IFOAM Organics Europe’s expert session on promotion policies during BIOFACH 2021

During BIOFACH 2021, IFOAM Organics Europe’s Food Policy Officer Silvia Schmidt organized an “Ask the Expert” Session on the Commission’s promotion policies. Two speakers from the European Commission, Christina Gerstgrasser, Head of Unit for external communication and promotion policy at DG SANTE and Aleksandra Mecilosek, Head of unit for promotion of agricultural products at CHAFEA (the consumers, health, and agriculture and food executive agency), presented the policy. As the European Commission earmarked an unprecedented share of the EU promotion policy budget of 2021 to organics, this session was dedicated to presenting funding opportunities and explaining the application process.

To reach the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies’ goals of 25% organic land in the EU by 2030, it is paramount to reach out and engage with consumers. This can be achieved by actively promoting organic and sustainable agricultural practices, which is why the Commission pledged a total €49 million for the promotion of organic and additional funding for sustainable agriculture. Details about the facts and figures as well as the application process were laid out by the speakers.

To apply for promotion policies, submit your proposal through this portal by 11 May at 17:00 CET.

If you are a member of IFOAM Organics Europe, you can re-watch the session on our member extranet. All members can get more information about promotion policies and how to apply on our dedicated extranet space with useful information about proposal writing.

For information about what you can gain from being a member, read our membership page and contact [email protected].