Review of events
From the 11–14 of February 2025, the Nuremberg Exhibition Center in Germany hosted BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food. By bringing together regional, national, and international stakeholders, BIOFACH unites exhibitors and visitors from the organic and natural cosmetics sector for a dynamic and influential gathering.
IFOAM Organics Europe was actively involved in BIOFACH, participating as both an exhibitor and a contributor to the congress program. We hosted a diverse range of sessions covering topics such as sustainability reporting, healthy school food, research and innovation, and youth-led advocacy. Read the full programme.
If you’d like to learn more about our BIOFACH sessions. Discover the key take-aways from our 3 days at BIOFACH 2025:
- Takeaways from Day 1 at BIOFACH
- Takeaways from Day 2 at BIOFACH
- Takeaways from Day 3 at BIOFACH
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.
On this year’s International School Meals Day, students from Markgräfler Gymnasium (Germany), joined by IFOAM Organics Europe and ICLEI Europe, brought their call for healthy, sustainable, and organic school meals to EU policymakers in Strasbourg. Invited by MEP Dario Nardella (S&D), the delegation engaged with Strasbourg Mayor Jeanne Barseghian, EU Commissioners Christophe Hansen and Olivér Várhelyi, and MEPs across parties.
With school meals reaching over 50 million EU children daily, their impact goes beyond health — supporting farmers, the environment, and food sovereignty. Programs like SchoolFood4Change combine organic meals with food education, farm visits, and cooking classes, making sustainability part of everyday school life.
Commissioner Hansen emphasized the shared responsibility of ensuring healthy, sustainable food and fair prices for farmers. Commissioner Várhelyi highlighted the role of school meals in preventing obesity and promoting long-term well-being.
IFOAM Organics Europe and ICLEI Europe are urging the EU to adopt public procurement standards that include at least 20% organic food in public canteens. School
Meals can be catalysts for food system transformation towards more sustainability, supporting farmers engaged. Sustainable methods of production, such as organic farming, contribute to the health of children and the revitalisation of rural communities.
The minimum requirements presented in our Manifesto and promoted through the Buy Better Food Campaign can achieve this transformation.
In the first part of the year we organised 4 sessions of our members-only Let’s Discuss Organic webinar on a variety of topics. All recordings and materials are available anytime on the Member Extranet!
Session 1: Promoting organic: EU promotion policy budget and “Nudging Organic”
In January, this Let’s Discuss Organic session explored the EU promotion policy budget. We explained what it was, how to apply for it, and highlighted the changes compared to the previous year. Additionally, we heard from a successful project that received funding from this budget—specifically, “Nudging Organic,” which aimed to drive sustainable consumption. The session was led by Silvia Schmidt, Policy Manager at IFOAM Organics Europe.
Session 2: A new narrative for organic after Farm to Fork
In February, we held a members-only webinar titled “A new narrative for organic after Farm to Fork.” In October and November 2024, interviews were conducted with IFOAM Organics Europe members and external stakeholders on strategic matters. Based on these interviews, external consultant Andy Battentier developed a narrative document titled “Organic after Farm to Fork.” The story it presented served as a foundation for communication strategies to promote organic farming in the current political context. Andy presented the main points of the narrative, followed by a discussion on how to implement its recommendations.
Session 3: New innovations in organic agriculture: Inspiring examples to celebrate and share
In March, we held a members-only webinar titled “New innovations in organic agriculture: Inspiring examples to celebrate and share.” Organic agriculture is still sometimes perceived as a “luddite” approach, criticised for not embracing new technologies. This session showcased compelling counterexamples that debunked this misconception and featured organic innovators who are driving the sector forward. More information about the session was shared closer to the event date.
Session 4: Update on political developments of NGT proposal
In April, we hosted a members-only webinar to discuss the latest political developments around the Commission’s New Genetic Technologies (NGTs) proposal. Since its release in July 2023, the legislative process has been highly politicised and fast-paced. While the European Parliament adopted its position in early 2024, Council discussions were ongoing. The webinar provided an update on the state of play and offered space for members’ questions.
This live webinar offered a valuable opportunity for organisations and companies interested in learning more about IFOAM Organics Europe to explore our work in a practical and engaging format. It was designed to support informed membership decisions by showcasing concrete benefits and opportunities for involvement. The session also provided useful guidance for current members on how to make the most of their membership.
Participants were introduced to the key achievements of IFOAM Organics Europe, along with the latest updates on organic policies, EU regulations, and market trends across Europe. This dynamic and interactive event featured a dedicated Q&A session and insightful discussions with members of our Council and Board.
The webinar was open to invited organisations, companies, and IFOAM Organics Europe members. If you were unable to attend but would like to learn more, we would be happy to share additional information. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at membership@organicseurope.bio.
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.
On 9 April, the event “Biodistricts: An opportunity for rural revitalization and sustainable, organic public procurement” took place at the European Parliament from 9:00 to 11:00.
A bio-district is a geographical area where farmers, citizens, tourist operators, associations, and public authorities enter into an agreement for the sustainable management of local resources, based on organic production and consumption. This includes different aspects such as the development of short food chains, the establishment of organic canteens in public offices and schools. In bio-districts, the promotion of organic products is inextricably linked with the promotion of the land and its special characteristics so that it can fully realize its economic, social, and cultural potential.
During this session, IFOAM Organics Europe, the Socialist and Democrats Group, the European People’s Party, and the Greens in the European Parliament brought together policymakers and experts involved in successful bio-districts to showcase how these initiatives can support European farmers and biodiversity, revitalise European rural areas and enshrine the ‘right to stay’ and inspire action toward a healthier, more sustainable food system for farmers, citizens and the whole society.
Interested in reading our key take-aways? Find a wrap up post on LinkedIn or read our thread on X.
