Organic Potato Farming in Lithuania: Ekoagros Certification and Required Documentation

Demand for organically grown potatoes in Lithuania keeps rising, as consumers increasingly look for produce grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. But switching to organic farming isn't just a decision – it's a formal, multi-stage process overseen by a single institution.

Who is Ekoagros

VsI „Ekoagros" is the only accredited control body in Lithuania authorized to certify organic production – only its issued documents are recognized as valid, and its certification code LT EKO 01 must appear on every organic product's packaging. The body is accredited by the National Accreditation Bureau under the LST EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard, valid through September 2, 2030. Since 2017, Ekoagros can also certify production under USDA National Organic Program requirements, opening a path to the US market.

Legal basis

Since January 1, 2022, Lithuania – like the rest of the EU – applies Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling. Nationally, organic production is governed by the Organic Production Rules, recently amended by the Minister of Agriculture's order No. 3D-233 of May 6, 2026, effective August 1, 2026. Certificates issued before the changes remain valid until their stated expiry date.

How to start certification

First-time certification requires two main steps: declaring agricultural land and crops in the Applications Receiving Information System (PPIS) during the current year, and submitting the required documents to Ekoagros – a declaration of planned organic production (form F-003) with attachments, plus the applicable fees. The transition period starts counting from the date the application is confirmed.

Transition period and seed material

For potatoes, as an annual crop, the transition period is two years (three years for perennial crops other than grassland). Since January 1, 2006, organic farms must use only organically grown seed potatoes with a certificate from the State Seed and Grain Service – ordinary food potatoes, even if never treated with chemicals, don't qualify for certified organic yield.

An organic certificate is more than the right to use the organic label – it's a real competitive advantage, as consumers increasingly seek it out, knowing the whole chain was overseen by an independent body. Anyone planning the transition should start by reviewing current regulations on ekoagros.lt and consulting the agency's specialists before submitting an application.