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…
![Agreement on nature restoration law: Important signal to transform farming](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/Biodiversity-420x540.jpg)
Agreement on nature restoration law: Important signal to transform farming
Negotiators from the European Parliament and Council reached a final agreement on the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). As European organic…
![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…
![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…
![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…
![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…
![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…
![Nature restoration law adopting gives hope for food & farming systems](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-420x540.png)
12/07/2023
Biodiversity
Nature restoration law adopting gives hope for food & farming systems
BRUSSELS, 12 JULY 2023 – IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes the adoption of the Nature Restoration Law by MEPs today. Jan…
![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…
![Farmers want nature restoration](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/03/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-420x540.png)
12/06/2023
Biodiversity
Farmers want nature restoration
On 15 June the European Parliament’s Environment Committee will vote on their report on the Nature Restoration Law. Organic farmers…
![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…
![Nature restoration, crucial for resilient food & farming systems](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-420x540.png)
22/05/2023
Biodiversity
Nature restoration, crucial for resilient food & farming systems
BRUSSELS, 22 MAY 2023 – Biodiversity protection and well-functioning ecosystems are essential for food production. But the Commission’s proposal on…
![ECO-READY: Developing a European Observatory for short and long-term food and agriculture resilience strategies](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/04/EcoReady-420x540.png)
ECO-READY: Developing a European Observatory for short and long-term food and agriculture resilience strategies
The ECO-READY project aspires to identify climate-change drivers affecting food security and biodiversity across Europe. The comprehensive understanding of the EU…
![The multiple benefits of organic for climate and biodiversity – visualised in our new infographic](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/04/Climate-change-420x540.png)
The multiple benefits of organic for climate and biodiversity – visualised in our new infographic
The systemic approach of organic farming contributes to climate mitigation, supports the adaptation of farmers to the consequences of climate…
![Political Hotspot March 2023](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PoliticalHotspot-2-420x540.png)
Political Hotspot March 2023
After a postponement in November 2022, on 22 March 2023 the European Commision’s proposal for a Directive on substantiation and…
![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…
![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…
![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…
![Commission event: Can New Genetic Engineering Techniques (NGETs) be sustainable?](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
14/12/2021
GMOs
Commission event: Can New Genetic Engineering Techniques (NGETs) be sustainable?
The European Commission invited stakeholders, public officials, and politicians for a high-level event to discuss their plans to launch new…
![Read our new leaflet on plant health care in organic farming](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/12/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-3-420x540.jpg)
Read our new leaflet on plant health care in organic farming
Have you ever heard of all the preventive plant protection measures implemented by organic farmers to produce food without using…
![They make it happen! Get inspired by ETHIQUABLE’s sustainable code of conduct](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/10/vision-420x540.png)
03/12/2021
Vision
They make it happen! Get inspired by ETHIQUABLE’s sustainable code of conduct
In 17 years of presence on the ground, Ethiquable measures how dedicated fair trade is able to provide an answer…
![Do you contribute to transforming European food and farming? Submit your initiative & inspire!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/10/vision-420x540.png)
03/12/2021
Vision
Do you contribute to transforming European food and farming? Submit your initiative & inspire!
A variety of organic and other initiatives are already revolutionizing food and farming across Europe, paving the way for the…
![Mainstreaming organic plant breeding – celebrating 20 years of organic plant breeders](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/OrganicSeeds-420x540.png)
Mainstreaming organic plant breeding – celebrating 20 years of organic plant breeders
‘How to make organic plant breeding mainstream’ – was the guiding question of the 20th anniversary event of the organic…
![Welcome note October 2021 newsletter](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/WelcomeNote-2-420x540.png)
Welcome note October 2021 newsletter
Dear readers, Autumn has reached Europe, and unlike nature at this time of year, our work is not slowing down.…
![Share with us your organic initiative and inspire others to transform food and farming systems!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/10/vision-420x540.png)
19/10/2021
Vision
Share with us your organic initiative and inspire others to transform food and farming systems!
The European organic movement’s vision is transforming food and farming in Europe. To achieve this ambitious and shared Vision for…
![They make it happen! Playing a key role in the value chain: Transilvania Acasă](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/10/vision-420x540.png)
15/10/2021
Vision
They make it happen! Playing a key role in the value chain: Transilvania Acasă
Organic food & farming systems aim a developing and adopting new tools to create transparency from farm to fork and…
![Participate in Commission Public Consultation to keep (new) GMOs regulated and to protect organic](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
12/10/2021
GMOs
Participate in Commission Public Consultation to keep (new) GMOs regulated and to protect organic
As covered in the last edition of the newsletter, the Commission is considering a new legal proposal for so-called “New…
![Over 1 million signatures demanding a restoration of biodiversity & support for farmers](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/03/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-2-420x540.jpg)
Over 1 million signatures demanding a restoration of biodiversity & support for farmers
Across Europe, more than 1 million citizens are calling for a reduction of 80% in the use of synthetic pesticides…
![Public consultation for new legal proposal upcoming](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
28/09/2021
GMOs
Public consultation for new legal proposal upcoming
On 29 April 2021, the European Commission published a study on the status of New Genomic Techniques under Union law…
![Sign ‘save bees and farmers’ before 30 September!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.jpg)
22/09/2021
Biodiversity
Sign ‘save bees and farmers’ before 30 September!
In case you have not signed the European Citizens’ Initiative to ‘Save bees and farmers’ yet, you can still do…
![The debate about new GMOs in Europe: Our Policy Coordinator in conversation with Slow Food Europe](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
08/09/2021
GMOs
The debate about new GMOs in Europe: Our Policy Coordinator in conversation with Slow Food Europe
In their podcast series on European food and farming policies, Slow Food Europe brings together experts to discuss hot matters…
![LIVESEED – Organic seed breeding at the Organic World Congress](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/Liveseed-2-420x540.png)
LIVESEED – Organic seed breeding at the Organic World Congress
The LIVESEED project, which IFOAM Organics Europe co-cordinates, is contributing to the Organic World Congress (OWC) with a colourful program.…