Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon and welcome to Biofach.
It is an honour and a pleasure to open one of the most important annual events in the organic sector. Organic production is very close to my heart. It is good for our environment and our climate. It benefits our soil, water and air. It has a positive impact on our biodiversity, animal welfare and rural areas.
All these positive effects make it clear that we should aim to achieve our target of dedicating 25% of EU agricultural land to organic farming and continue working towards a significant increase in organic agriculture.
It has been a challenging time for the organic sector. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered substantial inflation in food prices and negatively affected demand for organic products.
Nevertheless, this market seems to be recovering rapidly. Latest figures show that almost 17 million hectares of EU agricultural land are now under organic farming. This is the equivalent of 10.5% of all EU agricultural land.
What is important now is, firstly to maintain a sustained, sustainable and ambitious growth path for organic production. Secondly, to keep organic production at the heart of the policy agenda. And I think we have really achieved this over these past few years.
The way to get there is for all of us to work together: the public and the private sectors, in all Member States, and at all levels. We should continue implementing the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production.
As you know, it focuses on increasing the demand for, and supply of, organic products, and on further increasing the sustainability of organic production. We have already achieved a great deal under the Plan and there is much more still to come.
For example, we are trying to simplify support for organic farmers as much as possible. Since the Action Plan is due to run until the end of 2026, we should start considering what to do next. The reflections on this are ongoing.
However, what I know for certain is that I want to continue the same comprehensive and collaborative approach that is embedded in the current Action Plan. And I rely on all of you for the future development of the sector.
To conclude, I would like to announce that, as of today, it is possible to apply for the annual EU organic awards, which celebrate excellence across the organic value chain.
The awards recognise where an excellent, innovative, sustainable and inspiring project has been developed that brings real added value for organic production and consumption.
Whether you are a farmer, a region or bio-district, a city, food processing SME, food retailer, restaurant or food service, please apply for these awards.
They provide great visibility to your organic ventures. I wish you all the best for Biofach 2025 and I hope to be able to join you in person next year!
Source – EU Commission