The organic food sector in Europe is growing rapidly, and two countries play a particularly important role in shaping this transformation: France – one of the largest consumers of organic products, and Poland – a significant producer and exporter of high-quality organic food. Although the two markets differ in scale, maturity and structure, they share the same strategic direction: building a strong, sustainable and transparent food system within the European Union.
Below is an overview of the key figures that illustrate the current landscape of the organic sector in both countries and highlight where their potential lies.
France – a European leader in organic agriculture
France is the largest agricultural producer in the European Union, accounting for 18% of total EU agricultural output. Over the past decade, it has also become one of the driving forces of the organic food market.
France’s organic sector in numbers:
• 2.88 million hectares of organic farmland – 10.7% of all agricultural land.
• 60,000 organic farms, representing 14% of all farms in the country.
• 215,000 jobs directly linked to the organic sector.
• €12 billion organic market value (2022), accounting for 6.1% of total food sales.
• 30% of organic products consumed in France come from imports – mainly from Germany, Italy and Poland.
• 54% of French consumers buy organic food at least once a month.
• The French AB logo is recognised by 97% of the population, while the EU’s Euroleaf is known by 68%.
French consumers are knowledgeable, demanding and loyal to organic products. The market is mature, stable and continuously seeking high-quality supplies – which is why imported products, including those from Poland, are gaining importance.
Poland – a reliable producer and an emerging export powerhouse
Poland ranks as the 7th largest agricultural producer in the EU and is steadily strengthening its position within the organic segment, particularly as a supplier for Western Europe.
Poland’s organic sector in numbers:
• 550,000 hectares of organic farmland (3.7% of agricultural land).
• 22,000 organic operators, including:
– 20,000 farms,
– 1,200 processors,
– 1,200 distributors.
• An organic market worth €310 million (2021), representing 0.5–0.6% of total food retail.
• Strong growth until 2021, followed by a slowdown driven by inflation and geopolitical instability.
• 50–60% of sales occur through hypermarkets and discount chains; the remainder comes from specialist stores, farmers’ markets and e-commerce.
• Key growth avenues include rising interest in vegetarian and vegan diets and increasing exports to France and Germany.
Poland’s organic sector remains highly promising thanks to its production quality, competitive prices and growing demand across Western European markets.
Two markets – one shared sustainable future
While France boasts one of Europe’s largest and most advanced organic markets, Poland offers dynamic growth and strong export capacity. Together, they form complementary parts of the same ecosystem: French consumers seek reliable, high-quality products, while Polish producers look for stable and expanding European markets.
Economic cooperation within the EU – strengthened by initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Treaty of Nancy – opens new opportunities for both countries to co-create a more resilient, transparent and sustainable European food system.
With robust foundations and rising consumer awareness, the organic food markets of both France and Poland are poised to become key pillars of Europe’s green transition in the years ahead.
