Press release…
Following the success of the first edition of the EU Organic Awards, applications for the 2nd edition open today, closing on 14 May 2023. The EU Organic Awards recognise different excellent actors along the organic value chain that have developed an innovative, sustainable and inspiring project resulting in real added-value for organic food production and consumption. The awards ceremony will take place in Brussels on 25 September 2023.
The EU Organic Awards are jointly organised by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe, with the support of the European Parliament and of the Council. Eight awards will be given in seven categories:
Best organic farmer (female and male)
Best organic region
Best organic city
Best organic “bio district”
Best organic food processing SME
Best organic food retailer
Best organic restaurant/food service
Any EU actor or institution along the organic value chain falling in the above categories with a noteworthy project contributing to the greater affordability and/or accessibility of organic products in the EU can apply. Applications in all EU official languages are welcome. They will be reviewed against the criteria of excellence, innovation, sustainability and possibility to replicate the project elsewhere in the EU. The winners will contribute to the greater public awareness of organic production in the EU.
According to the latest Eurobarometer, the public recognition of the EU organic farming logo is increasing with 61% of Europeans now indicating that they are aware of it. The share of EU agricultural land under organic farming has also increased by more than 50% over the period 2012-2020, with an annual increase of 5.7%, according to the latest market brief published by the European Commission.
By producing high quality food with low environmental impact, organic farming plays an essential role in developing a sustainable food system for the EU. In 2021, the European Commission adopted an action plan in support of the target of reaching at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030 and a significant increase in organic aquaculture set out in the Farm to Fork strategy and the Biodiversity strategy. In that context, Member States were asked to set national values for the Green Deal target for organic farming and to be generally ambitious on organic production in their CAP Strategic Plans and in their national organic action plans.
© IFOAM Organics Europe 2023
IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming. With almost 200 members in 34 European countries, our work spans the entire organic food chain and beyond: from farmers and processors organisations, retailers, certifiers, consultants, traders and researchers to environmental and consumer advocacy bodies.
Great work!
Thank you very much…