The organic farming sector in Sweden experienced significant growth in cereal production throughout 2022, according to the latest statistical news from Statistics Sweden. The production of cereals approved for sale as organic reached 410,500 tonnes, marking a substantial 32 percent increase compared to the previous year. These organic cereals accounted for approximately 7 percent of the total cereal production in the country.
Despite facing challenges such as dry weather during the summer growing season, which impacted harvest levels, Sweden managed to achieve a 24 percent increase in eco-approved grain harvest compared to the five-year average. This remarkable accomplishment is especially noteworthy considering the drought-induced crop failure witnessed in 2018.
Organic farming tends to yield lower outputs per hectare compared to conventional cultivation due to the absence of chemical plant protection products and synthetic mineral fertilizers. For instance, organic oat yields in Värmland County were 42 percent lower compared to conventional oat cultivation in the same region during 2022.
Organic farming also often involves the cultivation of unique and low-yielding varieties not commonly found in conventional agriculture. This includes crops such as spelt wheat, einkorn wheat, Öland wheat, emmer, and naked oats.
In addition to cereals, organic peas saw a significant increase in production, reaching an estimated 11,000 tonnes in 2022. This marked a remarkable 53 percent surge compared to the previous year. The yield per hectare of organically farmed peas experienced a notable 51 percent increase compared to 2021.
Another area of growth was observed in the cultivation of organically farmed winter rape. The organic cultivation area for winter rape expanded by 26 percent in 2022, reaching a record-breaking 9,840 hectares. Despite a 13 percent decrease in yield per hectare due to winter weather damage, the total harvest of winter rape converted and approved for sale with organic labeling reached 19,000 tonnes, reflecting a 9 percent increase.
Turning to table potatoes, the total production of organically cultivated table potatoes remained stable, amounting to an estimated 33,200 tonnes, similar to the results of 2021. Approximately 7 percent of Sweden’s total table potato harvest in 2022 was organically cultivated, and organic farming accounted for approximately 10 percent of the overall acreage dedicated to table potato cultivation.
For more comprehensive information on this survey, including detailed reports on individual crops and comparisons between organic and non-organic farming in terms of yields per hectare, please refer to Statistical Report JO0608. The report is available on the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s website at www.jordbruksverket.se under Statistics.
The growth of organic cereal production in Sweden showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and the increasing demand for organic products in the market. As the organic farming sector continues to evolve, these statistics provide valuable insights for farmers, policymakers, and consumers alike.