News
![Political Hotspot December 2023](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PoliticalHotspot-2-420x540.png)
Political Hotspot December 2023
With an eye on next year’s elections, the EU institutions have geared up work on many important dossiers. But rushing…
![The hidden dangers of NGTs in the EU: key takeaways from our 30/11/2023 press conference](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
14/12/2023
GMOs
The hidden dangers of NGTs in the EU: key takeaways from our 30/11/2023 press conference
These videos were recorded during a press conference held by IFOAM Organics Europe on 30/11/2023, urging Members of the European…
![Entrepreneurship in the organic seeds and breeding sector](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/08/LIVESEEDING-420x540.jpg)
Entrepreneurship in the organic seeds and breeding sector
Are you an organic farmers or SME managers who is involved in: Join the webinar “Entrepreneurship in the organic seeds…
![New digital tool for breeders, seed producers & traders](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/08/LIVESEEDING-420x540.jpg)
New digital tool for breeders, seed producers & traders
LiveSeeding is an EU-funded project promoting growth of organic seed and plant breeding to transition to more sustainable food systems.…
![Can we (gene) edit our way to sustainable agriculture?](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
08/12/2023
GMOs
Can we (gene) edit our way to sustainable agriculture?
We argue “No”. NGTs, so called New Genomic Techniques, are touted as making agriculture more sustainable by tweaking individual traits…
![Fostering EU-international cooperation in research & innovation to transform agri-food systems](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/12/Soil-event_30-May-2023-420x540.png)
Fostering EU-international cooperation in research & innovation to transform agri-food systems
Right before the EU’s annual Agricultural Outlook conference, TP Organics held its event EU-international cooperation in research & innovation to…
![Parliamentary committees have started work on proposed Plant Reproductive Material regulation](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/OrganicSeeds-420x540.png)
05/12/2023
Seeds
Parliamentary committees have started work on proposed Plant Reproductive Material regulation
The AGRI and ENVI parliamentary committees have started their work on the proposed Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) regulation, a file…
![Policymakers should respect organic movement's choice not to use NGTs](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
30/11/2023
GMOs
Policymakers should respect organic movement's choice not to use NGTs
BRUSSELS, 30 NOVEMBER 2023 – Speaking at an online press conference this morning, Jan Plagge, President of IFOAM Organics Europe,…
![Protecting our soils across the EU](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_healthysoils-420x540.jpg)
Protecting our soils across the EU
In July, the European Commission published its proposal on a Soil Monitoring and Resilience law. As IFOAM Organics Europe, we…
![We can't eat promises! Good Food Good Farming protest](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/12/MEMBER_UPDATE-420x540.png)
We can't eat promises! Good Food Good Farming protest
On 8th November, our staff members took part to Good Food Good Farming’s protest in front of the EU Parliament.…
![Commission President, ensure a framework for Sustainable Food Systems](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/JointLetter-420x540.png)
02/11/2023
Food policy
Commission President, ensure a framework for Sustainable Food Systems
The current EU Commission promised to transition to more sustainable, healthier, and affordable diets. This is both their commitment to…
![European Parliament should uphold ban for all NGTs in organic in rapporteur's report](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-1-420x540.png)
19/10/2023
GMOs
European Parliament should uphold ban for all NGTs in organic in rapporteur's report
BRUSSELS, 19 OCTOBER 2023 – IFOAM Organics Europe, the voice for organic food and farming in Europe, is strongly against…
![Policy process of new EU legislation on “New Genomic Techniques” in full motion – Organic movement needs to be on high alert](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
15/10/2023
GMOs
Policy process of new EU legislation on “New Genomic Techniques” in full motion – Organic movement needs to be on high alert
After the publication of the legislative proposal on so-called “New Genomic Techniques”, the policy process in the European Union institutions…
![Advocating for transformative minimum standards in public canteens](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/FoodPolicy-2-420x540.png)
12/10/2023
Food policy
Advocating for transformative minimum standards in public canteens
On 10 October, representatives of local and national governments attended ‘Promoting Social Innovation through public canteens’ where a class from…
![Celebrating life – a few highlights from th September 2023 Newsletter!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/10/NEWSLETTER-420x540.png)
Celebrating life – a few highlights from th September 2023 Newsletter!
Recently we issued the last edition of our newsletter. Wondering why it’s interesting for you? We have prepared a quick…
![Six-fold increase in organic seeds needed in the next ten years in Europe – 2nd European Organic Seed Policy Conference shows pathways to make organic seeds a reality](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/08/LIVESEEDING-420x540.jpg)
Six-fold increase in organic seeds needed in the next ten years in Europe – 2nd European Organic Seed Policy Conference shows pathways to make organic seeds a reality
The Spanish Presidency of the European Union put a spotlight on rural areas and agricultural resilience during a High-level Rural…
![Political hotspot](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PoliticalHotspot-2-420x540.png)
Political hotspot
The EU’s State of the Union (SOTEU), a moment during which the Commission President reflects upon past achievements and lays…
![GMO-free Europe conference - 7 September 2023](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
GMO-free Europe conference - 7 September 2023
On 7 September, the 10th GMO free Europe conference gathered policymakers, scientists, farmers, and representatives of the organic and the…
![Promoting social innovation through public canteens! Join us at the EU Week of Regions and Cities](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/FoodPolicy-2-420x540.png)
Promoting social innovation through public canteens! Join us at the EU Week of Regions and Cities
On 10 October, we are organising a high-level workshop Promoting Social Innovation through public canteens to advocate for the implementation…
![Organic sector calls on agriculture ministers to prioritise agroecological innovation over techno-fixes](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
01/09/2023
GMOs
Organic sector calls on agriculture ministers to prioritise agroecological innovation over techno-fixes
BRUSSELS, 1 SEPTEMBER 2023 – IFOAM Organics Europe urges Agriculture Ministers to uphold a systemic approach of innovation and sustainability…
![Registrations open for the Organic Seed Policy Conference to be held in Poland](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/08/LIVESEEDING-420x540.jpg)
Registrations open for the Organic Seed Policy Conference to be held in Poland
In the context of the LiveSeeding project, where IFOAM Organics Europe is a partner, a public Organic Seed Policy Conference…
![IFOAM Organics Europe partners with NATEXPO for a fairer and more transparent EU food system](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/Natexpo-420x540.png)
IFOAM Organics Europe partners with NATEXPO for a fairer and more transparent EU food system
IFOAM Organics Europe is glad to represent the European perspective at NATEXPO for another year. NATEXPO is the leading international…
![What are new GMOs and what’s at risk? Watch our new video](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/07/GMO-video-420x540.jpg)
25/07/2023
GMOs
What are new GMOs and what’s at risk? Watch our new video
In July 2023, the European Commissions published its legislative proposal on “New Genomic Techniques”. We have the pleasure to announce…
![From a Soil Health law to a Soil Monitoring Directive](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_healthysoils-420x540.jpg)
12/07/2023
Soil
From a Soil Health law to a Soil Monitoring Directive
On 5 July, the European Commission published its proposal concerning a Soil Monitoring and Resilience law. IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes…
![NGT proposal a step backward for biosafety, freedom of choice and consumers' information](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
05/07/2023
GMOs
NGT proposal a step backward for biosafety, freedom of choice and consumers' information
BRUSSELS, 5 JULY 2023 – IFOAM Organics Europe considers the Commission’s proposal to deregulate “New Genomic Techniques” (NGTs) as misguided,…
![European organic movement resolution: No hidden GMOs, system-based approach to innovation](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
22/06/2023
GMOs
European organic movement resolution: No hidden GMOs, system-based approach to innovation
BRUSSELS, 22 JUNE 2023 – In a resolution adopted yesterday at its General Assembly, the European organic movement re-affirms that…
![Jan Plagge re-elected President of IFOAM Organics Europe](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-1-420x540.png)
Jan Plagge re-elected President of IFOAM Organics Europe
BRUSSELS, 21 JUNE 2023 – At today’s General Assembly, IFOAM Organics Europe’s membership elected a new Board and Jan Plagge…
![Launch of the FPC report on the Sustainable Food Systems Law: Policy recommendations for a meaningful transition](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/05/SFS_law_FPC_thumbnail-420x540.png)
26/05/2023
Food policy
Launch of the FPC report on the Sustainable Food Systems Law: Policy recommendations for a meaningful transition
On 25 April, the Food Policy Coalition (FPC) held its first in person-meeting in Brussels to launch its report “Sustainable…
![300+ organizations unite to send strong signal to Frans Timmermans, demanding a shift to evidence-based sustainability food systems rather than unfounded hope on new GMOs](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
26/05/2023
GMOs
300+ organizations unite to send strong signal to Frans Timmermans, demanding a shift to evidence-based sustainability food systems rather than unfounded hope on new GMOs
More than 300 organizations signed a letter sent to Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal in the…
![Political Hotspot May 2023](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PoliticalHotspot-2-420x540.png)
Political Hotspot May 2023
The proposal for an EU nature restoration law is facing major opposition, recently leading to the rejection of the whole…
![Sustainable Public Procurement: strategic lever towards a more sustainable food system - new infographics](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/04/IFOAM_ProcurementInfographics_FinalWeb_page-0001-420x540.jpg)
20/04/2023
Food policy
Sustainable Public Procurement: strategic lever towards a more sustainable food system - new infographics
Sustainable public procurement has countless benefits that make it a strategic lever to trigger a change in the food system.…
![Sustainable school meals as catalysts for food system change](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/04/SF4C-1-420x540.png)
Sustainable school meals as catalysts for food system change
On 22-23 March, during the conference titled ‘Small Farm to Fork Procurement’ and held at the ICLEI Brussels office, IFOAM…
![EU environmental ministers give clear signal to Commission to maintain precautionary principle & risk assessment for NGTs](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
22/03/2023
GMOs
EU environmental ministers give clear signal to Commission to maintain precautionary principle & risk assessment for NGTs
On 16 March, the Council meeting of environmental ministers sent a decisive message to the European Commission as a large…
![Green claims: The fight against greenwashing must be based on methodologies promoting the transition towards more sustainable food systems](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-1-420x540.png)
Green claims: The fight against greenwashing must be based on methodologies promoting the transition towards more sustainable food systems
BRUSSELS, 22 MARCH 2023 – IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes the publication of the Substantiating Green Claims initiative by the Commission,…
![We want to be able to choose! Ensure GMO-free food production.](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
08/03/2023
GMOs
We want to be able to choose! Ensure GMO-free food production.
Update 23.03.2023: Junges Bioland initiated an online petition on this topic, addressed to Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Prime Minister, and to…
![February 2023 Newsletter - Multilingual Edition](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/02/Special-newsletter-420x540.png)
February 2023 Newsletter - Multilingual Edition
Read this Special Newsletter edition in CZ, DE, ES, FR, HU, IT, LT, NL, PL, PT, RO Welcome note Dear reader, Welcome to a very special edition of our newsletter. At…
![European Court of Justice decision on ‘in vitro’ mutagenesis strengthens 2018 ruling subjecting gene editing to EU GMO Directive](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
13/02/2023
GMOs
European Court of Justice decision on ‘in vitro’ mutagenesis strengthens 2018 ruling subjecting gene editing to EU GMO Directive
The recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, published on 7 February, closes a 2015 case brought forward by…
![EU organic movement warns against greenwashing](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-420x540.png)
EU organic movement warns against greenwashing
BRUSSELS, 13 FEBRUARY 2023 – IFOAM Organics Europe warns against the misuse of claims, labels, or communication initiatives about food…
![Successful GMO petition handover to the Commission](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
Successful GMO petition handover to the Commission
On February 7, environmental, agricultural, and consumer rights organizations gathered in front of the European Parliament in Brussels to officially…
![New year, old narratives – Why genetic engineering is (still) not the solution to food security](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
06/02/2023
GMOs
New year, old narratives – Why genetic engineering is (still) not the solution to food security
The European Commission kicked off 2023 by publishing a report on the drivers of food security, recognising the value of…
![Large share of EU funds available to promote sustainable agriculture in 2023](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/FoodPolicy-2-420x540.png)
23/12/2022
Food policy
Large share of EU funds available to promote sustainable agriculture in 2023
On 16 December 2022, the European Commission has adopted the 2023 Annual Work Programme on the promotion of agricultural products.…
![GMOs – An easy breakdown on common myths](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
GMOs – An easy breakdown on common myths
Global grassroots organization Slow Food International has recently published a short myth-busting article with the most common, but wrong and…
![November newsletter: SUR, GMO-free event, and more!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/12/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-6-420x540.png)
November newsletter: SUR, GMO-free event, and more!
Two weeks ago, we published our November newsletter and it’s rich in updates and information on the hottest organic topics!…
![Agreement on new deforestation law](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/09/GP0STPO9P_Web_size_with_credit_line-420x534.jpg)
Agreement on new deforestation law
EU consumption is responsible for around 10% of global deforestation. In the beginning of December, the Council and European Parliament…
![Green claims: better methodologies to assess environmental performance of food & textiles products](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-1-420x540.png)
Green claims: better methodologies to assess environmental performance of food & textiles products
BRUSSELS, 29 NOVEMBER 2022 – IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes news about the Commission’s decision to postpone the publication of the…
![Welcome note November 2022](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/WelcomeNote-2-420x540.png)
Welcome note November 2022
Dear reader, I am happy to welcome you to this year’s last edition of our newsletter. I am proud to…
![GMO-free Europe Event held at the European Parliament to take a stand discuss the European Commission's new NGT legislative proposal](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/10/policy_GMOs_event_GMO-free-regions_202210-3-420x540.png)
GMO-free Europe Event held at the European Parliament to take a stand discuss the European Commission's new NGT legislative proposal
The European Commission announced a new legislative proposal for so-called ‘Novel Genomic Techniques’ in the second quarter of 2023. This…
![NGOs demand adequate methodologies in upcoming legal proposal on green claims– also for apparel & footwear](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-420x540.png)
10/11/2022
Textiles
NGOs demand adequate methodologies in upcoming legal proposal on green claims– also for apparel & footwear
The European Commission’s is working on an upcoming legislative proposal to help justify (‘substantiate’) green claims and prevent greenwashing. However,…
![Sustainability labels, ”sustainable or not? That’s the question!”](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/10/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_sustainability_labelling-420x540.jpg)
Sustainability labels, ”sustainable or not? That’s the question!”
In the current food environment, labels are crucial to provide consumers with information to help them make the sustainable choice.…
![Organic movement responds to public consultation on Soil Health Law](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_healthysoils-420x540.jpg)
25/10/2022
Soil
Organic movement responds to public consultation on Soil Health Law
Soil health is a cornerstone of organic farming and common organic farming practices improve actively soil quality. Healthy soils are…