Welcome Note – September 2025
Dear readers,
As the warmth of summer fades and autumn begins to paint Europe in new colors, we at IFOAM Organics Europe return with renewed energy and determination to keep organic at the heart of Europe’s sustainable food system transition.
Looking back on the summer…
On 18-19 August, we came together in Copenhagen, Denmark, for Organic Summit 2025, organised by the Danish government. Over two inspiring days, Europe’s organic movement exchanged ideas, showcased policies and innovations, and launched a new Charter to guide progress toward achieving 25% organic production and consumption in the EU by 2030.
Where we are now…
September marks a special moment for the organic movement in Europe. With the EU Organic Day on 23 September, it is the perfect time to spotlight the transformative power of organic in building sustainable and resilient food systems. It is also a time to reflect on our progress so far and explore how we can continue to grow stronger together.
A highlight of EU Organic Day is the EU Organic Awards, which since 2022 have celebrated innovation and excellence in the sector. On 23 September, the winners of the 2025 edition—eight across seven categories—will be announced in Brussels. IFOAM Organics Europe will be present at the ceremony and will proudly promote the winners through our social media channels. See the full list of finalists.
This month, we also launched our new “Organic Delivers” campaign, designed to bring to life how organic works in practice and deliver concrete solutions for a sustainable future. Through two short documentaries and a podcast series, the campaign explores themes such as organic plant breeding and bio-districts, showing how organic provides real impact for people, farming, and the planet. Learn more on the campaign page.
On the policy front, as the European Commission and Parliament resume their activities after the summer break, we are closely following developments on the current CAP simplification, NGTs, generational renewal, and agricultural inputs. Of particular relevance for the organic sector are the recently proposed MFF and next CAP proposal (for 2028-2034), the ongoing NGT trilogue, and the upcoming Commission strategy on generational renewal. Of course, we are also closely following up on the recent announcement by Agriculture Commissioner Hansen of a possible targeted reopening of the EU Organic Regulation Basic Act, which we are currently discussing with our members.
We invite you to dive into this newsletter to learn more about these developments and our ongoing work.
Wishing you an inspiring read and a joyful EU Organic Day!
Eduardo Cuoco