8 
 
progress towards the target will be under constant review, and adjustment if needed, to 
mitigate against undue impact on biodiversity, food security and farmers’ 
competitiveness. 
Agroecology can provide healthy food while maintaining productivity, increase soil 
fertility and biodiversity, and reduce the footprint of food production. Organic farming in 
particular holds great potential for farmers and consumers alike. The sector creates jobs 
and attracts young farmers. Organic farming also provides 10-20 % more jobs per hectare 
than conventional farms, and creates added value for agricultural products32. To make the 
most of this potential, at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land must be organically 
farmed by 2030 . In addition to CAP measures, the Commission will put f orward an 
Action Plan on organic farming, helping Member States stimulate both supply and 
demand of organic products. It will also ensure consumer ’s trust through promotion 
campaigns and green public procurement. In the implementation of the EU -wide agro-
ecological targets set out in this strategy and in the Farm to Fork Strategy, the different 
starting points and differences in progress already made in Member States will be taken 
into account. 
The uptake of agroforestry support measures under rural develop ment should be 
increased as it has great potential to provide multiple benefits for biodiversity, people and 
climate.  
The decline of genetic diversity must also be reversed, including by facilitating the use 
of traditional varieties of crops and breeds. T his would also bring health benefits through 
more varied and nutritious diets. The Commission is considering the revision of 
marketing rules for traditional crop varieties in order to contribute to their conservation 
and sustainable use. The Commission will also take measures to facilitate the registration 
of seed varieties, including for organic farming, and to ensure easier market access for 
traditional and locally adapted varieties. 
2.2.3. Addressing land take and restoring soil ecosystems 
Soil is one of the most complex of all ecosystems. It is a habitat in its own right, and 
home to an incredible diversity of organisms that regulate and control key ecosystem 
services such as soil fertility, nutrient cycling and climate regulation. Soil is a hugely 
important non-renewable resource, vital for human and economic health, as well as the 
production of food and new medications.  
In the EU, the degradation of soil is having considerable environmental and economic 
consequences. Poor land management,  such as deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable 
farming and forestry practices, construction activities and land sealing  are among the 
main causes of this situation 33. Despite recent reductions in the pace of soil sealing, 
fertile soils continue to be lo st to land take and urban sprawl 34. When compounded by 
                                                 
32  OECD (2016), Farm Management Practices to Foster Green Growth. 
33  European Environment Agency (2019), EEA Signals 2019: Land and Soil in Europe. 
34  European Environment Agency and Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) (2016), Urban 
sprawl in Europe.