Catalonia's CCPAE: Producing and Consuming 'Eco-friendly'

In the heart of Spain, the autonomous community of Catalonia continues to make strides in the realm of ecological agri-food production. According to the latest data released by the Council, a total of 2,918 ecological agri-food activities were registered by the end of 2024, marking a growth of 1.81% compared to the previous year.

The ecological surface in Catalonia expanded to 284,590 hectares, reflecting a 0.25% increase from 2023 and a significant 135.46% increase over the past decade. This growth was particularly evident in vineyards (+6.06%, 34,314 ha) and olive groves (+4.37%, 10,646 ha).

When it comes to the most commonly consumed organic products in Catalonia, extra virgin olive oil, particularly from the Arbequina olive variety, and other organic oils such as coconut and flaxseed oil, take the lead. Despite the 2024/2025 olive oil season in southern Catalonia facing numerous challenges, traditional sustainable organic cultivation was maintained.

Vegetables, legumes, and eggs are the most frequently purchased "eco" foods in Catalonia. Interestingly, when making purchases, Catalan buyers prioritise the quality of the food, with price being the secondary criterion. This trend holds true for both organic and conventional produce.

In terms of consumption patterns, 6.2% of the population in Catalonia consumes ecological foods daily, 27% once a week, 20% once a month, 15% less than once a month, and 30% never. Age and level of education appear to influence the selection criteria of purchased foods. Young people tend to value price more, while older people place greater emphasis on the origin of their food. University graduates prioritise quality, and those with primary education focus on price.

The 7th Barometer of Perception and Consumption of Ecological Foods, made public this year, revealed that 88% of the population in Catalonia is aware of ecological foods, and 47% buy them. The data also showed that beef cattle is the majority ecological livestock subsector in Catalonia, and it grew by 2.08% in 2024.

Despite the challenges faced, the ecological agri-food sector in Catalonia shows no signs of slowing down. It is expected that the production and consumption of ecological products will continue to grow in Catalonia and other autonomous communities this year.