Welcome Note – July 2025
Dear reader,
Summer is in full blossom, and so is the European organic movement!
As nature reaches its peak in these warm July days, our organic community continues to thrive, full of exciting opportunities, but also facing important challenges.
Last month, we gathered in Warsaw, Poland, for the European Organic Congress 2025. We were glad to see so many organic stakeholders from across Europe and globally come together with commitment and enthusiasm to shape a more sustainable future. On the first day of the Congress, we also held the General Assembly (GA) of IFOAM Organics Europe, bringing together our members to reflect on our work and collectively set the direction for the months and years ahead. The Congress reaffirmed how dynamic and dedicated our sector is, and how essential it is to keep strengthening the roots of organic in the face of today’s political and societal challenges. If you couldn’t join us or would like to revisit the discussions, you can read the key takeaways here.
On the policy front, the European Commission’s recent CAP proposal risks a significant setback for sustainability as it ringfences CAP money only for area-based payments and not for agri-environmental and climate measures. Without a dedicated budget for the environment, climate, and animal welfare, the ambition is left up to Member States, risking a deprioritisation of much-needed agri-environmental measures. While we welcome the recognition of organic farming as a key tool for the future of agriculture, only clear incentives and stable support will make sustainability the easiest and most attractive choice for farmers. You can read more on this in our Political Hotspot.
Looking ahead, August will be a time for many of us to pause, recharge, and return in September with renewed energy — and we’ll need it! In September, we’ll celebrate EU Organic Day, a key moment to raise awareness about organic and its many benefits. On this occasion, we’ll highlight initiatives and events from across Europe that celebrate this special day. It will also be the moment for the EU Organic Awards ceremony, where the recently announced finalists will be honoured. We look forward to celebrating organic excellence and innovation with you then!
Until then, we wish you a fruitful and restful summer.
Eduardo Cuoco
Director, IFOAM Organics Europe