News
![Welcome note December 2021 newsletter](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/WelcomeNote-2-420x540.png)
Welcome note December 2021 newsletter
Dear readers, 2021 has been another turbulent year, again with great successes and challenges. Just like last year, I would…
![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…
![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.…
![Review of events](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/Review-420x540.png)
Review of events
On 22 September, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) organised a workshop to discuss the potential role of public policies in…
![Our Director speaks on biodistricts at ‘Added Value of the Organic Farmer, Bioregions’ conference 12-14 October 2021, online & in the Netherlands](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/10/Favico-toekomstig-boeren-01-400x400-1.png)
Our Director speaks on biodistricts at ‘Added Value of the Organic Farmer, Bioregions’ conference 12-14 October 2021, online & in the Netherlands
On 12-14 October, the Conference ‘Added Value of the Organic Farmer, Bioregions’ discussed the broader benefits of organic farming 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…
![Welcome note September 2021 newsletter](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/WelcomeNote-2-420x540.png)
Welcome note September 2021 newsletter
Dear readers, I would like to welcome you back to our first newsletter after the summer break. I hope you…
![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…
![Celebrating the launch of EU Organic Day – 23 September](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/09/EODThumbnail-420x540.png)
Celebrating the launch of EU Organic Day – 23 September
On 23 September, the European Parliament, Commission and Council of the European Union celebrated the launch of the new annual…
![Organic movement welcomes new EU Organic Day on 23 September](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PR-420x540.png)
23/09/2021
EU Organic Day
Organic movement welcomes new EU Organic Day on 23 September
BRUSSELS, 23 SEPTEMBER – Today, the three EU institutions – European Parliament, Council of the European Union and European Commission…
![23 September is now EU Organic Day](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/09/comm_website_THUMBNAILS-420x540.png)
23/09/2021
EU Organic Day
23 September is now EU Organic Day
This year the European Parliament, Council of the European Union and European Commission will sign a Joint Declaration establishing 23…
![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…
![Only few days left to sign the European Citizens’ Initiative to save bees and farmers!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/03/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-2-420x540.jpg)
06/08/2021
Biodiversity
Only few days left to sign the European Citizens’ Initiative to save bees and farmers!
To those in our network who have not signed the European Citizens’ Initiative to ‘Save bees and farmers’ yet, you…
![How can EU policies consider organic farming’s benefits for biodiversity?](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PR-420x540.png)
How can EU policies consider organic farming’s benefits for biodiversity?
IFOAM Organics Europe recently published a new report highlighting the contribution of organic farming to protecting Europe’s biodiversity. By setting…
![Organic farming part of EU Commission’s long-term vision for rural areas](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/CAP-2-420x540.png)
Organic farming part of EU Commission’s long-term vision for rural areas
The European Commission’s new communication A long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas – Towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous…
![Comics showing why industrial agriculture is broken](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/09/gfgf-1-420x540.png)
Comics showing why industrial agriculture is broken
In May 2020, the EU released its Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies as part of the European Green Deal.…
![Ten take-aways of the European Organic Congress 2021 - 16-18 June, online, live from Lisbon](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/EOC-2-420x540.png)
21/06/2021
Biodiversity
CAP
Climate change
EU Green Deal
Events
Farm to Fork
Food policy
Organic regulations
Ten take-aways of the European Organic Congress 2021 - 16-18 June, online, live from Lisbon
Following a successful edition of the hybrid European Organic Congress 2021, we are happy to share the ten key take-aways…
![Beekeepers and civil society concerned about pesticide risk assessment methodology](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/JointLetter-420x540.png)
Beekeepers and civil society concerned about pesticide risk assessment methodology
At the Agriculture and Fisheries (AGRIFISH) Council on 28-29 June, Member State representatives will vote on a crucial step for…
![More than 660 discussed transitioning to more sustainable food & farming systems at European Organic Congress - 16-18 June, online, live from Lisbon](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/EOC-2-420x540.png)
21/06/2021
Biodiversity
CAP
Climate change
EU Green Deal
Events
Farm to Fork
Food policy
Organic regulations
More than 660 discussed transitioning to more sustainable food & farming systems at European Organic Congress - 16-18 June, online, live from Lisbon
This year’s edition of our European Organic Congress took place online and live from Lisbon on 16-18 June 2021. More…
![Sustainable food systems innovators, read FAO’s handbook!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot-2021-06-15-at-10-33-14-CA9917EN-pdf-420x540.png)
Sustainable food systems innovators, read FAO’s handbook!
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the…
![IPBES and IPCC call to prioritize solutions benefiting both biodiversity and climate](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/06/IPBES-IPCC-report-420x540.jpg)
IPBES and IPCC call to prioritize solutions benefiting both biodiversity and climate
On 10 June 2021, scientist and leading experts from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and…
![European retailers take a strong stand against deregulating new GMOs](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
09/06/2021
GMOs
European retailers take a strong stand against deregulating new GMOs
On 26 May 2021, European retailers took a strong stand against deregulating new GMOs in a joint resolution. One of…
![Organic is Part of the Solution in Ensuring Biodiversity](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/06/PHC_Nutrition_resized-420x540.jpg)
22/05/2021
Biodiversity
Organic is Part of the Solution in Ensuring Biodiversity
This article was first published by IFOAM Organics International on their blog ‘Organic without boundaries‘. Each and every animal, microorganism…
![New GMOs in Europe? Slow Food Europe podcast with our Policy Coordinator](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
19/05/2021
GMOs
New GMOs in Europe? Slow Food Europe podcast with our Policy Coordinator
Slow Food Europe just launched a podcast series dedicated to European food and farming policies, gathering experts to discuss hot…
![Welcome note May 2021 newsletter](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/WelcomeNote-2-420x540.png)
Welcome note May 2021 newsletter
Dear readers, It is spring, a period I associate with birth and budding blossoms, the energetic execution of gardening plans…
![Political hotspot May 2021 newsletter](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PoliticalHotspot-2-420x540.png)
05/05/2021
GMOs
Political hotspot May 2021 newsletter
On Thursday, 29 April, the Commission released their long-awaited in-house study on the ‘status of new genomic techniques under Union…
![Organic movement raises red flag on assumed benefits deregulating new genomic techniques](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PR-420x540.png)
29/04/2021
GMOs
Organic movement raises red flag on assumed benefits deregulating new genomic techniques
BRUSSELS, 29 APRIL 2021 – The organic food and farming movement criticises the Commission’s plan to work on a new…
![Sign the European Citizens’ Initiative to save bees and farmers!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/03/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-2-420x540.jpg)
20/04/2021
Biodiversity
Sign the European Citizens’ Initiative to save bees and farmers!
To all our members, newsletter subscribers & website visitors who have not signed the European Citizens’ Initiative to ‘Save bees…
![Towards a new framework for EU soils?](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-420x540.jpg)
Towards a new framework for EU soils?
Soil is a non-renewable resource key to all growing and living on it. Part of the EU Biodiversity strategy for…
![Civil society, farmers and business organizations: Vice-President Timmermans, don't deregulate GM crops & animals](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PR-420x540.png)
30/03/2021
GMOs
Civil society, farmers and business organizations: Vice-President Timmermans, don't deregulate GM crops & animals
BRUSSELS, 30 MARCH 2021 – Today, a large coalition of 162 civil society, farmers and business organisations calls on Vice…
![European Commission’s Soil Strategy](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-420x540.jpg)
European Commission’s Soil Strategy
Healthy soils are essential to meet climate and biodiversity goals set by the European Green Deal. As part of the…
![Help us save bees and farmers - sign the petition to transform Europe’s food and farming systems now!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.jpg)
11/03/2021
Biodiversity
Help us save bees and farmers - sign the petition to transform Europe’s food and farming systems now!
Do you want to help save bees and farmers? Then add your signature to The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) before…
![Two months left to transpose the EU Unfair Trading Practices Directive](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/JointLetter-420x540.png)
01/03/2021
Fairness & transparency
Two months left to transpose the EU Unfair Trading Practices Directive
Only two months are left before the deadline for EU Member States to transpose the 2019 EU rules on Unfair…
![[Exclusive for members] GMOs and gene editing in agriculture: Event recordings available until 15 March](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/MemberUpdate-420x540.png)
[Exclusive for members] GMOs and gene editing in agriculture: Event recordings available until 15 March
On 10 February 2021, more than 160 participants and 7 speakers joined the online event GMOs and gene editing in…
![Organic and Conventional sectors discuss genome editing at IFOAM Organics Europe event - 10 February 2021, online](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
Organic and Conventional sectors discuss genome editing at IFOAM Organics Europe event - 10 February 2021, online
IFOAM Organics Europe invited food & farming stakeholders and policymakers to discuss GMOs and gene editing in agriculture. With the…
![Welcome note February 2021 newsletter](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/WelcomeNote-2-420x540.png)
Welcome note February 2021 newsletter
Dear readers, On behalf of the European organic movement, I would like to welcome you back after the winter break…
![Detection Cibus’ GM-canola: An update](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
02/02/2021
GMOs
Detection Cibus’ GM-canola: An update
A regulation is only worth so much as it can be enforced. This is why on 7 September 2020, an…
![Register now for our public event “GMOs and gene editing in agriculture: the benefits of regulation” - 10 February, online](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
Register now for our public event “GMOs and gene editing in agriculture: the benefits of regulation” - 10 February, online
How does organic & non-organic food and farming avoid contamination with GMOs? Why is it so relevant for food production…
![Registration to IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business 2020 closes next week. Secure your spot!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/09/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
Registration to IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business 2020 closes next week. Secure your spot!
IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business 2020 is around the corner! In a little more than two weeks we will meet…
![Sign the petition to call on Europe to save the bees and farmers!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.jpg)
23/11/2020
Biodiversity
Sign the petition to call on Europe to save the bees and farmers!
More than 400.000 participants have already signed the European Citizens’ Initiative to ‘Save bees and farmers’ and you can add…
![1 million citizens are calling on the Commission: Our forests are in danger, act now!](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/09/GP0STPO9P_Web_size_with_credit_line-420x534.jpg)
1 million citizens are calling on the Commission: Our forests are in danger, act now!
One million people demand EU law to stop deforestation More than a million people have so far called for a…
![IFOAM Organics Europe meets business – Agenda available! 8-9 December, online](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/09/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-1-420x540.png)
IFOAM Organics Europe meets business – Agenda available! 8-9 December, online
Save the date for the next “IFOAM Organics Europe meets business” taking place online on 8-9 December 2020. “Bringing the…
![Why is it important to save the bees and farmers? Watch this video](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/03/NEW-WEBSITE-THUMBNAILS-2-420x540.jpg)
15/10/2020
Biodiversity
Why is it important to save the bees and farmers? Watch this video
As part of their ongoing campaign, the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) ‘Save bees and farmers!’ has released a set of…
![Reveal of a detection method for a gene-edited rapeseed - What is the significance and why is there a controversy?](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
17/09/2020
GMOs
Reveal of a detection method for a gene-edited rapeseed - What is the significance and why is there a controversy?
A regulation is only worth so much as it can be enforced. This is why on 7 September, an open…
![Help protecting our forests by demanding deforestation free supply-chains – Together4Forests](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/09/GP0STPO9P_Web_size_with_credit_line-420x534.jpg)
Help protecting our forests by demanding deforestation free supply-chains – Together4Forests
Forests and other ecosystems are under pressure worldwide: A total of 13 million hectares are deforested each year and almost…
![First open source detection test for a gene-edited GM crop](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PR-420x540.png)
07/09/2020
GMOs
First open source detection test for a gene-edited GM crop
This press release was first published by Greenpeace EU Brussels, 07 SEPTEMBER 2020 – Greenpeace, together with other non-governmental organisations,…
![European Patent Office: No patents on conventionally bred varieties](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/GMOs-1-420x540.png)
European Patent Office: No patents on conventionally bred varieties
On 14 May 2020, the enlarged board of appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) has released an opinion that…