IFOAM Organics Europe
     
25/03/2025

IFOAM Organics Europe calls for concrete action in the Water Resilience Strategy to reduce agricultural pollution and associated costs

BRUSSELS, 25 MARCH 2025 – IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes the European Commission’s intention, outlined in the Vision on Agriculture and Food, to publish a Water Resilience Strategy. Addressing Europe’s growing water crisis is crucial, as 63% of surface water bodies are still not in “good ecological condition”, despite existing legislation. The European Environment Agency recently identified agriculture as one of the main pressures on EU water resources and highlighted that the development of organic agriculture should be further supported to improve water resilience. 

Jan Plagge, President of IFOAM Organics Europe, stated: “Organic farming can offer a systemic, effective solution to improve water quality, enhance water availability, and strengthen resilience to extreme weather events. Organic farming contributes to water resilience by reducing pollution, improving soil health, and supporting climate adaptation. By prohibiting synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, organic farming significantly reduces nitrate leaching and contamination of groundwater by chemicals, easing the financial burden of water treatments.” For instance, a study found that the cost on ground water pollution for a hectare of conventional potatoes amounts to 1298 €, while the same cost for a hectare of organic potatoes amounts to 0.4 €.”

Eduardo Cuoco, Director of IFOAM Organics Europe, emphasised that “the upcoming Water Resilience Strategy and relevant pieces of legislation should explicitly recognise organic farming as a key solution for water resilience, especially in areas affected by extreme weather events and water scarce areas”. He added: “Banning synthetic pesticides in water catchment areas is essential to safeguard drinking water and reduce the costs of groundwater depollution.”

IFOAM Organics Europe urges the European Commission to explicitly integrate organic farming into the Water Resilience Strategy as a core measure for protecting water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience, as well as a means to considerably reduce costs related to ground water pollution.

Ends.

Contact details

Eric Gall, Deputy Director
+32 491 07 25 37, eric.gall@organicseurope.bio
or visit www.organicseurope.bio

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