According to data from ZMP, Germany’s Central Agricultural Market and Pricing Agency, the number of organic farms in Germany increased by 6.5 per cent, or 1,146ha, in 2007. In addition, organic production area grew by 4.8 per cent, or 39,800ha.

ZMP continued that, at the end of 2007, 5.1 per cent of the country’s agricultural land was dedicated to organic farming, with 5 per cent of the country’s farmers involved in organic production.

The number of companies operating in the organic sector, including producers, processors, importers and traders, rose by 11.9 per cent in 2007, to 26,820 firms, the ZMP reported.