Welcome Note April 2025
Welcome to our April 2025 Newsletter. As spring blossoms, we reflect on recent highlights and look ahead to an exciting new season for organic.
Organic is increasingly recognised as key to sustainable food systems, youth engagement, and rural revitalisation. Commissioner Hansen’s Vision for Agriculture and Food highlighted its potential, while our President, Jan Plagge, joined the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF), building on IFOAM Organics Europe’s active involvement in the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. In a recent meeting with Commissioner Hansen, we reiterated the importance of rewarding organic farmers for their ecosystem services.
On the policy front, developments on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), the Water Resilience Strategy, and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are moving fast. We are calling for stronger safeguards on NGTs, promoting organic’s role in protecting water resources, and advocating for a dedicated CAP budget that supports agroecological farming and fair farmer incomes.
At BIOFACH 2025, the world’s leading organic trade fair, we contributed to sessions on sustainability, school food, innovation, and youth advocacy, and celebrated two major milestones:
- The EU Organic Awards 2025 officially launched, with a video announcement by Commissioner Hansen. There are only a few days left to apply to one of the 6 categories. If you are – or know someone that should be – interested in applying, make sure to do so by this very Sunday 27 April. Find more details on the European Commission’s webpage.
- We proudly launched the Organics Europe Youth Network, a platform to support generational renewal in the organic sector. The launch included a declaration to Commissioner Hansen, emphasising the vital role of youth in building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable food system. Learn more on its brand-new website: www.organicyouth.bio
Join us in Warsaw: The European Organic Congress 2025
On 25–27 June, join us in Warsaw for the European Organic Congress (EOC) 2025, co-hosted with PIZE and the Polish Ministry of Agriculture under the theme “Strengthening organic roots for a competitive and sustainable 2050.”
This year, IFOAM Organics Europe’s General Assembly will exceptionally take place ahead of the EOC on 25 June, in a hybrid format. We look forward to valuable exchanges with our members.
Register now for the General Assembly. Secure your spot at the European Organic Congress. Early bird deadline is 30 April.
Thank you for being an essential part of the vibrant IFOAM Organics Europe community and network. We look forward to continuing our shared journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Europe’s agrifood system—where organic remains at the forefront of this transformation.
And remember: don’t panic, the future is organic!
Eduardo Cuoco
Director, IFOAM Organics Europe