and Food Enterprises PS - Primary school CLLD - Community-led local development RDP - Rural development programme CO - Control organisations RS - Republic of Slovenia CUS - Cooperative Union of Slovenia SCC - Slovenian Chamber of Commerce DSA - Demeter Slovenia Association SOFA - Slovenian Organic Farmers’ Asso- ECO - Ecological ciation EIP - European Innovation Partnership SRA - Slovenian Research Agency EU - European Union SRYA - Slovenian Rural Youth Association FFF RS - Farmland and Forest Fund of the SS - Secondary school Republic of Slovenia TRP - Target research programmes GMO - Genetically modified organisms UAA - Utilised agricultural area GRM NM - GRM NOVO MESTO - Centre of UL BF - University of Ljubljana, Biotechni- Biotechnics and Tourism cal Faculty GUAP - Graphical unit of agricultural par- UM FALS - University of Maribor, Faculty 7 cel of Agriculture and Life Sciences HA - Hectare WPZ - Water protection zones HORECA - Hotels, restaurants, catering WWOOF - Worldwide opportunities on LAG - Local Action Group organic farms LFA - Less Favoured Areas for Agricultural Production MAFF - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food 8 CHAPTER 1 ORGANIC FARMING a form of sustainable farming that provides healthy food, protects the environment and nature, and reduces the impact on climate change 9 A place of residence for earwigs in organic olive groves. Earwigs are beneficial because they eat eggs and larvae of other insects, author: Irena Vrhovnik Ecological farming APOF ORGANIC FARMING a form of sustainable farming that provides healthy food, protects the environment and nature, and reduces the impact on climate change In 2005, when the first national »Action plan for the development of organic farming« was drawn up, organic farming was considered a »niche« form of agriculture which did not play a prominent role in the agricultural and food sectors. In recent years, organic farming has been gaining importance, in particular due to the rapidly increasing demand for organic food and awareness of the importance of producing healthy food and protecting the environment and nature. Organic farming is thus coming to the fore as an important form of today’s agriculture. Organic farming provides healthy food and is one of the most environmentally and nature friendly forms of agriculture. At the same time, it meets the objectives of sustainable development and represents a model example of green or circular economy. The new Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and the Council defines organic production as »an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental and climate action practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, and the application of high animal welfare standards and high production standards, which is in line with the rising consumer demand for products made using natural substances and processes« (Regulation EU 2018/848, p. 150/1). Organic farms are thus, for instance, characterised by their high levels of biodiversity, increased soil carbon storage capacity and lower greenhouse gas emissions as well as reduced contamination of surface water and groundwater by nitrates and pesticides. Organic foods (compared to conventional foods) contain a number of healthy substances (minerals, vitamins, etc.) and zero or minimum residue levels of pesticides, heavy metals and antibiotics. In this context, it should be stressed that organic farming also provides other important (social and economic) functions and positive effects such as cultural landscape preservation and revitalization of rural areas, market orientation aimed at satisfying customer needs, higher farm incomes, the creation of »green« jobs, making agriculture attractive to young people, linking organic farming with agritourism which has been in increasingly high demand in recent years, new direct relations between consumers and farmers (e.g. community supported agriculture) etc. 10 Organic farming has gained an important impetus since the adoption of the European Green Deal which underlines the need for a transition to a more sustainable food system, in particular by strengthening farmers’ efforts to tackle climate change, protect the environment and preserve biodiversity. It is the organic farming that plays a central role in this. In April 2021, the European Commission launched »an Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production« in order to support the development of organic farming. The Commission called on EU member states to include the objectives for the development of organic farming in their CAP strategic plans and to draw up national action plans for the development of organic farming. APOF Ecological farming 1.1 Preparation of the »Action plan for the development of organic farming until 2027« Recognising the importance and potential of organic farming, the Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food (the contracting authority) in 2020 acceded to the preparation of the new »Action plan for the development of organic farming until 2027 (APOF)«. On the basis of the public contract, Cooperative of Organic producers of Istria (Cooperative of Organic Producers of Istria, cooperative with limited liability, social enterprise.) was selected as the contractor. It was workshops that represented the key part of the APOF preparation, and they were organised by priority areas of organic farming. There were 10 workshops carried out during the period between June and December 2020, with stakeholders in the field of organic farming preparing SWOT analyses (for each priority area) and identifying needs, objectives and actions for the development of organic farming until the year 2027. This was followed by the publication of an online survey containing the key materials created during the workshops. The survey was filled out by 422 stakeholders of organic farming. The survey aimed to evaluate the proposed objectives and actions and to allow for additional sug-gestions by stakeholders. In order to review and confirm the key strategic objectives and actions for the development of organic farming until 2027, the final workshop was held in January 2021, which was attended by more than 80 stakeholders. On the basis of the activities or the results of workshops and the online survey, the contractor prepared a draft of the »Action plan for the development of organic farming until 2027«, which was approved by the contracting authority. The process of drafting the document was based on the »bottom-up principle«, involving a wide range of organic stakeholders aiming to promote the development of organic farming. The following organisations were involved in drafting the document: Amarant, Fanči Perdih s. p., University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty Bureau Veritas, LLC, The Centre for Sustainable Rural Development Kranj, The Slovenian Beekeepers Association, Eco-Cultur-Contact Society, 11 Calendula Society – for natural living and the quality of life, Organic Fruit Growers Association, EKO TIM – Society for group purchasing of organic products, OrganicSeeds, Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, Eko Prlekija, Community for the development of organic farming LLC., SE, ENGROTUŠ food retailer, LLC, The Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Maribor, The Faculty of Arts, the University of Ljubljana, Ecological farming APOF Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing, Institute for inspection and certification in agriculture and silviculture, The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia – Chamber of Agricultural and Food Enterprises, The Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia, The Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, MEDIACOR health tourism, representation, brokerage, services, consulting, trade, export, import, production organisation, LLC, The City of Ljubljana, The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, The Ministry of Public Administration, The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Celeia dairy company, dairy and cheese production, LLC, Project Plan B – a network of Slovenian environmental non-governmental organisations for sustainable development, MERCATOR Group JSC, PRJ HALO, rural development core, Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection, Vila Natura, services and consulting LLC, Jelka kindergarten, Dobrina Cooperative, cooperative for the development of sustainable local supply, cooperative with limited liability, SE, Cooperative Union of Slovenia, Terra Viva Institute, research, education and promotion, Demeter Association Slovenia, Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Union of Slovene Organic Farm Associations and regional associations, Slovenian Rural Youth Association. The document was drafted and prepared with the assistance of other individual experts and organic farmers. 12 CHAPTER 2 ANALYSIS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF ORGANIC FARMING IN SLOVENIA The marketing of organic products is often carried out in local markets, the case of Ljubljana, author: Omri Eliyahu/Shutterstock.com Ecological farming APOF ANALYSIS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF ORGANIC FARMING IN SLOVENIA 2.1 Analysis and description of the state of organic farming in Slovenia in the period between 2007 and 2020 In 2019, approximately 14.3 million ha of utilised agricultural area (so-called UAA) in Europe was included in organic farming, which represents approximately 8% of all UAA. At the EU level, the volume of UAA under organic farming has increased by around 70% in the last ten years, which is very similar to Slovenia. With its 11% share of organic UAA, Slovenia ranks above the EU average as regards its development of organic farming, occupying the 9th place among the EU member states, which puts it on a very similar level to Slovakia, Spain, Denmark and Greece. Slovenia deviates significantly from the EU average, especially in terms of its high share of grassland (third place), low share of fields (penultimate place) and the average size of farms - it is 13 ha in Slovenia, while at EU level it amounts to 30 ha (Eurostat, 2019). Graph 1: The share of agricultural land subject to organic control by EU member states in the years 2000, 2010 and 2019 14 Source: FIBL (for the years 2000 and 2010), Eurostat (for the year 2019). Between 2007 and 2009, the trends in the development of Slovenian organic farming fluctu-ated considerably. The period between 2007 and 2009 saw a stagnation of organic farming, followed by a significant growth until the year 2015. Over the period of the last four years, however, APOF Ecological farming the growth has slowed down again considerably. The year 2020 even saw a decline in the number of farms included in the supervision and control of organic farming. Nevertheless, the volume of UAA included in control and supervision of organic farming increased by around 2,400 ha in 2020. Attracting new farms to organic farming is a really big challenge, as the share of farms converting from conventional to organic farming amounted to 27% in 2013, while in 2020 it came to only 9%. The fact that many countries decide to exit organic control also represents a rather acute issue, and it is the years 2014 and 2020 that particularly stand out in this respect, with as many as 533 farms exiting organic control. The key reasons for the exits (especially in the two years mentioned above) are mainly related to the completion of the five-year implementation of the »Organic farming« action under the Rural Development Programme (RDP 2014–2020), the reduction of grassland support, marketing related problems as well as issues concerning the achievement of adequate yields or revenues and the age of farm holders. Table 1 (part 1): Farms, UAAs and processing plants that are included in organic control, 2007–2020 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 AB in organic control 2,000 2,067 2,096 2,218 2,363 2,682 3,049 3,298 AB with eco certificate 1,610 1,789 1,853 1,897 1,999 2,104 2,232 2,537 AB in conversion 390 278 243 321 364 578 817 761 ABs which exited organic control / / / / 35 97 47 87 Biodynamic AB 25 21 21 321 23 28 28 26 The share of AB under organic control with 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.9 3.1 3.6 4.1 4.6 respect to all AB % UAA included in organic control in ha 29,322 29,836 29,388 30,689 32,149 35,101 38,664 41,237 The share of UAA included in organic control with respect to 5.9 6.0 6.3 6.5 6.8 7.6 8.4 8.7 all UAA in % 15 Exits from organic control in ha / / / / 326 629 262 568 No. of processing plants subject to organic 63 75 86 105 150 177 202 247 control1 Source: MAFF. 1 Plants engaged exclusively in food processing (plants or AB engaged in both production and processing are not included). Ecological farming APOF Table 1 (part 2): Farms, UAAs and processing plants that are included in organic control, 2007–2020 Growth 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2007/2020 in % AB in organic control 3,417 3,518 3,635 3,741 3,828 3,689 84 AB with eco certificate 2,699 2,933 3,190 3,320 3,494 3,358 109 AB in conversion 718 585 445 421 334 331 -15 ABs which exited organic control 267 95 73 62 50 266 / Biodynamic AB 26 22 33 37 39 48 92 The share of AB under organic control with 4.7 5.0 5.2 5.4 5.4 5.4 108 respect to all AB % UAA included in or- ganic control in ha 42,188 43,579 46,222 47,848 49,638 52,078 77 The share of UAA included in organic control with respect to 8.7 9.0 9.6 10.0 10.4 11.0 86 all UAA in % Exits from organic control in ha 2861 620 404 501 409 2221 / No. of processing plants subject to 291 324 393 433 463 496 687 organic control i[1] Source: MAFF. 16 1 Plants engaged exclusively in food processing (plants or AB engaged in both production and processing are not included). APOF Ecological farming Land-use analysis in organic farming shows that the proportion of grassland, in spite of its decrease, still remains very high (84 %). At the same time, the volume of fields, garden crops and olive groves has also declined considerably in recent years. Arable land accounts for 9.5% of all agricultural land under organic control, however, it should be pointed out that a large proportion of arable land is used for animal feed production or is planted with clover, grass mixtures, etc. As a result, the volume of arable land that is used to grow food for people or market is very small. This is also linked to the fact that organic farming is poorly developed in those areas where natural conditions (especially for the production of vegetables, crops and fruit) are more favourable. It is in these areas, which are also characterised by a large proportion of water protection zones, that the negative impacts of (conventional) farming give rise to most harmful effects. Land-use structure in organic farming is very different from that in entire agriculture, with arable land accounting for 36% and grassland (only) 58%. This comparison confirms the belief that the reason for such a high predominance of grassland in organic farming cannot be attrib-uted solely to the natural agricultural conditions in our country. A comparison with agriculture on the whole also shows that organic olive and fruit farming are of great importance, with a fifth of olive groves and fruit orchards being organic, compared to only 3% of organic fields, 5% of organic vineyards, 6% of garden crops and 16% of grassland (Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia). An analysis by region shows that the region with by far the highest number of organic farms is the Savinja region, followed by the Drava, Gorizia, Southeast Slovenia and the Central Slovenia regions, while the Central Sava, Mura and Lower Sava regions have the lowest number of organic farms. The Littoral-Inner Carniola region ranks first in terms of the percentage of organic farms (11.4 %), followed by the Coastal-Karst (9.5%) and Carinthia (8.9%) regions. The lowest share of organic farms is in the Mura region (2.5 %) which is followed by the Drava, Lower Sava, Southeast Slovenia and Central Slovenia regions (all of them around 4%). Over the last ten years, growth has been recorded in all regions, with the lowest growth being recorded in the Carinthia region, while opposite trends were observed in the Lower Sava, Mura and Coastal-Karst regions which have all been distinguished by the highest growth over the last ten years. The picture is slightly different when it comes to the scope of agricultural land under organic control, with the Littoral-Inner Carniola and Gorizia regions being ranked first, followed by the South-East Slovenia and the Savinja regions. As regards the share of ecological land, all three Slovenian coastal regions stand out considerably – the Littoral-Inner Carniola region (38.8 %), 17 the Coastal-Karst region (30 %), and the Gorizia region (25.9 %). The Mura and Drava regions are characterised by the lowest share of agricultural land under organic control, 3.5 % and 5 % respectively. As far as the scope of agricultural land under organic control is concerned, growth has been recorded in all regions, with the lowest growth being detected in the Carinthia region, while the highest growth was identified in the Lower Sava, Mura and Gorizia regions. From a regional perspective, organic farming is most developed in the wider Slovene Littoral region, since more than a third of all UAAs involved in organic farming are located there. Ecological farming APOF Table 2: The scope of UAA, by individual crops, subject to organic control, 2007–2020 Year/ Crops in ha 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Grassland 26,036 26,983 26,251 27,041 28,364 30,665 33,530 Arable land 2,305 1,844 1,987 2,354 2,400 2,753 3,148 Vineyard 184 191 203 297 287 324 401 Olive groves 21 16 50 77 92 185 208 Orchards 669 712 782 798 858 994 1,148 (intensive orchards + meadow orchards) Intensive use 165 139 173 182 193 260 291 Extensive use 503 573 609 614 665 734 857 Vegetables2 108 91 114 122 148 181 228 Hop fields / / / / / / / TOTAL 29,322 29,836 29,388 30,689 32,149 35,101 38,664 Share of UAA under Year/ organic control in Crops in ha 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 relation to all UAA expressed in % Grassland 35,610 35,638 36,487 38,746 39,875 41,526 43,555 16 Arable land 3,485 4,051 4,404 4,477 4,801 4,682 4,885 3 Vineyard 420 495 536 559 656 704 765 5 Olive groves 226 214 240 243 259 278 281 20 Orchards 1,268 1,478 1,617 1,881 1,975 2,120 2,245 19 (intensive orchards + meadow orchards) Intensive use 342 484 565 784 873 958 1,114 26 18 Extensive use 926 994 1,052 1,097 1,101 1,160 1,131 15 Vegetables2 229 289 293 317 282 327 344 6 Hop fields / 24 2 1 1 1 4 0 TOTAL 41,237 42,188 43,579 46,222 47,848 49,638 52,078 11 % Source: MAFF, Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia 2 Outdoors and in a protected area. Including melons and strawberries APOF Ecological farming Table 3: The state of organic farming by statistical regions The scope of The share of The share of Growth ABs under The number Growth ABs under Region UAAs under organic control 2009 /2020 organic control of ABs under 2009 /2020 organic control expressed in ha expressed in % with regard to organic control expressed in % with regard to all ABs in % all ABs in % Upper Carniola 2,572 38 8.2 259 37 5.9 Gorizia region 8,011 126 25.9 361 53 6.8 Carinthia region 2,710 4 12.7 254 7 8.9 Coastal-Karst 4,511 117 30.0 298 210 9.5 region Central Slovenia 4,340 32 7.3 349 41 4.6 region Drava region 3,993 114 5.0 428 108 3.9 Mura region 2,408 210 3.5 194 229 2.5 Lower Sava 2,184 263 7.3 210 296 4.0 region Littoral-Inner 8,123 102 38.8 276 80 11.4 Carniola region Southeast 6,139 35 12.5 351 73 4.3 Slovenia region Savinja region 5,988 69 9.4 595 66 5.8 Central Sava 1,102 77 11.1 114 97 6.8 region Source: MAFF, Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia 19 Organic olive trees grow best on areas where there are no major disease problems, author: Irena Vrhovnik Ecological farming APOF In 2020, a total of 177,685 animals were raised on farms included in organic control, which represents more than 2% of all animals in Slovenia. In the period between 2007 and 2020, the number of animals raised on organic farms increased by 107%. By far the largest increase was in poultry (375%), followed by cattle (117%), while the number of sheep and rabbits decreased in the period in question. Compared to agriculture as a whole, the raising of sheep and goats is the most developed, with more than a quarter of all sheep and being included in organic farming. Organic cattle, on the other hand, account for 7.8%, while organic poultry, pigs and bees amount to only about 1.5%. Table 4: The number of animals that are subject to organic control and the share of animals that are subject to organic control in relation to all animals. Growth The share in Year/Type of animal 2007 2020 2007/2020 relation to all in % animals in % Cattle 17,488 37,904 117 7.8 Goats 5,794 6,545 13 25.5 Sheep 34,525 31,695 -8 27.8 Pigs 2,372 2,992 26 1.3 Hoofed animals 2,361 3,857 63 19.8 Poultry 18,516 87,972 375 1.5 Bees (families) 1,994 3,272 64 1.8 Rabbits 989 902 -9 1.0 Other animals 1,660 2,546 53 / Total 85,699 177,685 107 2.4 Source: MAFF, Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia 20 Istrian pramenka is one of Slovenia’s four native breeds of sheep. It is intended for milk production and early weaned lambs. Author: Archive of the Public Service Tasks of Gene Bank in Slovenian Animal Husbandry APOF Ecological farming Production The volume of organic crop production and the volume of organic livestock production are generally increasing, however, some fluctuations have been detected between individual years as well. Since 2011, the highest growth has been recorded in olives and grapes, followed by industrial plants, fruit, green fodder, and vegetables. Table 5: The volume of organic production of selected crops, animal products and aquaculture, 2011–2020 (in tons). Growth 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2011/2020 In % Cereals for grain 2,260 2,862 2,943 3,929 3,386 4,725 4,850 5,492 5,488 5,622 149 Root vegeta- bles and tu- berous plants, 1,026 1,115 1,185 1,579 1,611 1,622 1,768 1,824 1,626 1,831 79 of which: Potatoes 942 1,018 1,070 1,402 1,393 1,471 1,567 1,547 1,385 1,632 73 Industrial plants 87 184 125 156 217 88 427 335 306 609 600 Green fodder from fields 4,861 5,643 6,301 10,857 9,357 12,124 14,298 19,408 18,551 16,625 242 Vegetables3 529 713 1,233 1,438 1,601 1,771 1,516 1,834 1,795 1,700 221 Grapes 224 571 816 964 1,208 1,017 1,312 1,505 2,203 1,914 755 Olive trees 52 100 210 176 340 418 423 552 421 659 1,167 Fruit 1,301 1,207 1,817 1,845 2,744 1,937 895 5,029 1,521 5,310 308 Meat 134 295 177 200 152 324 327 410 330 309 131 Milk 4,743 4,830 5,395 5,626 6,036 7,128 6,051 7,187 7,740 7,715 63 Honey and other bee 22 21 45 20 22 21 31 44 42 34 55 products Table eggs (thousand) 5,330 3,654 4,138 4,641 6,314 6,936 8,657 10,869 11,705 13,316 150 Aquaculture 111,500 total 0 1,150 108,850 (no.) (no.) 32 65 564 630 651 713 -384 21 Source: MAFF, Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia 3 Outdoors and in a protected area. Including melons and strawberries 4 Growth 2012-2020. Source: MAFF, Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia. Ecological farming APOF Supplementary activities A quarter of all farms (912 farms) under organic control have one or more supplementary activities registered. It should also be noted that 20% of all Slovenian farms with registered supplementary activities are subject to organic control. Farms under organic control have on average six different supplementary activities registered. The farm with the largest number of supplementary activities has as many as 56 supplementary activities registered. There are 152 farms with 10 or more registered supplementary activities, while 154 farms have only one registered supplementary activity. The three activities registered by most farms are »the supply of tractor and other machinery services«, »processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables«, and »road maintenance and snow ploughing services«. In 2004, there were 39 organic farms with at least one supplementary activity registered in the field of tourism, whereas today there are 289 such farms. This represents 24% of all farms with supplementary tourism activities and just under 8% of all farms included in organic control. The above data show that in contrast to conventional farmers, organic farmers are much more likely to opt for diversification and development of supplementary activities. Organic food market The latest in-depth study on the organic food market was carried out in 2010 as part of the »Analysis of the situation and potential for growth in the supply of organic products to achieve the objectives of the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Farming in Slovenia until 2015«. The market share of organic food in the entire food sector was around 1%, while the total value of the organic food market was estimated at 34.5 million EUR, with an annual growth rate reaching between 10% and 15% (Slabe et al., 2010). Despite the lack of the relevant (up-to-date) data, it can be concluded that the organic food market has evolved and to some extent changed over the last ten years. The average annual organic food expenditure per capita amounted to around 17 EUR in 2010 (Slabe et al., 2010) and to around 26 EUR in 2019 (60 EUR per capita at EU level). In Slovenia, the market value is estimated to be around 50 million, which represents approximately 1.8% of the organic food market share in the entire food sector. Over the last ten years, the growth of the Slovenian organic food market 22 has been slightly lower than at EU level (FIBL, 2019). Supermarkets and discount stores represent the most important sales channel. In recent years, they have significantly expanded their supply of organic foods, especially imported organic foods, and have also invested heavily in their advertising. It is also encouraging to see that there is a growing desire or demand from retailers to include Slovenian organic food in their offer. The study entitled »Measuring changes in attitudes to organic products – a consumer survey« established that consumers are reluctant to buy organic food due to its high price which is the APOF Ecological farming key barrier to purchasing organic products. The study also found that at the same time a lower price would be the key incentive stimulating those who never buy organic food or who buy it very rarely to opt for organic food purchases. There are two other sources of consumer scepti-cism about organic food, namely mistrust in food labels and the perception that organic food is not better or healthier than conventional food. Organic food grown in Slovenia enjoys by far the greatest trust, followed by organic food from Austria and Germany (Aragon, 2020). Organic farmers continue to sell most of their products directly, mainly on farms and at (eco)markets. However, there has been a noticeable increase in organic food sales through newer (direct) channels such as online sale and home delivery, and these two channels have increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic), so-called »community supported agriculture« and community or group purchasing which represents a good model for both farmers and consumers. A positive shift towards organic food marketing can also be perceived in larger »traditional« cooperatives which are increasingly focusing on the development of their organic food supply (e.g. Šaleška dolina Agricultural Cooperative, Tolmin Agricultural Cooperative). Several (new) smaller cooperatives and organisations have also been established (e.g. Eko Prlekija LLC, Dobrina Cooperative, Organic Fruit Growers Association, Istrian organic cooperative Zemlja & Morje, VILA NATURA LLC, etc.) dealing with market driven integration of organic farmers and distribution of Slovenian organic foods. Some of them also (successfully) made use of funds from RDP 2014– 2020 (CLLD, M 16.4 etc.). It is less encouraging to note that only one producer group was rec-ognized as being suitable for the organic farming sector during this period (Eko Prlekija d. o. o.). It is important to note that there has been a noticeable shift in the availability of organic foods in public institutions, which is certainly the result of the adoption of the Green Public Procurement Regulation which stipulates that the proportion of organic food in public institutions is to be at least 15% of the total estimated amount of food, expressed in kilograms. In 2021, the Act amending the Agriculture Act was approved which, among other things, strengthens control over compliance with the Green Public Procurement Regulation. However, there is still a lot of untapped potential for the marketing of organic food, especially of Slovenian origin, in public institutions. Due to public procurement rules or criteria (the most important factor being the price), it is imported organic foods that are predominantly used in public institutions. A survey carried out in schools and kindergartens found that prior to the amendment of the regulation, the share of organic food amounted to 6.4%, whereas after the amendment, it reached 13%. Prior to the amendment, the share of organic foods of Slovenian origin amounted to 16.4 % of the total amount of organic food, while after the amendment it totalled 23.9 % (MAFF, 2015). 23 A major breakthrough of organic food into the hospitality and tourism or HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) sector still has not been achieved, however, this may be changed in the future as well thanks to the fact that Slovenia is the holder of the prestigious title of the European Region of Gastronomy 2021. At the end of this point, it is also worth mentioning the problem that a certain share of organic food enters the final market as conventional food, which is a particularly acute issue in the case of animals or meat. Therefore it can be concluded that Slovenia actually produces more organic food for the market than indicated by the data. Ecological farming APOF 2.2 Support for organic farming from 2007 to 2019 Within the framework of the current financial perspective 2014-2020, an autonomous measure M11 »Organic farming« was established for the first time at the level of an EU regulation. Slovenia has decided to follow some other EU member states and introduce two separate sub-measures: - sub-measure M11.1 provides support for the conversion of conventional farming to organic farming, - sub-measure M11.2 provides support for the maintenance of certified organic farming. An overview of the amount of support per individual land use shows that support increases with each new programming period. The only exception is grassland where, compared to the previous period, the amount of support under sub-measure M11.2 has been reduced. However, this amount (compared to the previous period) has increased under sub-measure M11.1. In comparison with other EU member states, Slovenia ranks among the countries with the highest support for organic farming, which is certainly promising. From the point of view of development of organic farming, it is rather problematic that by combining the EU and state support, conventional farmers can obtain similar or even higher amounts than organic farmers. 24 Ekološka Pridelava krompirja av T tor: Melhijad/ ourism on org shutt anic f erstock.com arm, author: Firbas Farm/Stringfixer.com APOF Ecological farming Table 6: The amount of support for organic farming 2007–2020 (in EUR) Agro-environmental Slovene agro-environ- Culture M11 conversion M11 maintenance (2014–2020) (2014–2020) programme mental programme (2007–2014) (2001–2007) Fields – field crops 377,82 326,18 298,07 277,80 Water protection zone for the water body of 257,82 206,18 / / the Rižana aquifers Open-air garden crop 600,00 600,00 551,45 328,80 Garden crop inside protected areas 600,00 600,00 487,90 354,00 Olive groves, intensive fruit orchards5 900,00 676,60 554,73 480,0 High trunk meadow orchards 291,33 189,33 237,80 177,00 6 Vineyards 900,00 692,74 578,92 480,00 Hop fields 900,00 900,00 578,92 480,00 Tree nurseries 900,00 900,00 578,92 480,00 227,5 Permanent grassland 311,86 155,57 (0.5–1.5 LU/ha) 139,20 (0.2–1.9 LU/ha) (0.2–1.9 LU/ha) 213,2 (0.2–1.9 LU/ha) (0.2–0.5 LU/ha) Production of agricultural plant seed 800,00 600,00 / / Bees 22.31/bee colony 22.31/bee colony / / Source: MAFF. Within the framework of RDP 2014–2020, organic farmers may combine AECP measures (agri environmental-climate payments) in the same area, as long as there is no overlapping between the requirements. In this case, the payments shall be cumulated, taking into account the maximum allowable amount of payments. Organic farms may also be able to obtain support under other measures included under the Slovenian RDP 2014-2020: - Measure M1 – Knowledge transfer and information actions, - Measure M3 – Quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, - Measure M4 – Investments in physical assets, 25 - Measure M6 – Farm and business development, - Measure M9 – Setting of producer groups and organisations, - Measure M13 – Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints, - Measure M14 – Animal welfare, - Measure M16 – Cooperation. 5 Olive groves with a density of at least 150 trees/ha, orchard plantations with a density of at least 100 trees/ha as regards walnuts and chestnuts, and at least 200 trees/ha when it comes to plantations with other fruit species and plantations with mixed fruit species. 6 With a density of 50 to 200 trees. Ecological farming APOF Table 7 (part 1): Support for investments in organic farming in the framework of the implementation of the RDPs 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 RDP 2007–2013 RDP 2014–20207 Measure/Sub-measure 112: Support for young farmers M6.1: Business start-up aid for young farmers The number of payments made 203 212 The total of payments (EUR) 4,975,983 6,636,031 Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments 9 % 16.1 % Measure/Sub-measure 121: Modernisation of agricultural holdings 4.1: Support for investments in agricul- tural holdings The number of payments made 165 277 The total of payments (EUR) 5,654,339 10,864,015 Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments 4.5 % 14.3 % 4.2: Support for investments in pro- Measure/Sub-measure 123: Adding value to agricultural and forestry products cessing and marketing of agricultural products The number of payments made 45 69 The total of payments (EUR) 7,753,118 10,767,114 Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments 9.4 % 41.4 % Measure/Sub-measure 132: Participation of farmers in food qual- 3.1: Support for new participation in ity schemes quality schemes The number of payments made 826 12 The total of payments (EUR) 361,033 4,185 Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments 64.5 % 0.2 % 133: Support for producer groups in Measure/Sub-measure information and promotional activities for products or foodstuffs covered by ap- The measure was not carried out proved quality schemes The number of payments made 7 / The total of payments (EUR) 1,114,198 / Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments 11.3 % / 9.1: Ustanavljanje skupin in organizacij 26 Measure/Sub-measure 142: Support for setting up and operation of producer groups proizvajalcev v kmetijskem in gozdar- skem sektorju The number of payments made 14 1 The total of payments (EUR) 322,684 36,531 Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments 50.6 % 12.3 % APOF Ecological farming Table 7 (part 2): Support for investments in organic farming in the framework of the implementation of the RDPs 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 RDP 2007–2013 PRP 2014–2020 7 Measure/Sub-measure Organic farming M11.2: Payments to maintain organic farming practices and methods The number of payments made 15,833 15,097 The total of payments (EUR) 50,770,255.94 35,487,968.17 Measure/Sub-measure Conversion to organic farming M11.1: Payments to convert to organic farming practices and methods The number of payments made 3,328 6,090 The total of payments (EUR) 7,826,364 9,486,542 16.5: Support for joint actions on cli- Measure/Sub-measure The measure was not carried out mate change mitigation and adaptation and for joint approaches to environmen- tal projects and practices The number of payments made / 1 The total of payments (EUR) / 26,992.06 Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments / 4.8 % Measure/Sub-measure The measure was not carried out 6.3: Support for small-farm business development The number of payments made / 99 The total of payments (EUR) / 3,496,500.00 Percentage of payments for organic farms compared to all payments / 13.6 % Source: MAFF, ARSAMRD. 27 7 The figures refer to disbursements made prior to 31 December 2020. Ecological farming APOF Table 8: Other public subsidies in the field of organic farming in the period between 2007 and 2020 Area Purpose Year of Amount of funding implementation in EUR National campaign 2007 156,035 Promotion Programme Bio-pleasure 1 2008–2011 945,510 Programme Bio-pleasure 2 2013–2016 272,063 Leaflet »Organic vegetables – an opportunity for many Slovenian farms«, leaflet »Organic farming – What requirements are to be met in order to be 2014 550 able to sell crops as organic« Brochure »The decision to go organic«, brochure »Technological guidelines for organic fruit production« (online version), AECP notices – »Undertaking the AECP and OF measures – for 2016 11,675 Rural network/ Printed matter potential beneficiaries«, the AECP and OF activities programme »Technological guidelines for organic fruit produc- tion« (online version) 2017 19,494 Brochure »Let's improve organic farming«, brochure »The decision to go organic« (the first update), brochure »Organic farming«, leaflets on 2019 5,810 the topic of organic farming – recipes Research and development projects (59 in total) Public support for research carried out within the framework of the central and development in organic register of pigs »Ensuring food for tomorrow«, 2012–2020 1,866,933 farming applied projects and projects carried out within the framework of the ERA NET CORE Organic European programme. Support for liaison assistance Support for the activities of associations or socie-2007–2020 108,129 and associations working in ties working in the field of organic farming. the area of organic farming Source: MAFF, ARSAMRD. 28 APOF Ecological farming 2.3 Control system in the Republic of Slovenia The control over organic production, processing and distribution or trade in organic food and organic certification are performed by organisations that meet technical and organisational conditions and are granted the SIST EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 accreditation issued by the Slovenian Accreditation public institute or by any other EU member state accreditation body included in the European Accreditation system. Organisations pursuing the control and certification play a key role in ensuring organic food transparency and traceability, which is of great importance in the organic food market. Organisations satisfying the requirements are appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. In Slovenia, there are currently four organisations appointed for the control over the production of organic agricultural products or foodstuffs and issuing of certificates: - Institute of Inspection and Certification in Agriculture and Silviculture (KON-CERT), SI-EKO-001, - Institute for the Control and Certification of University of Maribor (IKC-UM), SI-EKO-002, - Bureau Veritas, LLC, SI-EKO-003 and - TÜV SÜD Sava LLC, SI-EKO-004. Activities of the above control and certification organizations are supervised by AFSVSPP. The supervision takes place at the headquarters of the control and certification organisation (at least once a year) and in the field by assessing the competence of the controller when carrying out supervision at the contractor’s premises. 2.4 Labeling Organic agricultural products or foodstuffs marketed in Slovenia that meet the conditions in accordance with the Rules on the organic production and processing of agricultural products and/or food and Regulation (EC) No 834/2007/ must be labelled as »organic«. In addition to the label »organic«, abbreviations such as »bio« in »eco« may also be used. It should be noted that an agricultural product is permitted to be labelled as »organic«, »eco« or »bio« only if it has been certified. Unfortunately, the market is still filled with descriptions and/or labels that may mislead consumers into believing that the food is produced in a manner which is the same or similar to organic. This reinforces consumer distrust in organic label-29 ling. When selling products and foodstuffs labelled as »organic«, the certificate must be made available for inspection, which shall apply irrespective of the sales route, both in the case of purchasing food from a farmer (on the farm, open market, etc.) or in shops, supermarkets, etc. When labelling organic agricultural products or foodstuffs, the use of the EU organic logo is also compulsory. Ecological farming APOF Where the EU organic logo is used, an indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials of which the product is composed have been farmed shall also appear as follows: - »EU Agriculture«: provided that the agricultural raw material has been farmed in the EU - »non-EU Agriculture«: provided that the agricultural raw material has been farmed in third countries, - »EU/non-EU Agriculture«: provided that part of the agricultural raw materials has been farmed in the Community and a part of it has been farmed in a third country The abovementioned indication ‘EU’ or ‘non-EU’ may be replaced or supplemented by a country in the case where all agricultural raw materials of which the product is composed have been farmed in that country, e.g. »Agriculture Slovenia«. Products produced during the conversion period should not be placed on the market as organic products and they should not be marketed as in-conversion products, except in the cases of plant reproductive material, food products of plant origin and feed products of plant origin where »in conversion« or similar expressions may be used. In addition to the official label - the EU trademark and logo, agricultural products and foodstuffs may also bear additional labels such as »Demeter« (biodynamic production). An application to obtain permission to use an official label or a trade-mark shall be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. Picture 1: The national organic logo (left) and the EU organic logo bearing the words »Agriculture Slovenia«, guaranteeing the Slovenian origin of a product (right) Source: MAFF. Vir: MKGP. 30 8 Vloga je objavljena na spletni strani MKGP in jo je možno oddati tudi v elektronski obliki. CHAPTER 3 LOOKING AHEAD – DEVELOPMENT VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS FOR ORGANIC FARMING IN SLOVENIA UNTIL THE YEAR 2027 Painted beehive panels are an essential element in the history of Slovenian beekeeping, author: Archive of the Public Service Tasks of Gene Bank in Slovenian Animal Husbandry Ecological farming APOF LOOKING AHEAD – DEVELOPMENT VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS FOR ORGANIC FARMING IN SLOVENIA UNTIL THE YEAR 2027 In 2019, the »European Green Deal« was adopted, focusing on two key objectives, namely the transition to the green economy and the aim of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Green Deal also includes the »EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030« and »Farm to Fork Strategy« to achieve a complete overhaul of the EU’s food system, aiming to promote a more sustainable food production and processing system that will ensure food security and access to healthy food. Organic farming, which is the most environmentally and nature friendly form of farming, also plays a very important role in both the above-mentioned strategies. Organic farming has been recognised by the EU as the key mechanism for achieving the Green Deal objectives and the aims of the two strategies. To this end, the EU has also set itself a very ambitious goal of increasing the share of organic farmland to 25% by 2030. At present, organic farmland in the European Union constitutes 8.5% of the total EU agricultural land, with only three countries (Austria, Estonia and Sweden) exceeding 20% (Eurostat, 2019). With regard to the 2023-2027 Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, Slovenia is encouraged by the European Commission recommendations to develop suitable interventions to contribute to achieving the European Green Deal target of 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. Slovenia has set itself a goal of achieving a minimum of 18% share of organic farmland. This goal is ambitious and in line with the above EU guidelines. The calculation demonstrates that if Slovenia were to reach this target, it would also be close to the EU objective of 25% organic UAA by 2030. The graph below portrays three scenarios illustrating the development of organic farming, the first one representing a continuation of the current trend (blue curve), the second one show-ing the achievement of the target of 18% of the organic UAA by 2027 (green curve), and the third scenario depicting the achievement of the objective of 25% of the organic UAA by 2030 (red curve). 32 It should be emphasized that in case the recent trends continued, the number of organic farms would increase by approximately 900 (around 130 farms/year), to a total of around 4,600 APOF Ecological farming farms, which would account for about 7% of all farms. The scope of organic UAA would increase by approximately 14,000 ha (about 2,000 ha/year) to app. 66,000 ha, which would represent app. 13% of all UAAs. If the objectives of a 10% share of organic farms and 18% share of UAA are to be reached by 2027, which means around 6,500 farms or 86,000 ha of UAA, this growth would have to be noticeably faster, averaging around 400 farms/year and 5,000 ha of UAA/year Graph 2: Scenario development of organic farming in Slovenia until 2030 Source: MAFF. 33 Ecological farming APOF Slovenia is well aware of the importance of organic farming which is essential for achieving a sustainable farming system and high-quality crop production. The CAP strategic plan will continue to promote organic farming, as demonstrated by the Resolution »Our food, rural areas and natural resources after 2021«, which provides a strategic framework for the development of Slovenian agriculture, food processing and rural areas. It has been recognised that there is a need to establish organic food chains, encourage networking and promotion, and strengthen technological and entrepreneurial skills. Interventions after 2023 will thus be mostly focusing on the above mentioned areas and will consequently help promote greater production and processing of Slovenian organic food. Special support will be provided for the conversion of agricultural holdings to organic production. Slovenia will take a comprehensive approach to promoting organic farming and by 2030, it will strive to accomplish the ambitious objectives set out in the European Green Deal. Slovenia shall follow the above-listed guidelines and objectives by taking into account the vision of organic farming development which reads as follows: By 2027, Slovenia will be among the EU countries with the most developed organic farming and will devote more attention and funding to the development of organic farming than before. The number of organic farms and the scope of agricultural land with organic farming will increase significantly. The main focus will be in particular on increasing the scope of organic farmland intended for marketable crop production as well as on water protection zones and protected or conservation areas. We will increase the economy, innovation and market orientation of organic farms and ensure climate change adaptation, reduce greenhouse emissions and preserve natural resources and biodiversity on organic farms. We will introduce an effective organic farming support policy, including high-quality consulting services and educational system, to meet the needs of farmers or the sector. More funds will be allocated to research in the field of organic farming; these will be focused on addressing concrete challenges as well as the development of new technologies and practices, ensuring that farmers will be informed about research results. To this end, 34 we are going to establish demonstration farms to act as hubs and accelerators promoting the transfer of knowledge and innovation into practice. We shall aim to incorporate organic-farming content at all levels of the educational system and we shall also strive to ensure that the organic farming study programme is carried out at both – first and second Bologna levels. There will be more and more young people who will consider organic farming as their APOF Ecological farming unique opportunity, which will provide for new green jobs and contribute to the vitality of rural areas. We are planning to establish sustainable food chains and strengthen the integration of organic farms into cooperatives or producer groups which will be based on fair relations throughout the entire chain and besides, they shall also strive to ensure quality and traceability for consumers. The availability and amount of Slovenian organic food on the market, including retail chains, gastronomy and tourism, are expected to increase. The share of Slovenian organic products in public institutions will be increased, thereby ensuring healthier diets for consumers, especially children and young people. The annual »ORGANIC + LOCAL = IDEAL« promotional campaign will make Slovenian consumers more aware of the importance of organic farming to human health, environmental protection and nature conservation. Consequently, Slovenian consumers will be more likely to buy Slovenian organic food. With the involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders, we shall succeed in achieving the goal: »Slovenian organic food on every Slovenian plate«. The key strategic objectives for the development of organic farming until the year 2027 are as follows: 1. To increase the role of organic farming within the CAP framework and to increase public funding for organic farming. 2. Reach at least 10% share of organic farms (currently 5.4%), at least 18% share of organic UAA (currently 11%), at least 3% share of organic beekeepers (currently 1%), at least 30% share of organic tourist farms (currently 24%), and at least 25 certified mass catering institutions (currently 14 mass caterers). 3. Increase the scope or proportion of organic fields, gardens, fruit orchards, olive groves and vineyards to at least 30% of all organic UAA (currently 16%). 4. Increase the scope or share of organic farmland in UAAs in water protection zones to at least 25% (currently 11%) and in UAAs in conservation areas (protected areas and Nature 2000) to at least 30% (currently 15%). 35 5. Increase the market share of Slovenian organic food. To increase the share of organic food, especially Slovenian, in public institutions. 6. Strengthen knowledge, skills and innovativeness of organic farmers. 7. Upgrade the system of promotion/consulting services for organic farming (various stakeholders involved). Ecological farming APOF 8. Increase funding for research and development of new technologies and provide more research projects to address the challenges of organic farming. 9. Increase the production of certified organic seeds, especially field crops. 10. Establish (regional) distribution and processing centres, develop short supply chains and market integration of organic farms. 11. Establish a comprehensive supervision over the consumption of organic food in public institutions, in line with the Decree on Green Public Procurement. 12. Increase the number of cooperatives and producer groups which bring together organic farmers to at least 10. 13. Increase funding to modernise technologies, promote commercial production and adapt to climate change and protect the environment and nature on organic farms. 14. Establish a common brand for Slovenian organic food. Monitoring and assessment of the objectives and measures pursued A report on the monitoring of the implementation of individual objectives and measures set out in ANEK will be prepared every two years by the Organic Farming Working Group headed by MAFF. The report will be published on the MAFF website 36 CHAPTER 4 SWOT-ANALYIS BY PRIORITY AREAS Cheese in the “Sirarna Zadnji Vogel” Cottage is made of raw milk in the traditional way, author: Anrephoto/Shutterstock.com Ecological farming APOF SWOT-ANALYIS BY PRIORITY AREAS This chapter presents the key starting points and SWOT analyses related to the ten priority areas of organic farming. 4.1 Production and processing with emphasis on the quality of organic products a) Key starting points and challenges: - insufficient (market) production and processing, especially fruit and vegetables, - the issue of processing organic meat and meat products (a large proportion of organic meat is marketed as conventional), - large producers or processors are faced with a shortage of Slovenian organic products that could be included in their production, thus filling the gap in the production and sale of the Slovenian organic food, - low growth or stagnation of organic farming (in recent years), - insufficient number of farms taking up or converting to organic farming 38 Promotion of organic food under the slogan ‘ORGANIC+LOCAL=IDEALLY’, author: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food APOF Ecological farming b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Examples of good practice – strong and (commercially) successful A lack of well-thought-out agricultural policy measures, organic farms insufficient state support, objectives and measures set out in APOF (by 2015) have not been achieved Varied microclimatic and pedological conditions for diversified Insufficient share of organic farms and UAA (in relation to natural production conditions and compared to some other countries), a high proportion of farms exiting organic control Establishing a control system – trust in organic certificates Fragmentation of areas, insufficient production of organic food for the market Better age structure of the people who run organic farms (farm holders) in comparison with conventional farms; organic farming Lack of knowledge, poor transfer of knowledge into practice, appeals to young transferees and new farmers cultivation technologies are not sufficiently developed Traditional knowledge and farming methods (mountain farming, There is no up-to-date database of products authorised for use pesticide-free…), indigenous and traditional varieties and breeds in organic production, restricted phytopharmaceutical products, of animals more expensive and smaller range of farming equipment. Poor agricultural machinery and technology, lower On average, high support for organic farming compared to the EU competitiveness and productivity, insufficient state support regarding organic farm investments. A higher share of supplementary activities on organic farms (in As regards the subsidies per hectare, the differences between comparison with conventional farms) – diversification organic and conventional production are negligible, insufficient support for conversion to organic farming No clear, comprehensive national strategy on organic farming, the Organic farming is no longer just a niche area of agriculture state fails to keep pace with the development trends in organic farming OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Digitalisation in farming Too many farms are opting to enter organic farming because of subsidies Investments in technological equipment, diversification, Too much bureaucracy development of new products Attracting and involving more young farmers and new entrants to Unfair foreign competition organic farming Use the existing system (MAFF, CAFS, SOFA/societies …) for the Misleading with other names and quality labels (domestic …); development of organic farming MAFF is degrading the development of organic production and processing through inappropriate promotion of other schemes Covid-19 – greater public awareness, new customer-farmer Farms continue to exit from organic control relationships Intensive small-scale commercial production of garden crops New diseases, pests The EU and the public support organic farming Young people are not interested in organic farming due to the general bad situation (reputation) in agriculture. Farms that have a high potential for conversion are small farms and farms which pursue organic farming, but do not want to be included in organic control. 39 Ecological farming APOF 4.2 Knowledge transfer 4.2.1 Education a) Key starting points and challenges: - organic farming is still underrepresented in the education system, - poor knowledge transfer between stakeholders, - the (compulsory) education system in the field of organic farms is not sufficiently effective. b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Higher education programme in organic farming and very good Narrow range of topics or mandatory training courses; improperly academic staff at the UM FALS, organic farming course is also selected topics; six hours of compulsory training is too much to be available at the UL BF carried in one day; since the provider of compulsory educational courses is selected through public procurement, the flexibility and professionalism are rather limited (the main criterion is the lowest price) Organic farming subjects and related topics included in the Organic farming topics are not sufficiently included in primary and curriculum of several secondary schools, etc.; support for organic secondary school curricula or organic farming subjects are not farming at GRM NM and at BC Naklo designated as compulsory; no training or education concepts for teachers and other education staff. Examples of good practices in formal education (primary school No systemic co-financing for organic school gardens science days or visits to organic farms, organic school gardens, permaculture gardens …) Organic school gardens project Outdated NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS curriculum for organic farming Some teaching staff are interested in organic farming, they Poorly educated organic-farm holders/ members support it and they strive to do their best to promote it. School scheme for fruit and vegetables which also renders Competition of various stakeholders in the delivery of training possible the provision of training courses courses A wide range of non-formal training courses and a free choice Poorly organised hierarchy of professional/specialist services of topics, seminars and conferences, current trends in organic in the transfer of knowledge into practice; knowledge triangle farming, etc. concept is still not sufficiently developed Compulsory education for organic farmers should remain Lack of funding for non-formal educational and inadequate mandatory in the future as well tenders (systematically unregulated) Implementation of non-formal training courses on organic farms Modest number of EIP projects promoting organic farming Lack of demonstration farms used for educational purposes - to research and demonstrate various agricultural techniques Duplicate content for the responsible operators who carry out OF and AECP actions 40 Poorly educated controllers Decline in enrolment at the UM FALS Not all agricultural schools/faculties provide at least basic knowledge of organic farming; no education in the field of local food supply and organic farming in other faculty programmes APOF Ecological farming OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Raising awareness among children and young people through the Eco school has nothing to do with organic farming (no organic education system, inclusion of organic farming subjects in primary farming content included in education) school curriculum, outdoor classrooms, strengthening the system of organic school gardens and urban organic gardens, linking local organic farms with schools Basic knowledge of organic farming is passed on in all agricultural Changes and merging of the organic-farming higher education schools and faculties; inclusion of subjects related to organic programme with other programmes (organic farming is abolished farming and organic food in other study programmes (hospitality as an autonomous study programme) and catering, healthcare, teaching and education…) Redesigning secondary school programme in agricultural Declining students’ interest in organic farming, lack of interest education – the Austrian model Inclusion of the organic farming content in the set of parameters Lack of links between MAFF and MESS as regards the topic of needed for the advancement of teachers (parameters are dealt organic culture and organic food with by the National Education Institute); providing kindergarten and primary school staff with education on organic farming EIP-projects of cooperation and CLLD/LAG-activities Decision makers working in education and research institutions are not sufficiently supportive of organic farming, therefore there are/will be too few EIP projects on the topic of organic farming Upgrading the content of compulsory training and education for Make compulsory training voluntary - not all farmers will be organic farms – farm tours, examples of good practices, foreign sufficiently innovative, motivated and skilled to face the challenges practices, educational trips abroad, a range of MAFF topics, various providers, voucher system The possibility of co-financing (non-formal) education courses for The high cost of delivering non-formal education courses for only organic farms through the Slovenian National Rural Network a few participants (dispersion); insufficient financial resources to organise non-formal courses Demonstration organic farms used to showcase farming methods Maintaining or sticking to the PP system for compulsory education and techniques and highlight best farming practices through courses in organic farming educational courses. Student exchange programmes, world-wide opportunities on organic farms – volunteering on organic farms An educated consumer 4.2.2 Svetovanje in pospeševanje 41 Terrain advising, author: Martina Gomzi Ecological farming APOF 4.2.2 Advisory services and promotion a) Key staring points and challenges: - free advice on organic farming is provided within the framework of PAAS, - insufficient number of organic farming advisors, - need to bring together stakeholders providing advisory services and promoting or encour aging the conversion of farms to organic farming. b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Existing PAAS network – a system of free and independent advisory services throughout Slovenia, good links with local Dispersed knowledge, insufficient cooperation between communities, other research and development (R&D) institutions stakeholders and organic farmers associations (including expert support) PAAS are distinguished by high-quality knowledge and a wide range of expertise (production, processing, promotion, tourist Not enough real promotion in the field farms, promotional events) Advisers know a farmer, his family and potential very well, and Part of the hours performed by PAAS is not recorded under they can easily identify opportunities to convert a farm into organic farming because the system does not allow parallel organic farming. monitoring Organic farmers have a positive attitude towards education Insufficient amount of paid hours that are allocated for all PAAS tasks and consequently also for organic farming Farmers are encouraged to convert to organic farming (also in the Insufficient funds allocated for additional trainings of organic framework of AECP training courses and advisory services). farming advisors Organised events, at home and abroad, with examples of good Research institutions are faced with a lack of research and practices (associations, private sector, faculties ...) technological solutions in the field of organic farming which are needed by advisers in order to transfer the knowledge to farmers Some farmers need to hear the advice of the advisory service several times in order to follow it Unfavourable age structure of advisers OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Upgrading advisory services when it comes to advising and promotion; the possibility of carrying out promotion also through Lack of money and (political) support for advisory services and SOFA/associations promotion Networking and knowledge transfer between different institutions, networking between farmers and expert advisers Failure to accept and accomplish the objectives set for the in the field of organic and biodynamic farming, opportunity for purpose of advising organic farms, within the framework of PAAS young professionals Upgrading of activities: animation events, promotion, good 42 practices at home and abroad Unprofessional content delivery Co-financing the implementation of the promotion of organic farming through the Climate Fund and/or with the support of the Lack of cooperation between stakeholders in the field of local community promotion and advisory services or the knowledge triangle By intensifying the promotion of organic farming, PASS would be Advisory services or promotion do not sufficiently meet the needs even more in line with trends of organic farmers More PAAS working hours in the field of organic farming and more Risk of losing progress achieved in organic farming support for organic farmers in solving technological problems CAFS elections, selection of organic farming candidates who will co-shape the policy within CAF (and externally) and achieve that organic farming is given more weight APOF Ecological farming 4.3 Organic seed production a) Key starting points and challenges: - insufficient production of agricultural plant seed, - imports of foreign varieties of agricultural plant seed predominate. b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Existing organic seed cooperatives and seed companies offering Small market, high availability of organic seeds from other organic seeds countries, low demand, export of Slovenian organic seeds to Austria Organisations with infrastructure for testing seed varieties to check if they are suitable for organic farming; AIS produces organic Poor natural/climatic conditions for seed production seeds – crops (also within the framework of Ecobreed project) Experts, knowledge in the field of organic seed production Low production volume and a small amount of areas intended for the production of organic seed material Local and indigenous varieties that are in high demand (market niche) Many risks associated with organic seed production Good natural conditions for certain types of seeds/varieties, e.g. Narrow selection of seed varieties and high prices of organic Slovenian lettuce is of better quality than Italian lettuce seeds, which results in additional purchases of organic seeds Existing support for organic seed production, within the Certain indigenous varieties are not certified organic – e.g. 'Darja' framework of RDP buckwheat; AIS cannot provide organic seeds of indigenous varieties because they are produced in conventional manner as Farmers help each other – e.g. buying each other's seed material well. of field crops OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Establish a system of links between farmers and seed producers – joint planning Legislation in this area is too restrictive and it hinders production Development and promotion of organic seed production of field crops, new varieties also through the project Obzorje (Horizon) Climate change 2020 and target research programmes Consumers want products that grow from domestic seeds and crops of known organic origin Lack of networking between stakeholders As far as indigenous varieties are concerned, systematic selection Increasing additional purchases of conventional seeds is required – this takes time and money Further investment in knowledge in this area Establishing networks of experimental support »centres« through e.g. target research programmes, EIP, RDP Subsidising organic seed producers 43 Since 2022, the database also contains seeds from conversion, there may be more Slovenian organic seeds available on the market Ecological farming APOF 4.4 Creating links and joint market presence a) Key starting points and challenges: - A significant obstacle to market integration of organic farmers is a low number of (bigger) organic farms, a large proportion of which have developed their own (direct) sales channels. - In 2017, SOFA was established; it brings together around 13% of all organic farms and has no systemic funding for its operation. b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Strong tradition of cooperatives Insufficient number of SOFA members (active for 3 years) Due to the fact that Slovenia is a small country, links can easily be There is no systemic financing of SOFA and other associations; the established work or activities are mainly based on voluntary work Some good practices of market integration of organic farms Farmers do not understand the principles of market integration The volume of market production is too low; there are many Existing support for market integration (e.g. Measures 9.1., 16.4, farmers who market their produce themselves and are therefore CLLD/ LAG …) which need to be slightly adjusted not interested in integration or they only want to sell »surpluses«. Insufficient number of farms producing crops for larger processing plants. Numerous regional associations have been active for many years The criteria for some measures are too strict (e.g. at least 30 farms are needed to set up organic food producer groups) Growing interest in networking and creating links The BIODAR brand no longer exists OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Adjustment of market integration measures (easier entry conditions) Farmers' unwillingness to engage in market integration Creation/development of a brand (premium) based on the There is too much of a gap between the wishes and needs of BIODAR model farms and farm-linking organisations (purchase prices, margins …) Strengthening of SOFA capacities Lack of interest in joining SOFA, also due to bad experiences in the past Make better use of CLLD/LAG funds to establish cooperation and integration at the local level Too many brands, confusion on the market Selling products to public institutions, retail chains, restaurants, hotels, There are no systemic funding sources for SOFA 44 APOF Ecological farming 4.5 Organic food in the public procurement system a) Key starting points and challenges: - under the Regulation on Green Public Procurement, the share of organic food in public institutions must be at least 15%, - it is imported organic food that predominates. b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES The possibility of excluded lots (20% or 80,000 Eur) within the PP There is no data, supervision and sanctions regarding the framework compliance with the Regulation on Green PP Regulation on Green PP – an obligatory part of organic food Too many imported organic food items within the PP framework, questionable quality and traceability of organic food items The system of (free) meals in public institutions No continuous supply (customers' fears) School scheme The PP system does not allow any local discrimination or favouring of local suppliers. Examples of good practices of public institutions which order more food than required by the Regulation. Bureaucratic obstacles (monitoring quantities of organic food ...) Staff in charge of procurement in public institutions are still not A growing supply of Slovenian organic food products adequately educated and are also not sufficiently aware of the importance of organic food Several local cooperatives/suppliers have been established who Failure to respect contract conditions (public institutions buy less bring together organic farmers and work with public institutions than specified by contracts) OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Establishing local/regional models for promoting the introduction of Slovenian organic food in public institutions Insufficient control over suppliers/traders of foreign organic food Identification of the relevant environmental criteria within the PP framework (preference for Slovenian organic food over imported Growing share of imported organic foods in public institutions organic food) Introduction of supervision and sanctions related to PP, having Additional bureaucracy that hinders the introduction of Slovenian regard to the Regulation on Green PP organic food in public institutions Developing guidelines on healthy eating in public institutions Slovenian organic food is overpriced (compared to imported food) Compulsory observance of the Regulation on Green PP, which also The scope of supply is too low and besides, there is not enough applies to organised organic foods at faculties (coupons) variety in Slovenian organic foods Covering the costs of organic farmers or suppliers to register in the e-catalogue, promoting the e-catalogue and upgrading it for use in Mixing local, integrated and organic in the HORECO sector Raising awareness and educating nutrition managers or staff in Lack of interest among the heads of public institutions for the 45 public institutions, parents, children roll-out of organic foods Make better use of school scheme for the introduction of Slovenian organic foods in public institutions Greater role of municipalities in introducing Slovenian organic foods in kindergartens and schools, co-financing of organic food purchases, following the example of EU countries and regions Ecological farming APOF 4.6 Marketing and Promotion a) Key starting points: - despite the fact that Slovenian organic food is in high demand, the market is dominated by imported organic food, - insufficient promotion in the past, - general promotion of consumer awareness of the importance of eating local, organic food produced in Slovenia under the slogan »ORGANIC + LOCAL = IDEAL«. b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Growth in demand for organic food, the market is already quite Barriers to entry into retail chains (excessive demands and the developed lack of flexibility on the part of merchants or traders, fragmented farm supply) Consumers favour Slovenian organic food (willing to pay more) Weak entrepreneurial initiative Increase in direct sales, strong organic markets, direct contact between farmers and buyers Lack of data analysis of successful and unsuccessful farmers Product quality (no industrial organic farming – good overall story) A lack of adequate marketing, distribution and processing infrastructures, especially for meat and dairy products Commercially successful farms (examples of good practice) Short-lived promotional activities Slovenia is globally recognised as a green and gastronomic Hospitality and tourism or HORECA sector is not yet sufficiently destination prepared to introduce organic food OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Development of short chains, e.g. direct online sales, home Lowering organic standards, misleading, scandals that can delivery, community group buying… undermine consumer confidence in organic food Awareness-raising and an increase in promotion of organic and Merchants or traders with their organic brands surpass Slovenian healthy food organic brands Organic agricultural tourism Economic crisis, reduction of purchasing power, tourism decline, etc. Intensive small- scale commercial garden crop production Too many different and untested brands or logos, confusion in the market due to different labels Intensive promotion of other quality schemes (especially selected Regional logistics distribution centres quality) may negatively affect the development of organic farming and reduce the importance of organic food in the market Linking up with retail chains and HORECA sector Predominance of foreign organic products, non-competitive prices, unwillingness to introduce Slovenian organic food into Training of stakeholders so that they are able to distinguish 46 retail chains and the HORECA sector. between conventional/integrated and organic products APOF Ecological farming 4.7 Research and development of new technologies a) Key starting points and challenges: - dissemination or transfer of research results into practice is not sufficiently effective, - cooperation between stakeholders is still too weak, - lack of research on organic farming. b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Involvement in the »CORE ORGANIC« projects Too little money is spent on research in the field of organic farming (with regard to the share of UAA) Digitalisation of knowledge – research from abroad is available Topics for a wide range of organic farms are not confirmed, topic initiators do not receive any feedback on a certain initiative Poor dissemination of scientific research projects for professionals Applied information from learning farms from abroad and the general public (no systematics); after the funding is over, many projects »fizzle out« We have some (internationally) renowned researchers in the field Research teams put a lot of effort into projects that eventually are of organic farming not chosen for funding (approximately one application out of 10 is successfully acquired) EIP projects to date - some also exclusively on organic farming Weak stakeholder involvement OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Green European Deal Misinterpretations about the impact of organic farming on the environment Use of knowledge – digitalisation Cutting public funding for research and development »Translating« research into a common language, dissemination for professional experts and farmers Bureaucratization A single digital knowledge base Fictitious research and development projects in the field of organic farming Multiannual exploratory comparative experiments Pressure from major providers of conventional farming equipment on research activities Objective of the Commission: 25 % of organic UAA = 25% of research funding for organic agriculture Cooperation between disciplines and stakeholders – no competition Several projects on the topic of organic agriculture within the framework of the tenders: Development of new products, practices, processes and technologies and EIP-projects 47 Ecological farming APOF 4.8 Organic farming in relation to environment and climate change a) Key starting points and challenges: - organic farming is still under-represented in the most sensitive natural areas, with organic farmland accounting for 11% in water protection zones, 12% in protected areas, and 17% in Natura 2000 sites (the percentage is calculated on the basis of all UAA in these areas). b) SWOT-analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Organic farming maintains better soil fertility (more humus) and biodiversity, reducing the environmental burden and burden on Increasing use of plastic sheet cover foils which have negative natural resources impacts on the environment and people Organic farming has a lower environmental footprint, has fewer negative impacts on climate change and is able to adapt to climate Using appropriate machines with a smaller carbon footprint is change more expensive Permanent plantations - preserving as many ecosystem services as Lack of comprehensive studies on the environmental impact of possible (minimise interference) organic farming Social commitment to nature conservation and the fight against climate climate change More greenhouse gas emissions per unit of food produced Ban on GMO Intensive use of grassland has a negative impact on biodiversity Improved animal welfare on organic farms Damage caused by game and beasts More ecosystem services on organic farms Insufficient share of organic farms in water protection zones and in protected areas Organic farms are smaller and less intensive compared to the EU Lack of knowledge and awareness among organic farmers about the importance of nature and environment conservation Ploughing of environmentally sensitive permanent grassland reduces the proportion of grassland habitat types and has a negative impact on grassland species OPPORTUNITIES THREATS To take advantage of the objectives set out in the »From Farm to Fork« Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy Climate changes Better use of agricultural land, more production on less land (greenhouses, tunnels, use of different crops, etc.), less space The power of multinational companies used for farming, more left for nature Utilization of rainwater, processing of biodegradable waste and proper handling of manure, reduction of plastics, etc. (circular Poor management of game and carnivores - more and more economy concept) damage for farmers New approaches to soil treatment, increase in humus mass and CO2 48 storage (conservation agriculture, no deep ploughing, etc.) Intensification of organic farming Promoting the organic system approach on organic farms, providing trainings to organic farmers, advisors and other Lack of farm resources to adapt to climate change stakeholders Promoting Natura 2000 protected areas, also by giving organic Increasing number of organic farms where there is no established farms priority in leasing state-owned land natural cycle within the farm, dependence of farms on external sources (fertilisers, etc.) Prohibition of conventional farming in certain areas – water Extensive use of sulphur and sulphates protection zones Allowing 10-15% natural vegetation (hedges, etc.) and mixed crops/crops on each GUAP (fruit, herbs, garden crops, etc.) CHAPTER 5 IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS BY PRIORITY AREAS Mussels, author: Danijel Vincek/Shutterstock.com Ecological farming APOF IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS BY PRIORITY AREAS The measures will be financed under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, in the framework of the 2023-2027 Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, which will be approved by the European Commission, and other resources that are and will be planned within the framework of the financial plans established by the relevant ministries. 5.1 Production and processing with emphasis on the quality of organic products a) Support for land and technology modernisation (production, processing), marketing, farm start-ups and processing plants ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Investment funds for Support for the modernisation of investments in technology on farms Improvement/ organic farms and in enterprises modernisation and enterprises 1 (production, of technology, (production, Public MAFF HIGH Since processing) and the production and processing, 2021 development of new processing on farms marketing) and for products, adding value and in enterprises organic aquaculture to crops (separate tender for organic farms only) A higher share of Slovenian organic food on the market. Support for the More organic food Increase in the start-up of (small) 2 production for the number of organic organic farms Public MAFF HIGH Since market farms and utilised (modelled on the 2021 agricultural areas tender for support (UAA), in particular for small farms) for plant production The amounts per land use will remain at least at the current level. Continuation of the Individual grants 3 ha/hive support and combinations system for organic of other grants Support per ha/hive Public MAFF HIGH Since 2021 farming for conventional farming must be 50 at least 30% lower than for the organic farming. Processing plants More organic meat are entitled to and organic dairy Increased market receive support for 4 products on the share of organic the processing and Public MAFF HIGH Since market that are sold by meat and dairy sale of organic meat 2021 farmers at good prices products and organic dairy products APOF Ecological farming b) Encouraging the inclusion of young farm holders or acquirers and new entrants into organic farming ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Providing additional Encouraging the points and increased Ensure the inclusion of young financial support 5 continuation of organic farmers (acquirers) for young organic Public MAFF HIGH Since farming and organic farm farmers and ensuring 2021 holders that new entrants can also apply for the measure. Increase in the number Stimulating young of young farm holders Increase in the farmers, farm MAFF, 6 or acquirers and new number of new acquirers and new Public CAFS, HIGH Since entrants into organic entrants into entrants to become NGO, 2023 farming organic farming engaged in organic SRYA farming c) Promoting employment and volunteering on organic farms ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Facilitate the implementation Increasing of public works and other active Not MAFF 7 Farm labour shortage employment and volunteering on employment policy needed MoLFSA MEDIUM Since 2023 organic farms programmes on organic farms, changes to legislation Satisfy the needs of organic farmers by connecting them Increase in the number with potential of young farm holders A higher number of volunteers, NGO/ 8 or acquirers and new new entrants into promoting volunteer Private SOFA, entrants into organic organic farming opportunities on farms MEDIUM Since 2023 farming organic farms, strengthening Slovenian networks providing volunteer services 51 Ecological farming APOF d) Improving accessibility of information on authorised products and substances in organic farming and setting up a »one-stop« online database ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Formation of a group of relevant stakeholders/an An up-to-date expert group that will be 9 in charge of establishing All necessary online informa- and managing a database information on tion database, containing authorised organic farming including a MAFF, products and authorised catalogue CAFS/ products and containing Establishment and Public PAAS, HIGH Since substances in one authorised Faculties, 2022 operation of a public place, publicly organic farm- AIS, CO, online database containing accessible and ing products AFSVSPP information in a single 10 up-to-date (suppliers can place (authorised products register free of and substances, training charge) materials or resources, re- search results, knowledge transfer, etc.). Insufficient Increase the supply of certain number of Ensure that authorised 11 plant protection plant protec- products are used uni- Not products on the tion products formly across the EU needed MAFF HIGH Since 2022 Slovenian market for organic farming e) Promoting the inclusion of new farms in organic control ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Higher support per ha for 12 conversion period (con- Public MAFF HIGH Since Increased number tinuation of the existing 2021 of new farms that Increase the system) are subject to number of Support covering the costs organic control organic farms 13 of organic control (con- tinuation of the existing Public MAFF HIGH Since 2021 scheme) High tunnel production of raspberries decrease berry losses to rain and frost, author: Darinka Koron 52 APOF Ecological farming 5.2 Knowledge transfer (education, counselling and promotion) a) Establishment of organic master farms and demonstration centres ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME More practical MAFF, knowledge for Establishment Support for the establish- NGO/ organic farmers of master or- ment and operation of SOFA, DSA, 14 and advisers ganic farms and organic master farms/ Public SRYA, edu- HIGH Since and other target demonstration demonstration centres and cational 2023 groups (e.g. the centres mentoring programmes institu- unemployed) tions b) Implementation of promotion and advisory services, upgrading of the existing public service system ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Establishment/ Coordination and upgrading implementation of the of a system organic-farming promotion PAAS, SOFA, UM 15 More expert ad- to promote and advisory services, Public, vice/promotion organic farm- upgrading of the existing private FKLS, UL HIGH Since 2021 ing (various public service system by BF, MAFF, stakeholders including other stakehold- DSA, CAFS involved) ers in the system Provide additional financial resources to strengthen the implementation of PAAS, advisory and promotion SOFA, UM 16 Public, Increase services, including the private FKLS, UL HIGH Since 2022 financial training of advisors in the BF, MAFF, field of organic farming, DSA, CAFS Provision of resources and with an emphasis on advisory services hours intended practical skills. with regard to the for advisory needs on the field services/pro- Upgrading the imple- (farmers) motion, more mentation of public specialised service work programmes, advisors for or- providing human resources MAFF, ganic farming 17 and additional funding to Public public HIGH Since strengthen the effective services 2021 delivery of advisory services or activities within the existing public services. 53 Ecological farming APOF c) A functioning system of educating children and young people and raising their awareness on organic farming ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Explore, together with the competent authorities, the possibility of upgrading the educational curricula of kin- dergartens or including more 18 content on organic farming, Increased the importance of organic The inclusion of number of food and sustainable use organic farming kindergar- in the curricula of primary topics in the cur- tens, schools schools, secondary schools ricula of kinder- and colleges and faculties Not gartens, primary whose cur- needed MAFF MEDIUM Since 2023 Explore the possibility of and secondary ricula include including organic farming in schools and organic farm- secondary and higher educa- universities ing topics and tion programmes, introduc- farm visits. ing organic farming and food 19 as a stand-alone subject at all levels of education in agricul- ture, food processing, food safety, veterinary medicine, catering and tourism, dietet- ics, health care. MAFF, MESS, Children and To get Network young people citizens of school should gain acquainted organic knowledge about with the Systemic support for educa- gardens, Or- 20 organic farming organic farm- tional institutions to operate, Public, ganic school HIGH Since and healthy ing health upgrade or re-establish a private gardens 2022 eating through benefits and school organic garden association/ experiential its positive NGOs, kin- learning environmen- dergartens, tal impact elementary school To provide Continuation of the study 21 To have more students who get study programme Organic Agricul- involved in and programmes ture at the UM FALS Public, MESS, Facul- complete organic in organic private ties, MAFF HIGH Since 2021 Establishment of the second farming study farming at 22 Bologna cycle of the Organic programmes a university level Farming study programme d) Organic farmers should obtain more knowledge 54 ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Education pro- Strengthen Increase of financial grams meet the the (practical) resources, upgrading and needs of farmers knowledge and adjustment of the current MAFF, and follow trends, skills of organic system of compulsory CAFS, farmers education, also with the SOFA, 23 practical and Public, useful farmer system of vouchers – a private DSA, UM HIGH Since 2023 trainings, explor- farmer himself shall select FALS, UL Višja usposo- ing domestic and where to take educational BF, NGOs, bljenost in foreign examples courses; practical training etc. inovativnost of good practice and exploration of good eko kmetov practices are mandatory APOF Ecological farming 5.3 Organic seed production a) Increase (commercial) production of certified organic seed, train and connect organic farmers with seed/planting material producers and seed companies ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Establishing/strengthening Setting up a 24 Link farmers with cooperation between farm- seed produc- system for ers and seed producers/ Seed ers, analysis/ recording the seed companies compa- information, needs to use Public, nies, PAAS, Database containing the determining the organic seeds private MAFF, HIGH Since 2021 list of needs to use organic varieties farmers (species and SOFA, 25 seeds, expansion of the need, production varieties) for NGOs, AIS records to varieties of planning better produc- tion planning major field crops, fodder and garden crops Seed com- panies, Farmer training, perform- AIS, PAAS, Organic farmers To train organic ing tests at agricultural MAFF, 26 should obtain farmers to schools, promotion of local Public, SOFA, MEDIUM Since more knowledge grow and sell varieties, development of private NGOs, 2021 organic seeds products/brands from local UM FALS, varieties UL BF, BC Naklo, GRM NM Seed Support for networks/ compa- 27 cooperatives/variety Public, nies, PAAS, maintainers organic seed private MAFF, MEDIUM Since 2023 producers SOFA, NGOs, AIS Increase (commercial) Co-financing of the ad- More Slovenian production ditional costs linked to the organic seeds on of certified inspection and certification the market organic seeds, 28 of organic seeds and ex- Public MAFF MEDIUM Since especially for emption from the payment 2023 field crops of the fee and administra- tive charge for entry in the varietal list 29 Increase/adjustment of seed aid per ha Public MAFF MEDIUM Since 2023 55 Ecological farming APOF b) Promoting the use and maintenance of certified organic (indigenous) seed/planting material ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Increased use of Encourage the Subsidy/partial reimburse- 30 certified organic use/ purchase ment of the purchase costs seeds among of certified of organic certified seed/ Public MAFF HIGH Since 2023 organic farmers organic seeds seed for farmers Expansion of Expansion of the bank 31 the bank and with organic and organic Promoting the an increase in indigenous varieties maintenance of the number organic (indig- of maintainers Public MAFF MEDIUM Since Spodbude za vzdrževalce enous) seeds/ of organic 2023 32 avtohtonih planting materia (indigenous) in tradicionalnih sort, baza seed/planting vzdrževalcev material 56 Buckwheat seeds, author: Wolfgang Kruck/Shutterstock.com APOF Ecological farming 5.4 Creating links and joint market presence a) Support/measures for market integration of organic farms ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Creating links between organic Support/measures for mar- farms for joint Several coop- eratives/pro- ket integration of organic 33 market presence, farms and simplification of easier and more ducer groups requirements for producer Public MAFFP HIGH Since 2021 efficient integra- for the organic groups in the organic food tion into market sector sector chains b) Establishing/developing a brand for Slovenian organic food ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Increasing the visibility of Slo- venian organic food and boost- Single clearly Establishment/develop- ing customer identifiable ment of the brand, includ- SOFA, awareness and 34 label or mark for ing promotional activities Public, NGOs, trust MEDIUM Since Slovenian organic (following the example of private CAFS, 2022 food the selected quality) and CCIS-CAFE Maximise the own standards number of organic farms included in the brand c) Strengthening the capacities of the Slovenian Organic Farmers’ Association ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Representing the interests of Strengthening organic farmers SOFA capacities with one voice Provide systemic funding 35 for the operation and Public, MAFF, Greater num- strengthening of SOFA private SOFA HIGH Since 2021 Creating links between organic ber of organic farms farms included in SOFA 57 Ecological farming APOF 5.5 Organic food in the public procurement system a) E-catalogue/database of Slovenian organic food for public procurement ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Support for PG, producer Free of charge More organic organisations and coopera- 36 entry in the Slovenian food in tives for a free of charge Public MAFF HIGH Since e-catalogue public institutions entry in the food catalogue 2021 for PP Support for Reducing public service administration employees in the and saving time procurement of CCIS-CAFE, 37 when buying organic food Promotion and updating of MAFF, HIGH Since Slovenian or- the food catalogue for PP Private SOFA 2021 All information ganic food and in one place, preparing PP transparent and up-to-date offer 58 Diospyros kaki, author: Irena Vrhovnik APOF Ecological farming b) Promoting the consumption of Slovenian organic food through the public procurement system and the school scheme ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Awareness-raising and training for catering 38 managers or procure- Public NGOs, ment officers in all public MAFF HIGH Since 2021 institutions PS, organic 39 More Slove- Visits to organic farms Public farms, HIGH Since nian organic SOFA, DSA 2021 food through the school scheme MAFF, MESS, MH, Joint action for more SOFA, DSA, PS, or- 40 Slovenian organic food, Not within the framework of needed ganisations HIGH Since 2022 the school scheme bringing together Making better organic use of the farmers School Scheme to introduce MAFF, Slovenian SOFA, or- organic food Encourage the Slovenian Organic Food ganisations into schools introduction of Day - once a year, all public bringing 41 Slovenian organic institutions prepare all Public, together MEDIUM Since Healthier food in public meals during the day, using private organic 2023 eating for chil- institutions Slovenian organic food farmers, dren, pupils, CAFS, DSA, young people, CCIS-CAFE patients, the el- derly and other users of public institutions or Include environmental establishments (and possibly health) committed to Reducing the car- impacts in public procure- the PP bon footprint in ment and evaluate them MAFF, food purchasing appropriately, so that MPA, 42 and promoting Slovenian organic food has Not public MEDIUM Since the procurement the possibility of better needed institu- 2023 of Slovenian scoring (e.g. impact on tions organic food climate change with regard to transport distances and production methods). 59 Promoting the introduction of To ensure a higher number 43 organic food in of points in the selection Public MAFF, student meals criteria for tenderers MESS MEDIUM Since 2023 (coupons) Ecological farming APOF c) Local/regional models for promoting the introduction of Slovenian organic food in public institutions ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Support for public institutions in the introduction More Slovenian or- or purchase of ganic food in public Slovenian organic institutions food Integrated and organised supply and distribution at local/regional level, establishing part- Organisa- nerships between tions unit- Support for farm- key stakeholders ing organic ers in planning, (cooperatives and farmers, marketing, selling other organisations public to public institu- creating links institu- tions between farmers, Establishing local/ tions, mu- farms, public regional models for Public (LAG/ nicipalities, 44 institutions, CAFS promoting the integra- organic regional units, LAG, tion of Slovenian CLLD) farms, HIGH Since 2023 municipalities, organic food in public and compa- etc.). institutions private nies, SOFA/ societies, Increased aware- DSA, Co- Promoting ness of the impor- operative organizations that tance of Slovenian Union of bring together organic food among Slovenia, organic farmers nutrition directors CCIS-CAFE in their marketing activities and or those respon- development sible for public procurement Healthier eating Providing healthy for all consumers food to consumers in public institu- in public institu- tions or establish- tions and reducing ments committed the carbon to PP footprint in food procurement 60 APOF Ecological farming d) Monitoring the consumption of organic food in public institutions - compliance with the Green Public Procurement Regulation ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Educate nutrition Raising awareness among managers about catering managers or the importance/ Increased persons responsible for public procurement of the MAFF, 45 benefits of awareness ministries, organic food and among nutri- importance of including Public public insti- HIGH Since 2022 make them inter- tion managers organic food in all public tutions ested in organic institutions which are nutrition bound by public procure- ment rules Obtaining data on the volume or share of (Slo- venian) organic food in public Comprehensive institutions Public control over institutions, the purchase / More Slovenian Accurate data collection by 46 Inspector- consumption organic food in type of organic food that Public ate for HIGH Since 2022 of organic food public institu- allows processing Agriculture, in the public tions MAFF institutions, in Overview of accordance with actual spending the Green Public and needs of Procurement public institu- Regulation, tions sanctions for violations Ensure compli- Implementation of regular Public ance with the supervision in public institutions, 47 Green Public institutions, regarding Public Inspector- HIGH Since Procurement compliance with the ate for 2022 Regulation Green Public Procurement Regulation Agriculture 61 Ecological farming APOF 5.6 Promotion and marketing a) Promoting the sale of Slovenian organic food to retail chains and the catering and tourism sectors ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Establishing cooperation between organisations Organi- that bring together organic sations bringing 48 farmers and retail chains or the catering/tourism sec- together Increasing ac- tor, joint annual meetings/ organic cessibility and yearly planning of quanti- farmers, ensuring Higher Increased share ties and purchasing Private SOFA, DSA, HIGH Since quantities of Slovenian CAFS, CUS, 2023 of Slovenian organic food in ZZS, retail organic food in retail chains, chains, Promotion of Slovenian in retail chains catering and HORECA- 49 organic food in retail chains and the cater- tourism sector, and the hospitality/tour- ing and tourism MAFF, UM ism sector sectors FALS Co-financing organic certifi- 50 cation fees in the catering Public MEDT, and tourism sector MAFF HIGH Since 2023 62 Homemade bread, author: Mirjam Kavčič/Shutterstock.com APOF Ecological farming b) Integrated promotion, providing information and raising awareness on Slovenian organic food (multiannual campaign) ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Integrated promotion and Increased con- MAFF, awareness-rais- sumer awareness SOFA, ing, increased and increased Multi-year project of NGOs, sales of Slovenian promotion and education DSA, 51 consumer Public, awareness, organic food - upgrade of the national private Coopera- HIGH Since 2023 increased share campaign »Ecological + tives, PG, of Slovenian local = IDEAL« CAFS, UM Annual promo- organic food on FALS, CCIS- tion lasting for 7 the market CAFE … years (until 2027) c) Establishment of (regional) distribution and processing centres and short sales chains, including the establishment of a food chain of organic food stakeholders. ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Establishment Support for the establish- Linking supply of a (regional) ment of (regional) distribu- 52 and demand and distribution tion and processing centres Public, developing short centre and and forms of cooperation, private MAFF HIGH Since 2021 supply chains development short supply chains and and food chains of short supply organic food chains with organic food chains and food stakeholders chains with 53 Establishment of organic organic food regions Public MAFF HIGH Since 2022 Strengthen Organi- integration and sations cooperation in bringing the organic food Improving mar- together chain, more Slo- keting strategies concerning Slo- Establishing cooperation organic 54 venian organic between stakeholders farmers, food on the mar- venian organic with regard to buying and Private compa- HIGH Since 2022 ket, especially food, especially selling nies, SOFA, meat and dairy meat and dairy DSA, CAFS, products, ensure products CUS, SCC, purchasing at a MAFF, reasonable price CCIS-CAFE 63 Ecological farming APOF d) Support for the establishment, development and promotion of tourism activities on organic farms ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Adding value to organic food in connection with More organic Support for the estab- tourist farms, lishment, development 55 tourism, increasing the tourist offer creating new and promotion of Public MAFF HIGH Since 2023 on organic farms, jobs on organic tourism activities on diversification of farms organic farms activities e) Analysis of the organic food market ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Obtain data on the Establishing a da- organic food mar- tabase for planning Analysis of the 56 ket, in particular for the development Slovenian organic Public MAFF MEDIUM Since Slovenian organic of the organic food food market (every 2021 food market 3-5 years) 5.7 Research and development of new technologies a) Improving the transfer of research and project results to farmers and other stakeholders ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Ensure the transfer of research and project results to farmers and businesses in the Dissemination of field of organic ARRS, (scientific) research production Dissemination of research results MAFF, 57 results, improving the Not project transfer of research A more competitive in a professional needed pro- HIGH Since 2022 and project results to Slovenian organic and non-technical moters, farmers production and (popular) manner CAFS processing Ensuring efficient use of public re- 64 search funding APOF Ecological farming b) Cooperation between stakeholders and increased funding for (scientific) research projects focusing on the development of organic farming and new technologies. ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Several approved research, EIP and SRA, CAFS, other projects Support for research Solutions to to address the (scientific) research organisations, challenges of projects focusing on SOFA, MAFF, 58 the challenges of organic organic farming the development of Public NGOs, CO, HIGH Since 2022 farming and promote the organic farming (the organic farms, development of project is supported master farms, new technologies in by key stakeholders) companies, the field of organic CCIS-CAFE farming The share of public funding intended Coordination of CAFS, research stakeholders for organisa- Developing for organic farming joint applications tions, SOFA, new products, (scientific) research and participation in MAFF, NGOs, 59 practices, activities ap- the implementation Public, CO, organic MEDIUM Since processes and proaches or equals of targeted research private farms, master 2022 technologies the ANEK target regarding the share programme pro- farms, SRA, of UAA involved in jects, EIPs and other companies, organic agriculture projects CCIS-CAFE c) Several international research projects ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Project technical sup- MAFF, 60 port (office) for scientific Public research or- LOW Since research institutions ganisations 2023 Promoting Participation in Support and provision international several interna- of appropriate funds cooperation tional research projects for further membership MAFF, 61 and implementation of Public research or- MEDIUM Since projects in the CORE- ganisations 2021 ORGANIC network, by Slovenian organizations 65 Ecological farming APOF 5.8 Organic farming in relation to environment and climate change a) Increasing the volume or share of organic UAA and the production of organic food in water protection zones and protected areas ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Amend the legislation to ensure that organic farms will be given pri- ority in the lease and 62 purchase of land owned Not Better protec- by the FFF RS and needed MAFF HIGH Since 2022 tion of water, Increase the privately owned land, in grasslands and volume or share water protection zones nature, espe- of organic UAA and protected areas. cially in water and organic food protection zones production in Active promotion in the and protected protected areas field with the aim of Enhance- areas including conventional ment services 63 farms (with the seat or GUAPs in water Public (various HIGH Since 2022 protection zones and stakeholders), protected areas) to MAFF organic farming. 66 Vineyard near Slovenske Konjice, author: Andrej Safaric/Shutterstock.com APOF Ecological farming b) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions on organic farms, adapting to climate change and protecting the environment and nature ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Reduction of green- house gas emissions Support for investment/mech- Adapting on organic farms, anisation/use of renewable to climate less exposure to energy sources for adaptation 64 change, climate change to climate change, reduction Public, reducing cli- of greenhouse gas emissions, private MAFF HIGH Since 2023 mate change increase of humus mass in Increase in humus impacts soil, plants adapted to climate mass, higher CO2 change storage in soil Support for the introduction of environmental practices/ Promoting environ- investments - mulch (instead 65 mentally friendly of plastic foils), rainwater Public, practices on organic harvesting, biodegradable private MAFF MEDIUM Since 2023 farms waste treatment and proper manure management, sewage treatment plants Allowing 10-15% natural veg- etation (hedges, etc.) within each GUAP, the possibility of mixed crops on each GERK (fruit, herbs, vegetables, etc.) 66 Not Protecting the and plant grouping practices needed MAFF MEDIUM Since 2022 environment, (mixed sowing/planting in nature and Increasing biodiver- rows and strips), in order soil on or- sity and soil quality to maintain and increase ganic farms on organic farms biodiversity and soil quality on eco-farms. Financial support for all crop species in the rotation (indig- 67 enous, new species/varieties) Public MAFF MEDIUM Since and crops with several differ- 2022 ent plant species Prohibition of the release of genetically modified organ- isms into the environment, MAFF, 68 Ban on genetically Not modified organisms including the new breeding MESP, HIGH Since techniques (e.g. CRISPR Cas needed NGOs 2021 plant breeding innovation and others) 67 Ecological farming APOF c) Joint action to reduce the impact on climate change ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Establishment of Munici- Joint action (business- eco-regions, promo- Establishing models of palities, agriculture-municipal- tion of circular cooperation between farms, 69 ities/state) to reduce economy; increase business (GHG Public, com- MEDIUM Since greenhouse gases at in humus mass/ emitters) and organic private panies, 2023 local/regional level more CO2 storage farms (GHG sinks) MAFF, on farms MEDT d) Training for farmers and advisors/facilitators (biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate change, etc.) ACTION FUNDING RESPO- TIME No NEED OBJECTIVE ACTION SOURCES NSIBLE PRIORITY FRAME Farmers, in-company technologists and advi- MAFF, sors/promoters should Implementation SOFA, become aware of the Raising awareness of training courses DSA, importance of biodiver- and strengthening the knowledge of (including visits to NGOs, 70 sity, ecosystem services, farms and exploring Public, PAAS/ climate change, nature organic farmers, best practices) for private CAFS, MEDIUM Since 2021 conservation and the technologists farmers, technolo- com- environment and they and advisers/pro- gists and advisors/ panies, should deepen their moters promoters CCIS- knowledge in these CAFE areas. 68 CHAPTER 6 LITERATURE AND SOURCES Herd of Slovenian Cold-Blooded horses grazing on pasture, author: M. Mesarič Ecological farming APOF 6.1 Statistical and other data (available until 26 November 2021) 1. Eurostat, Database. Various article publications in the field of agriculture, organic farming. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/agriculture/data/database 2. FIBL, Data on organic farming in Europe. https://statistics.fibl.org/europe.html 3. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food (MAFF). Data on organic farming in Slovenia 2007–2020. 4. Statistical office of RS. Agricultural holdings and agricultural census. https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/Field/Index/11/58 5. Statistical office of RS. Information in the areas of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. https://pxweb.stat.si/sistat/sl/Podrocja/Index/85/kmetijstvo-gozdarstvo-in-ribistvo 6.2 Other sources 1. Aragon (2020): Measuring changes in attitudes towards organic products - consumer research. 2. Bavec, M. et al. (2001): Organic farming. Ljubljana, Publishing house: Založba kmečki glas. 3. European Commission (2021): Action plan for the development of organic production. 4. European Commission (2020): EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. 5. European Commission (2020): »From-farm-to-fork« strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system. 6. Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (2015): Survey on short chains 2014. 7. Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (2005): Action plan for the development of organic agriculture in Slovenia until 2015. 8. Rules on organic production and processing of agricultural products or foodstuffs (Official Gazette RS, no. 72/18 and 17/19 – corr.). 9. Resolution on strategic orientations for the development of Slovenian agriculture and food sector until 2020 - »Ensuring food for tomorrow« (Official Gazette RS, no. 25/11). 10. Resolution on the national programme on strategic directions for the development of Slovenian agriculture and food »Our food, countryside and natural resources since 2021«. (Official Gazette RS, no. 8/2020). 11. Slabe, A. M. et al.(2010): Final report on the target research programmes project »Analysis of the situation and potential for increasing the supply of organic products to achieve the objectives of the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Farming in 70 Slovenia by 2015«, ITR, Ljubljana. 12. Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection (2019): Official control of organic agricultural products or foodstuffs. 13. Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007. 14. Act amending and supplementing the Agriculture Act – ZKme-1F ( RS, no. 123/21) APOF Ecological farming NOTES 71 Ecological farming APOF 72 APOF Ecological farming 73 Action plan Action plan for the Development of Organic Farming until 2027 T Design, Ljubljana 07/2022 y AR Design b