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20/09/2023

Preview of events

We’re counting down to the European Organic Congress, 26-28 September 2023 Cordoba, Spain

The countdown has begun! In less than a week we will have our 17th European Organic Congress – it will take place on 26-28 September in Córdoba, Spain.

This year’s congress is organized in the context of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, making it a significant event. Organized by IFOAM Organics Europe and Ecovalia, this event will include numerous panels and breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics. From including market trends and challenges, strategies to increase organic consumption to generational shifts in organic, the new CAP 2023-2027, EU Organic Regulation updates but also innovations in certification, and the hot topic of new genomic techniques (NGTs).

Our annual European Organic Congress isn’t just about discussions, it’s also about building lasting relationships! So, we are organizing a memorable networking dinner on 26 September at Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Córdoba, the same location where we will hold all sessions. Additionally, for those lucky individuals who secured their tickets, the post-congress excursion will offer an enriching experience exploring the innovation and challenges of organic oil production in the beautiful south of the Iberian Peninsula.

ALL sponsorspartners (incl silver & bronze)

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.

Let’s Discuss Organic – Youth in Sustainable Food Systems – 10 October 2023, online

The future of food and farming is in the hands of youth – younger generations eager to move to a more sustainable agrifood sector. As IFOAM Organics Europe, we recognize and appreciate the vital role they play in shaping the sustainable food systems of tomorrow, particularly within the organic sector.

On 10 October, we will have a special edition of our webinar sessions ‘Let’s Discuss Organics’ themed Youth in Sustainable Food System. In company of those under 40, we will delve into the significance of organic youth groups and their potential to catalyze the creation of sustainable food systems. It will be a unique opportunity to encourage active participation by the younger generation in organic youth groups and foster the exchange of innovative ideas among these groups.

Normally, these are member-only webinars, but to encourage participation, we open this session to all young minds under 40. Are you under 40 and interested to attend? Do you have a friend or colleague who is? Register now!

During the webinar, we will show the pivotal role played by youth organizations in sustainable food systems and their impact on the political landscape. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for agriculture!

This online event will be completely free, nevertheless, a previous registration is required. Register now!

Promoting social innovation through public canteens! Join us at the EU Week of Regions and Cities – 10 October 2023, Brussels, Belgium

On 10 October, we are organising a high-level workshop Promoting Social Innovation through public canteens to advocate for the implementation of healthy and sustainable school meals, specifically for a 20% organic goal in public procurement, and food education for every child in every school in Europe.

Among the speakers:

Joke Schauvliege, CoRNat rapporteur on the Legislative Framework for Sustainable Food Systems framework who will give a welcome note;
Tunç Soyer, Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey;
A representative from the global network Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) Global Executive Comm Member; and
Silvia Schmidt, Policy Manager at IFOAM Organics Europe.

During the workshop, there will be an official handover ceremony of the Manifesto for establishing minimum standards in public canteens and the Petition calling for sustainable meals for children in schools to Members of the European Parliament.

This session will take place on 10 October, 9:30-10:30, at SQUARE Brussels Conference Centre, Mont des Arts. Are you keen to join us? Register now on the Committee of Regions’ website and find more details in the agenda.

We are organising this event together with ICLEI Europe (the network of Local Governments for Sustainability), the Commission for Natural Resources of the European Committee of the Regions and SODEM (the Association of Social Democratic Municipalities).

This event takes place in the framework of the European Committee of the Regions’s 21^st edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities – 9-12 of October. During this annual four-day event cities and regions showcase how they create growth and jobs, implement European Union cohesion policy, and prove the importance of the local and regional level for good European governance.

Join the Action Days and call for Good Food Good Farming – 1-31 October, Europe & 8 November, Brussels

During its annual European Days of Action, a group of NGOs calls on everyone to organize an event in your city, town or village between 1-31 October. It can be small or big, bringing together citizens, farmers, food producers and many more. These action days are a unique opportunity to both call attention to your cause locally and be part of a broad European movement!

Let’s make organic visible as part of the solution

As the European organic movement, it is a good opportunity for us to be visible and promote organic farming as a sustainable alternative to industrial farming that should be given the priority. If you have the capacity to organize an event or if an event planned already is fitting this description, you can register it on Good Food Good Farming’s website. There you will also find more information and communication resources.

Join us in Brussels for the final protest

Moreover, you can join us on 8 November in Brussels for the final protest where the alliance will gather to present their demands to EU decisionmakers. It will be possible to join in person or participate in a postcard action during an event.

Let’s position the organic movement as the defender of the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy it is!

Should you have any questions or need support, you can find your national contact for the Good Food Good Farming alliance.

The alliance Good Food Good Farming (GFGF) which is campaigning for sustainable food and farming across Europe is coming back strong in 2023 with a focus on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation and the Sustainable Food Systems law. The campaign is coordinating its “European Days of Action” between the 1^st and the 31^st of October.

IFOAM Organics Europe partners with NATEXPO for a fairer and more transparent EU food system – 22–24 October 2023, Paris, France

IFOAM Organics Europe is glad to represent the European perspective at NATEXPO for another year. NATEXPO is the leading international trade show for organic products, taking place on 22-24 October in Paris, France. The fair expects more than 1,400 exhibitors and brands, including a significant international participation, and will be the occasion to combine the respective unique strengths and resources to advance sustainable development in the organic sector.

In the framework of this partnership, our Director Eduardo Cuoco has released a short interview, presenting some of the most pressing issues on the political agenda urged to be considered by the organic movement. In particular, he focused on Green Claims, the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), and greenwashing when it comes to sustainability labelling. Interested? Have a look at the video.

Do you wish to visit NATEXPO on 22–24 October? Get your free visitor pass here and plan your journey to Paris!

Background information

On 22 March 2023, the Commission proposed a Directive on substantiating green claims, originally based on the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), a methodology that is not accurate for the environmental assessment of agri-food products and would ultimately lead to greenwashing. Our advocacy work has greatly contributed to the adjustment of the Directive, namely by giving the biased PEF methodology a far less prominent place in it. The Green Claims Directive is echoing with another piece of legislation expected for 2023: the legislative framework for Sustainable Food Systems. As part of this framework, the Commission intends to create a sustainable labelling framework, therefore, these two Commission proposals could be heavily intertwined. This is why the organic sector needs to remain mobilized to give accurate information to consumers regarding their food choices and prevent the PEF from becoming the default methodology for the European food market.

Nordic leaders will debate ‘Future of organic’ in Malmö – 15-16 November 2023

The ‘industry festival’ for organic and sustainable food and drink is back in Malmö, Sweden. With the very best choice of products, talks, inspiration and insight for the organic foodservice and retail industry, the Nordic Organic Food Fair returns to MalmöMässan on 15-16 November 2023.

The Big Nordic Organic Debate
Alongside the exhibition, the Main Stage will host an important panel titled The BIG Nordic Organic Debate where Nordic leaders will share their insight into the Nordic markets, emerging trends and how a Nordic collaboration is key to growing organic market share. Moderated by Joanna Wierzbicka, Deputy Director, IFOAM Organics Europe, the unmissable panel will feature Helle Borup Friberg, CEO of Organic Denmark; Charlotte Bladh André, CEO of Organic Sweden; Aura Lamminparras, Executive Director of ProLuomu; Markus Lohne Hustad, CEO of Okologisk Norge, and Eygló Björk Ólafsdóttir, Chairman of Organic Iceland.

Joanna Wierzbicka, Deputy Director of IFOAM Organics Europe says: “IFOAM Organics Europe is pleased to cooperate with Nordic Organic Food Fair. Our partnership combines expertise, resources and passion to promote and support the growth of the organic sector in the Nordic region, and beyond. Gathering at the Nordic Organic Food Fair for the Big Organic Debate, we are discussing success stories and challenges in the Nordic region’s organic industry. IFOAM Organics Europe proudly joins this debate, committed to supporting and strengthening our organic community.”

The industry coming together to support organic

Key decision makers from Axfood, Coop Denmark, Dagrofa Foodservice, Grøn fokus, ICA Sverige, Life Europe AB, Magasin DU Nord, Medica Nord, Menigo, Netto DK, Nomeco, Nordic Premium Group, Norgesgruppen, Orkla, Planet Organic, Salling Group, Sunkost – and many more– regularly attend the fair. These retailers, buyers, wholesalers, distributors, importers and foodservice professionals come to discover the next bestselling sustainable and organic products for their customers.

“This event is essential, to see the latest products, hear about upcoming trends and research.” – Aldi Denmark.

Over 500 brands will be showcasing the best of certified organic ingredients, fresh produce, frozen foods, packaged goods, confectionery, snacks, and more. Exhibitors already confirmed include Pukka Herbs, Midsona Foodservice, Balkan Berries, Nutland B.V, English Tea Shop, Horizon Natuurvoeding BV, Sonnentor, Biofood, Stockfiller, Voelkel, Tradin Organic, Dava Foods, Ghee Easy and Landgarten. As well as Pavilions from Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Holland, Austria, Poland and Ecuador.

Register for a free trade ticket today!

The Nordic Organic Food Fair (co-located with Eco Living Scandinavia) will return to MalmöMässan on 15-16 November. Read more and register for a free trade ticket.

Save the date for IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business – 30 November 2023, Brussels, Belgium

We’re excited to announce that our annual IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business event will to take place on 30 November at L42 Business Centre & Workspaces, Brussels, Belgium. This event is the go-to place for the organic sector where organic pioneers exchange with those (relatively) new to organic and those interested in organic.

Mark 30 November in your calendar to IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business share ideas, foster collaboration, and drive innovation across the organic supply chain. You will have the chance to engage in discussions revolving around the most relevant topics and trends shaping the organic industry.

Interested? Keep an eye on our website. We are working hard on putting together the programme and will post updates in the coming weeks!

Discuss citizen-driven transformation of European food systems at the Organic Innovation Days – 25-26 October, Brussels, Belgium

On 25-26 October the annual Organic Innovation Days 2023 are taking place in Brussels themed ‘Citizen-driven transformation of European food systems’.

What’s on the menu?

Day 1, 25 October, 10:00-15:00 at BluePoint Brussels, will focus on research & innovation to guarantee long-term food security. During a key-note, longstanding expert John Ingram will set the scene. Followingly, participants will discuss a demonstration project on building and maintaining humus to sequester carbon and ensure climate-resilient agriculture. Afterwards, there will be a high-level panel debate with representatives from the European Commission’s Directorates General for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Research and Innovation (DG AGRI and RTD) and a discussion with the audience. This will focus on the research and innovation needs and priorities the European Commission should take up in its Work Programme 2025-2027. Download the agenda.

Day 2, 26 October, 9:00-17:00 at Herman Teirlinck Building Brussels, marks the FoodSHIFT 2030 Final Policy Conference (hosted by IFOAM Organics Europe). FoodSHIFT2030 will present the project’s results through the lenses of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the FOOD 2030 Policy Framework. A series of debates with guest panellists will explore the “The path to sustainable food systems” departuring in the newly completed EU FOOD 2030 Project Family Policy Brief. Download the agenda.

More information

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 Organic Innovations Days are TP Organics’ flagship event. For this year’s edition, TP Organics is partnering with FoodSHIFT 2030, a Horizon 2020 project focused on transforming the European food system towards a low-carbon, circular future, including a shift to less meat and more plant-based diets, in which IFOAM Organics Europe is a partner.

This year’s edition of the Organic Innovation Days is part of TP Organics’ communication and dissemination activities around the political topic of food security supported by European Climate Foundation with the aim of strengthening a more holistic narrative of sustainable food security and advancing the needed transformation of the European agri-food system towards organic and agroecological practices that are beneficial for both the climate and biodiversity. These activities also include the new TP Organics Policy Brief announced above.