If you’re unsure of who is responsible for what between the Parliament, the Council or the Commission or how they work with each other, join our first post-summer “Let’s Discuss Organic” webinar on 5 September 2024.  

Besides this webinar, we also summarised Paul Holmbeck’s masterclasses on developing organic’s national capacity and organic policies. 

All this information is available on our member extranet. 

Does this sound interesting to you but you aren’t an IFOAM Organics Europe member? Contact membership@organicseurope.bio. They are available for your membership-related questions and extranet access rights (issues). 

About the Let’s Discuss Organic series 

Let’s Discuss Organic is more than just a webinar series exclusive to IFOAM Organics Europe’s members. It is a community of passionate individuals dedicated to promoting organic food and farming’s active role in the transformation to a sustainable food system.  

These webinars are an opportunity for our members to access first-hand information about EU-related policies and activities from Brussels-based experts.  

Were you unable to attend or missed a previous session? All presentations and recordings are accessible on our member extranet > hot topics > member-only updates > Let’s Discuss Organic so you can re-watch the webinars and review the content at your convenience. 

The work of IFOAM Organics Europe on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with IFOAM Organics Europe. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided. 

The post Building our members’ capacity, also after the EU elections appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

Action days calling for a just food system transition in October 

The Campaign is continuing its actions focusing its Action Days 2024 on the Common Agricultural Policy. Any European event demanding a just transition can register on goodfoodgoodfarming.eu/action-days. There are no strict rules for the event, everything that is related to good food and farming works: a harvest festival, seed fair, film screening, farm-visit, picnic, protest or public discussion – everything is welcome!  

Add your event’s voice to the call & use ready-made communication materials 

Interested to join? Is it simple: Declare your support and register your event via an online form . Your event and all the others will be available on an interactive map, a great opportunity to make noise around your own demands for European #GoodFoodGoodFarming! 

If you want more information, you can read the campaign’s Call to Action and check the ready-made communication material.  

About Good Food Good Farming 

The civil society alliance Good Food Good Farming (GFGF) campaigns for sustainable food and farming across Europe. By bringing together groups and organisations active at local, national and EU level it campaigns to transform EU food and farming policies. IFOAM Organics Europe has been part of the coalition since its inception. The campaign organises annual European Days of Action 1-31 October. Are you interested to learn more or take part? Subscribe to the GFGF newsletter or find your national contact for the Good Food Good Farming alliance. 

The work of IFOAM Organics Europe on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with IFOAM Organics Europe. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.

The post Civil society is taking the CAP by storm: What happened, what’s next and how to get involved?  appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

Make sure your priorities are included and fill in TP Organics’ survey – available in English, French, Spanish, German, Hungarian, Romanian and Italian by 18 August. Please share the survey widely in your networks!  

The provisional themes of the new SRIA are: 

• Elevating organics as the leader in environmental protection and climate change action 
• Building an organic plant-based sector 
• Ensuring ethical and sustainable integration of animals in organic farming systems 
• Providing nutritious and healthy food 
• Organic for everyone: Inclusive and affordable 
• Digital solutions suited for organic and agroecological systems 
• Reviving rural communities through organic farming 

Every 5 years, TP Organics collects the research priorities and needs of the organic and agroecological sector. It then compiles these into the SRIA and uses this for advising the European Commission about its next EU R&I funding programme for research and innovation. Currently, TP Organics is developing a new SRIA for the next EU R&I framework programme succeeding Horizon Europe (FP10) within the OrganicTargets4EU project coordinated by IFOAM Organics Europe. 

Indicate your priorities for future R&I in TP Organics’ survey available in English, French, Spanish, German, Hungarian, Romanian and Italian by 18 August.  

If you have any questions, please contact info@tporganics.eu.  

TP Organics is the European Technology Platform for Research & Innovation into Organics and Agroecology. IFOAM Organics Europe is a founding member and hosts its secretariat. Visit www.tporganics.eu for more information and follow its Twitter and LinkedIn @TPorganics. 

The work of TP Organics on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with TP Organics. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided. 

The post Provide your input to EU research & innovation priorities for organic & agroecology by 18 August appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

Natexpo 2024, taking place on 23-24 September, will offer the opportunity to discover local companies, illustrating the region’s vitality and innovative flair.  

A revamped programme of plenary talks and content themes  

For its 2024 show, Natexpo is taking a fresh new perspective to offer ever more efficient responses to key issues facing the organic sector. Natexbio invites you to the “Stage” (La Scène) for two days of discussions with economic and political decision makers. Designed as the show’s nerve centre, the forum is reserved for thematically relevant plenaries and themes. Local market players, institutional representatives, retailers, producers, processors and political figures will discuss and debate the sector’s trends and challenges.  

This edition will cover several themes, including our environment, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), commercial and out-of-home foodservices, consumer trends and market changes, and communication trends. Talks followed by debates will bring together political and institutional leaders and organic companies covering their priorities and business challenges. 

Bio Linéaires and its experts will take their annual residency in the Organic Trends Forum, addressing the hottest topics for organic shops: new generations of organic brands, how to recover after the crisis, French and Belgian distribution, and consumption… The full programme is available on natexpo.com 

Retail: Turnout from all links in the chain 

The entire supply chain will be present, meeting up and exchanging views and experiences, making Natexpo a must-be in the organic calendar.  

In the Institutionals Village, you will be able to meet the representatives of the trade associations making up Natexbio: Cosmebio, Forebio, Synabio, Synadiet and Synadis Bio as well as La Maison de la Bio and Agence Bio. In a brand-new development, the Organic Retailers Village is making its debut under the auspices of Synadis Bio. The main chains from specialist retail will be there to showcase their commitments.  

Independent retailers will also be present. This year Natexpo is launching the operation Local Shops, a tailored programme to help independent shop owners get the most out of their exhibition experience through content, training and business meetings, in association with Bio Linéaires. They are also offered accommodation to assist them in organising their trip. 

Large retail also has its role to play and is invited to join in through the operation Bio Connexion by Natexpo to meet the producers and manufacturers who could revolutionise their organic sections.  

Exhibitor trends: What’s new at Natexpo? 

Astonishing results are noted in plant innovations. More than half of French people have reduced their meat consumption in recent years, and nearly half of them for ecological reasons. For many years, plant-based food brands have been innovating to offer alternatives to meat products. The names are intriguing, and the results are up to expectations! 

Things are also moving in the drinks department: organic brands are constantly developing unexpected recipes with increasingly original and delicious ingredients. A far cry from excessively sweet soft drinks, we are seeing a wave of imaginative blends, fermented beverages and alcohol-free spirits, which can be discovered at Natexpo. 

For both food and non-food products, Natexpo exhibitors are ramping up their resourcefulness to make new products from downgraded foodstuffs, by-products or raw materials destined to be thrown away. No more unsold products without a solution, no more unnecessary packaging: that’s the principle of these brands that are shaking up the segment! 

Another trend worth highlighting is fairtrade. The fairtrade market in the specialist organic retail sector is worth €266.7 million, just over 11.9% of products with a barcode on the specialist organic market. While fair trade once applied to very specific ingredients, such as chocolate or sugar, it is now well represented in numerous departments, in particular fresh and chilled. Labels (Fairtrade Max Havelaar, Bio Partenaire, Fair for Life, Agri Éthique France, Bio Équitable en France, etc.) are an advantage and can complement local sourcing: although some products come from far away, they allow people to make a decent living through their work while protecting biodiversity thanks to strict specifications. And that is not incompatible with local sourcing! Nearly 1,500 “Origine France” fair trade products were marketed in 2023, of which 81% organic. 

Discover the full trends unveiled in the Natexpo Journal with a presentation of exhibitors’ innovations, available at www.natexpo.com 

Natexpo 2024 at a glance 

• A new, shorter and more effective format: 2 days, weekdays only (Monday/Tuesday) 
• 6 exhibition sectors: Organic Food, Cosmetics and Hygiene Products, Dietary Supplements, Ingredients and Raw Materials, Eco-friendly Home Products, Services and Equipment for Retail and Brands. 
• 20% of new exhibitors 
• 12 winners of the 2024 Natexpo Awards 
• A simplified offer: 2 stand options and a 10% reduction for all exhibitors who are members of the Cosmébio, Forébio, Synabio, Synadiet and Synadis Bio trade associations, 
• Innovation with an incubation area: The Seeds Village & The Big Splash, The New Products Gallery, The Natexpo Awards 
• Business: 3 operations dedicated to retail – the Organic Retailers Village, Local Shops and Bio Connexion by Natexpo.  
• Content: The organic sector takes centre stage 
• Conviviality: Natexpo Tchin-Tchin, a festive and musical aperitif on the Monday evening 

Order your visitor badge on natexpo.com and be part of the experience. 

The post Natexpo 2024: The organic sector meets in Lyon appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

As it still stand to date, below you find a write up of this piece. 

Nutrition Insight (NI): What specific policy changes do you recommend to EU policymakers and member states to stimulate consumer demand for organic products within the EU?  

Eduardo Cuoco (EC): The current action plan for organic production in the EU (2021) sets the right priorities – it wants to both boost demand and ensure trust in organic and stimulate production at the same time.  Our manifesto ahead of the EU elections echoes this approach. It is impossible to stimulate consumer demand without ensuring those who produce our food receive a fair pay – specifically farmers who provide higher environmental and social benefits should be remunerated accordingly. 

To stimulate consumers’ demand for organic it is crucial that consumers can make informed choices. This starts by developing policies that show the true price of food and include these in food prices, for example through taxation. Moreover, EU policies should protect consumers from greenwashing. Effective legislation to curb greenwashing should prioritise methodological advancements, steering agricultural policies away from further intensification. For example, the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology used in the green claims directive is too simplistic to assess agri-food products’ environmental impact. 

Public institutions themselves can also increase consumption of organic products via Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). EU legislation should include a mandatory clause setting minimum quotas for organic products in public institutions such as schools, kindergartens, and hospitals. For successful implementation, Sustainable Public Procurement policies must be supported by national and regional targets for organic, national certification schemes at the Member State level across various sectors, and the implementation of education and mentoring programs. 

NI: What are some of the benefits of choosing organic in terms of public health, food safety and nutritional content? 

EC: First, it is important to state that while many consumers start buying organic food because it does not use synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, it is much more than that. Organic farmers nurse the agroecosystem they work in and make sure it is healthy and resilient – this way they do not rely on external inputs like synthetic pesticides & fertilisers and antibiotics. This makes organic farms richer in agrobiodiversity, including a healthier soil that stores more carbon. On top of that, organic farming brings substantial socio-economic advantages – it revitalises rural economies, creates employment, and promotes healthier lifestyles.  

There is promising research associating organic food with better health, but conclusive studies are still ongoing. Studies do confirm fewer pesticide residues and antibiotics in organic foods and numerous studies also link organic food consumption to a lower incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. In terms of nutritional content, organic foods may provide modest benefits such as slightly higher levels of certain antioxidants and flavonoids. Additionally, dairy products from organically raised cattle may have increased Omega-3 levels because the cattle consume more grass and alfalfa.  

Studies are more conclusive in demonstrating that organically produced foods have lower levels of synthetic pesticide residues and significantly reduced cadmium contamination. However, to fully understand the nutritional advantages of organic foods, there is a need for increased investment in research and innovation, along with comprehensive studies. (Sources supporting the claims in this section can be found at the end.) 

NI: Choosing organic products is not solely dependent on wealth or luxury. What measures could make this goal possible? 

EC: First and foremost, IFOAM Organics Europe proposes to consider the true cost of food – positive and negative externalities (the indirect costs of food production) – resulting from our agrifood system. For instance, the cost on ground water pollution for a hectare of conventional potatoes amounts to €1,298.00, while it amounts to €0.40 for a hectare of organic potatoes. The cost of this pollution is currently borne by the public who pay for water sanitation through taxes. If food were to reflect the prices of “externalities” like this, the price of conventionally produced food would go up while that of organic food would remain largely the same. 

Another approach we suggest is to raise taxes on synthetic pesticides and/or fertilisers, especially those that are known to have adverse effects on humans and the environment. However, for this strategy to succeed, higher prices for synthetic inputs must be accompanied by competitively priced alternatives, such as biocontrol products, to prevent cost pressures on farmers. Effective implementation of this approach requires supportive policies and clear communication to underline its rationale. Ideally, this taxation model would favour organic products downstream, benefiting consumers and stimulating demand for organic foods. 

In both scenarios, negative externalities are recognised and higher prices are placed on unsustainably produced goods while the price for organically produced foods remain the same.  

NI: The annual report from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) noted a contraction in the organic market in 2022. What were the primary factors contributing to this decline? 

From 2015 to 2020, demand for organic products doubled, and this growth continued and even peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic caused supply chain disruptions which lingered. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, prices in synthetic fertilisers and pesticides peaked, leading to further challenges to the supply chain and increased costs for farming methods depending on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Consumers experienced not only increased food prices but also inflation – heavily impacting their spending patterns.  

While the organic market moderately contracted in 2022, it  generally remains as it was before the 2020 peak. Trends from 2019 to 2023 even indicate that the organic market is growing as anticipated, reflecting sustained interest and potential for future expansion in this sector. 

NI: Overall, what are the key challenges and opportunities facing the organic industry’s competitiveness? 

EC: Some of the challenges organic experiences can be considered opportunities, which we address in our manifesto. 

Policies should support and reward sustainable farmers 

Organic farmers should receive fair compensation and adequate policy support for the environmental and socio-economic benefits they provide. The main funding tool for farmers, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) does not adequately reward farmers who already apply practices with positive environmental benefits contributions, like organic farming. Moreover, it also discourages farmers who want to move away from unsustainable practices. 

Consumer awareness  

Another challenge and opportunity are the need to improve consumer awareness. It is important to keep legal clarity and avoid confusing consumers with an overload of often misleading green claims and labels. The EU organic logo and other organic certification already represent the most sustainable food choices. Legislation against greenwashing should protect the EU’s flagship label and ensure it stands out against environmental claims that are often misused, like “regenerative agriculture”. Effective legislation to curb greenwashing should steer agricultural policies away from further intensification, for example, the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology that is too simplistic to assess agri-food products’ environmental impact. 

Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) 

Procurement is a strategic market development tool to increase the demand for organic, healthy, and sustainable products. Setting mandatory criteria for SPP in all public institutions’ canteens (schools, hospitals, etc.) and translating the ‘EU code of conduct on responsible food business and marketing practices’ into mandatory criteria will increase demand for and financing the transition to sustainable food systems. 

The work of IFOAM Organics Europe on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with IFOAM Organics Europe. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.

The post Challenges and opportunities facing organic & how policies can be part of the solution appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

BRUSSELS, 19 JULY 2024 – Today the EU Commission revealed the finalists of the 2024 EU Organic Awards, the EU-wide yearly initiative recognising organic actors who have developed excellent, innovative and inspiring projects that advance organic food and farming. 24 finalists from 12 EU countries were selected across 8 different categories – We congratulate them for their outstanding projects and for making it so far in the selection process! 

The winners will be unveiled at the official ceremony in Brussels on 23 September, as part of a series of events and activities celebrating the annual EU Organic Day. Officially launched in 2021 by the European Parliament, the Commission, and the Council of the European Union, this day represents the occasion to celebrate organic as a model to follow and an opportunity to evaluate Europe’s progress towards achieving its goal of 25% organic land by 2030, trends in consumer demand, awareness of organic in the supply chain and the implementation of the EU Organic Action Plan. 

This year’s finalists of the EU Organic Awards in each category are: 

Best organic farmer (female) 

• Blagovesta Vasilieva, The wild farm (ДИВАТА ФЕРМА), Gorno Pole, Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria 
• Caroline Devillers, Bel Go Bio, Hollogne-sur-Geer, province of Liège, Belgique 
• Reinhild Frech-Emmelmann, Reinsaat GmbH, St. Leonhard am Hornerwald, Lower Austria, Austria 

Best organic farmer (male) 

• Gianpaolo Mancini, Il sentiero del Riccio, Sicignano degli Alburni, Salerno, Italy  
• Tommi Hasu, LuomuMattinen, Oravala, Kouvola, Finland 
• Benny Schöpf, Kartoffelkombinat, München, Bavaria, Germany 

Best organic region 

• Comunidade Intermunicipal do Alto Tâmega e Barroso, Chaves, Portugal 
• Comunidad autónoma de Castilla – La Mancha, Spain  
• South Savo, Finland 

Best organic city 

• BioStadt Bremen, Germany 
• Cascais, Lisbon district, Portugal 
• Las Rozas, Community of Madrid, Spain 

Best organic “bio-district” 

• Distretto del Cibo Monregalese-Cebano, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy 
• Bioregião de S. Pedro do Sul, Viseu district, Beira alta, Portugal 
• Sörmland Bio-district, Sörmland, Sweden 

Best organic food processing SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) 

• Biologon GmbH, Hochfilzen, Tyrol, Austria 
• Gino Girolomoni Cooperativa Agricola, Isola del Piano, Montebello, Marche, Italy 
• Organic veggie food GmbH/SOTO organic specialities, Bad Endorf, Bavaria, Germany 

Best organic food retailer 

• BIOGAST GmbH, Zwettl, Lower Austria, Austria 
• Coolanowle Organic Meats, Ballickmoyler, County Laois, Ireland 
• SAiFRESC, Catarroja, Valencian Community, Spain 

Best organic restaurant/food service 

• B2 Bio pur GmbH, Binsdorf, Baden-Württemberg, Germany 
• Biohotel St. Daniel, Štanjel, Primórska region, Slovenia 
• Kalf & Hansen, Stockholm, Sweden 

We wish them best of luck and look forward to getting to know them better in the weeks ahead of the awards ceremony. 

Ends. 

Contact details

Eva Berckmans, Communications Manager 
+32 2 416 27 62, eva.berckmans@organicseurope.bio 
or visit www.organicseurope.bio 

Background information

About the EU Organic Awards

The annual European Organic Awards reward excellent and innovative actors in the organic value chain. They are jointly organised by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, IFOAM Organics Europe and COPA-COGECA, with support of the European Parliament and of the Council. The awards ceremony will take place on 23 September, the official EU Organic Day. 

This year marks the awards’ third edition dedicated to honouring innovative, sustainable, and outstanding projects across seven categories and eight individual awards. Finalists of the EU Organic Awards get a platform to present their projects to a wider audience, showing how organic continues to innovate the supply chain. 

The jury will select the winners of the EU Organic Awards based on horizontal award criteria and consists of representatives from the organisers alongside representatives from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Further information about the candidates, selection criteria, and the awards is available on the EU Organic Awards webpage. 

The EU Organic Awards were launched in 2022 as commitment of the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production. The awards recognise excellence across the organic value chain, enhance organic’s visibility and increase the EU organic logo’s visibility. This year marks the third edition of the Awards, featuring seven categories and eight individual awards. The Awards aim to honour projects that are outstanding, innovative, sustainable, and inspiring, adding real value to organic production and consumption. Winners have the chance to present their projects to a wider audience, showing best practices. 

Do you know of any projects that would be fit to apply for the next edition of the EU Organic Awards? Documents with practical guidelines are available in all official EU languages. For more information about the previous winners of EU Organic Awards: 

• Articles about past EU Organic Awards winners on our website, 
• On social media using #EUOrganic, 
• 2023: Videos winners #EUOrganic Awards 2023 and our article, 
• 2022: Videos winners #EUOrganic Awards 2022, and our article. 

Further information about the candidates, the selection criteria, and the awards in general can be found on the on the EU Organic Awards webpage. 

About EU Organic Day

On 23 September 2024 Europe will also celebrate its 4th EU Organic Day! This day is organic’s day to shine. Besides the EU Organic Awards ceremony in Brussels, organic becomes more visible at many events – in person, online and according to the organisers’ own flavours. 

So, we want to ask: what are your plans for this year’s 23 September? 

We call on you to get visible, celebrate organic on this day and raise awareness of organic and its many benefits to people, planet & economy. Share your initiatives with us through the dedicated form, we will help promoting them through our website’s map and by sharing them on social media. Need some inspiration? Curious to see what kind of initiatives took place last year? Visit the EU organic day page on our website!   

Officially launched in 2021 by the European Parliament, the Commission, and the Council of the European Union, this day represents the occasion to, among others, assess trends in consumer demands, continue raising awareness of organic in the supply chain and finally, define new targets for the future of organic in Europe.  Every year, many of our members celebrate organic – in person, online and according to their own flavours. So, we want to ask: what are your plans for this year’s 23 September? 

IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming. With almost 200 members in 34 European countries, our work spans the entire organic food chain and beyond: from farmers and processors organisations, retailers, certifiers, consultants, traders, and researchers to environmental and consumer advocacy bodies. 

The work of IFOAM Organics Europe on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with IFOAM Organics Europe. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided. 

The post 24 finalists highlight excellent examples of EU organic from field to fork appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

Organic farmers and operators have high expectations for the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture’s outcomes and the vision for Agriculture and Food announced today. Commission President von der Leyen’s commitment to ensure that all farmers get a fair remuneration, and especially adequately compensate farmers who already protect the environment and ecosystems by using sustainable methods and farm with nature, is encouraging and in line with IFOAM Organics Europe’s priorities.  

According to Jan Plagge, IFOAM Organics Europe’s President: “Organic agriculture is the proof that protecting our natural resources and contributing to European competitiveness can go hand in hand. The launch of the Strategic Dialogue on food and agriculture was a smart move. As IFOAM Organics Europe we have constructively contributed to this process. We did so because we are confident that it will help overcome the recent misguided polarisation which has slowed down efforts to protect our water, soil and biodiversity – which we depend on for our food production and prosperity. In line with her commitments, we expect the Commission President’s actions will ensure that farmers who protect the environment are fairly rewarded by the market and receive adequate public support from policies like the Common Agricultural Policy.” 

Jan Plagge ended stating: “As European organic movement, we look forward to collaborating with President von der Leyen and the next European Commission supporting the transition to sustainable agri-food systems where organic farming continues to lead safeguarding the climate, protecting biodiversity and our environment – at the same time increasing food security and the attractiveness of Europe’s rural areas. Organic offers a competitive alternative in the EU and global agri-food system and a viable opportunity for farmers to engage in the sustainability transition”.  

Ends. 

Contact details

Eva Berckmans, Communications Manager 
+32 2 416 27 62, eva.berckmans@organicseurope.bio 
or visit www.organicseurope.bio 

IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming. With almost 200 members in 34 European countries, our work spans the entire organic food chain and beyond: from farmers and processors organisations, retailers, certifiers, consultants, traders, and researchers to environmental and consumer advocacy bodies. 

The work of IFOAM Organics Europe on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with IFOAM Organics Europe. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided. 

The post Welcome back, Ms von der Leyen. EU organic looks forward to continue transforming our rural areas & food systems appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

More than 200 organic and conventional companies from 12 European countries are already calling for strict legislation on new GMOs (‘new genomic techniques’ or NGTs). Do you own a company active in food and do you want to remain GMO-free? 

Support this joint letter by representatives of organic and conventional food company representatives (available in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian and Bulgarian). 

Who can act?

Whether you are a small or multinational company, a retailer, processor or food brand, a start-up or established family-owned business, if you value freedom of choice and transparency, we invite you to sign on and/or share this letter before 31 August. Speaking out in public matters! 

What does the letter say?

The letter calls for labelling and traceability all NGTs, reminding policymakers of the widespread consumer scepticism and citizens’ demands for transparency. The letter also demands the provision for detection methods to underpin the labelling system and for the rights to national co-existence measures.  

Why act?

The European Council is currently discussing their position on a new legislative proposal on new GMOs, the so-called “New Genomic Techniques” which would dismantle most of the strict regulatory framework for new GMOs. This deregulation entails lower biosafety standards and importantly, without supply chain and end-of-product labelling, it would impede freedom of choice for food producers and consumers!  

As food sector, it is vital to speak up now to demand national governments uphold high levels of transparency and to give food companies the tools to choose to (not) use GMOs in their value chains.  

Read our webpage on GMOs for more information on the current legal framework, the organic movement’s position and the ongoing legislative revision process.

What can your company do?

Put economic pressure on the negotiations by adding your support to this joint letter – it only takes 5 minutes of your time. You can sign on until 31 August 2024! After that, the letter will be sent to the responsible Ministers in the EU countries. 

Translations of the letter are available in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian and Bulgarian. The letter has over 200 signatures so far, but more voices are louder! 

Can or will you not sign? Please consider distributing the letter in your networks and urge companies to sign it (or send reminder if you already disseminated it). You can also share our LinkedIn, Facebook and/or post on X. 

For more information read our previous article and check out VLOG’s press release.  

For detailed information on old and new GMOs (NGTs): 

• Check out myths about organic & NGTs, 

• Read the paper Sustainability in organic breeding, 

• Watch our video explaining what new GMOs are and why we need to keep them regulated, 

• Visit our website page on (new) GMOs, or 

• Contact helene.schmutzler@organicseurope.bio for more information. Please do note that we prioritise our members’ requests. 

IFOAM Organics Europe members can find more information on the member extranet and background materials in the arguments database on the member extranet (main messages, arguments/FAQs, visuals & videos). Contact membership@organicseurope.bio for access rights (issues). 

For access to our member extranet and information about what you can gain from being a member, read our membership page and contact membership@organicseurope.bio. 

The post More than 200 food companies call for strict legislation on new GMOs – Sign and share our joint European letter appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

Participants at the event had the opportunity to delve into a variety of discussions, lectures, and interactive sessions led by prominent figures in organic and sustainable agriculture. Notable speakers included Ronald van Marlen, General Director of NaNa Bio, and Dr. Vandana Shiva, a renowned environmental activist, food sovereignty advocate, and scholar. Their contributions, along with those of other experts, helped illuminate critical aspects of organic agriculture and resilient food systems. After the event, participants had also the opportunity to join two excursions to an organic olive oil mill and an organic pasta factory to witness first-hand Italian organic production.

The event was a fertile ground for generating important insights and considerations about the future of organic farming. Both speakers and participants shared visions and ideas, providing valuable guidance for the future of the organic movement.

We selected 10 key takeaways that best reflect the main messages and themes explored during the event. These takeaways were selected also based on input provided by participants at the event:

1. Over 130 young (potential) future organic leaders from all over Europe and the world joined the youth event in Bari, committed to building a more resilient and sustainable food system. Their enthusiasm and dedication to making the world a better place were evident throughout the event, as they actively engaged with speakers and shared their visions for the future of organic agriculture. We are grateful to all participants for their inspirational presence and hope they returned home motivated and inspired.
2. Our panel on organic, agroecology, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture showed that all these farming systems share key principles and want to regenerate our soils and make food production more sustainable. We already collaborate with many of these actors, and we seek positive collaboration with those who don’t have a legally defined standard but share similar goals and are not being used for greenwashing purposes.
3. Biodistricts also have a sustainable farming approach and make local economies more resilient, fostering rural community development. Participants learned about examples from Italy and Germany and their potential to create jobs, preserve traditional farming knowledge, and transform rural areas into vibrant communities.
4. Dr. Vandana Shiva highlighted organic’s pivotal role in ecological activism, encouraging everyone to take action, and highlighting how individuals have the power to build a robust movement for a resilient food system. She also called on the audience to empower young people and actively engage in this effort.
5. Access to knowledge is crucial for young organic entrepreneurs. Because organic is knowledge-intensive, open knowledge exchange and innovation are essential for organic businesses, particularly for those new to the sector. Policies can encourage this! Read more in our manifesto.
6. Ronald van Marlen emphasised the organic sector’s need to reclaim its narrative, positioning organic practices as a powerful driver of positive change in both society and agriculture. He also underscored the importance for organic to remain at the forefront of a wider social movement, highlighting its potential as a socio-economic model contributing to health, environmental protection, and fairness in agriculture.
7. Ensuring the organic movement’s progress requires having the right people in the right positions. We need forward-thinking leaders and conscious policymakers who are willing to address the challenges faced by our food systems. Generational renewal plays a pivotal role in this endeavour, and active youth participation promises a vibrant future for organic.
8. The event highlighted the importance of nurturing diversity and open-mindedness within the organic movement. By embracing different voices, perspectives, and approaches, and aligning with allied movements, we can strengthen our impact.
9. (Organic) certification is an important instrument of transparency and the only way not to succumb to greenwashing. Certification can safeguard the rights of consumers and organic producers and ensure that sustainability is no longer just a tagline for companies.
10. Our youth event was more than learning by attending panels. Participants could connect and network during coffee breaks and networking apéro, joined a yoga session, quizzes, and games, and sweated it off during a dance hall animated by local folk music artists!

Looking ahead, we remain committed to motivating, inspiring, and empowering young people to make a significant impact within the organic movement.

Couldn’t attend the event, but would like to take a peek of its memorable moments? Have a look at our Instagram account.

Stay tuned for the next edition of the Organics Europe Youth Event by subscribing to our newsletter at www.organicseurope.bio/newsletter and following @OrganicsEurope on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Feel free to contact events@organicseurope.bio if you have any questions.

The work of IFOAM Organics Europe on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with IFOAM Organics Europe. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.

The post Building resilient food futures across generations – Organics Europe’s Youth Event take-aways appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.

Every 5 years, TP Organics collects the research priorities and needs of the organic and agroecological sector. It then compiles these into the SRIA and uses this for advising the European Commission about its next EU funding programme for research and innovation (the successor of Horizon Europe (FP10)). 

Indicate your priorities in TP Organics’ survey in English, French, Spanish, German, Hungarian, Romanian and Italian.  

To make sure TP Organics gets a full picture of the sector’s needs, please submit your response by 31 July and feel free to share the survey widely in your networks! If you have any more questions, please contact info@tporganics.eu.  

TP Organics is the European Technology Platform for Research & Innovation into Organics and Agroecology. IFOAM Organics Europe is a founding member and hosts its secretariat. Visit www.tporganics.eu for more information and follow its Twitter and LinkedIn @TPorganics. 

The work of TP Organics on this topic is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union, under the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). This page only reflects the views of the authors and its sole responsibility lies with TP Organics. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided. 

The post Help set the EU’s research and innovation priorities for organic & agroecology  appeared first on IFOAM Organics Europe.