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Extent of organic farming

The growth of organic agriculture is continuing. The world acreage of certified organic agriculture is estimated to 25 million hectares.

There are probably another 10-20 million hectares of non-certified organic agriculture, mainly in developing countries, often referred to (especially in Latin America) as agro-ecology.

In some developing countries there are (still) large numbers of farmers that practice either traditional agriculture which doesn't rely on purchased inputs, or farmers that just can't afford to buy inputs. For example in Uganda and Tanzania the average use of chemical fertilisers is less than 1 kg per hectare and year: meaning that most land is never fertilised.

Recently, many governments in developing countries have ceased to subsidise agrochemicals as a result of structural adjustment or other policy changes. A number of farmers who were tricked into commercial mono-cropping based on subsidised inputs are now in a very difficult position.

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