In 2025, a total of €3.8 million in VLIF investment support was allocated to 105 active organic farmers. This represents an increase of over half compared to 2024, when €2.4 million was disbursed. This marks the highest support level in five years, according to the annual bio-report published today by the Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries on the occasion of EU Organic Day.
Approximately €623,000 in VLIF support was granted to 12 organic businesses for investments specifically aimed at organic production, such as certified organic plant material or stables intended for housing animals under bio-control for at least five years. Significant support also went towards investments in energy-saving measures, automation, and water quality, quantity, and management.
Total government support for the organic agricultural sector rose by 14% in 2025 to €7.2 million. Of this amount, 44% is used for research and knowledge development, and 43% for stimulating organic production. Organic farmers generally receive less income support but higher amounts for eco-schemes and agro-environmental-climate measures compared to farms in the overall agricultural sector.
At the end of 2025, Flanders had 639 organic farms, an increase of 5 compared to 2024. Their share in the total number of agricultural holdings is now 3%. Horticulture is the most common farm specialization, followed by arable farming and livestock farming. A growing number of organic farmers also engage in one or more other organic chain activities, such as distribution or processing of organic products, alongside their farming activities.
The organic agricultural area has grown to 10,483 hectares, accounting for 1.7% of the total agricultural land in Flanders. Approximately 83% of this organic area is fully organic, with the remaining 17% in conversion. Grassland and fodder crops occupy nearly three-quarters of the organic area. West and East Flanders have the largest organic areas, but Limburg and Flemish Brabant have the highest organic share in their total agricultural land at 2.1%. At the crop level, there are clear provincial differences: fruit cultivation is concentrated in Flemish Brabant and Limburg, while fodder crops are important in East and West Flanders.
A quarter of organic farms keep animals under bio-control. The number of organic pig, poultry, and goat farmers is slightly increasing, while the number of cattle and sheep farmers is stabilizing. The organic livestock population is growing by 4%, mainly due to an increase in poultry. The number of pigs under bio-control is also rising, while there is a decline in cattle, goats, and especially sheep. The organic share of the livestock population remains very limited for most animal species.
