The leaked draft of the European Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy has drawn mixed reactions. While it emphasizes nature-based solutions, it largely overlooks organic farming—one of the most effective tools for reducing water pollution, enhancing soil health, and improving drought resilience.
Jan Plagge, President of IFOAM Organics Europe, expressed disappointment: “Organic farming is a proven solution for water protection, yet the draft strategy barely acknowledges its role. We urge the Commission to integrate organic farming more prominently in the final version.”
The Data Speaks: Organic Farming Boosts Water Resilience
Scientific studies and real-world data confirm that organic farming delivers measurable benefits for water sustainability:
- Reduces Pollution: By banning synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farming cuts nitrate leaching by 28–39% (Thünen Institute, 2023).
- Improves Soil Health: Organic soils contain 35% more organic matter, enhancing water retention and reducing runoff (Rodale Institute, 2022).
- Enhances Water Infiltration: Organic systems improve water infiltration by up to 256% and increase water storage capacity by 100% (FAO, 2021).
- Climate Resilience: During droughts, organic yields outperform conventional crops by up to 90% (Nature Communications, 2023).
- Cost-Effective for Society: Groundwater pollution costs for conventional potato farming are €1,298 per hectare, compared to just €0.40 for organic potatoes (European Environment Agency, 2022).
Pesticide Pollution: A Critical Gap in the Strategy
Despite agriculture being responsible for one-third of EU groundwater and surface water pollution, the draft strategy lacks concrete measures to reduce pesticide use. Harmful substances like PFAS (found in pesticides) continue contaminating water supplies, yet the strategy does not propose strong regulatory action.
Call for Dedicated Funding & Policy Recognition
While the strategy supports research and innovation (R&I), it must allocate specific funding for organic farming to scale up its adoption. IFOAM Organics Europe urges the Commission to:
- Explicitly recognize organic farming as a key solution in the final strategy.
- Set binding pesticide reduction targets to protect water resources.
- Increase CAP support for farmers transitioning to organic practices.
Organic Farming Must Be a Priority
The EU’s Water Resilience Strategy is a crucial policy—but without stronger commitments to organic farming, it risks failing to address Europe’s water challenges effectively. With clear evidence of organic agriculture’s benefits, policymakers must act now to integrate it as a cornerstone of water security and climate resilience.
