Welcome back, Ms von der Leyen. EU organic looks forward to continue transforming our rural areas & food systems

BRUSSELS, 18 JULY 2024 – The European organic movement congratulates Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election as President of the European Commission and wishes her a successful second mandate. As IFOAM Organics Europe, we welcome her commitment to the European Green Deal and expect its effective implementation and continued progress to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems throughout her next mandate. 

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, [email protected] 
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.