News
![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…
![BIOFRUITNET project promoting cross-border knowledge exchange comes to an end](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/02/BIOFRUITNET-420x540.png)
BIOFRUITNET project promoting cross-border knowledge exchange comes to an end
Over the past 3.5 years the BIOFRUITNET project has collected and synthesized existing practical and scientific knowledge on organic fruit-growing,…
![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…
![Debate and discussion: Which recycled nutrients products could be suitable for organic farming?](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_PlantHealthCare-420x540.jpg)
Debate and discussion: Which recycled nutrients products could be suitable for organic farming?
On 18 September, 14:00-17:00, we are holding an online workshop on Recycled Nutrients for Organic Farming with the European Sustainable…
![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…
![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…
![BIOFRUITNET project: Making stronger networks in organic fruit growing](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/02/BIOFRUITNET-420x540.png)
BIOFRUITNET project: Making stronger networks in organic fruit growing
Knowledge sharing is key for bringing together innovative ideas and identify new solutions in organic farming. The Horizon 2020 BIOFRUITNET…
![National CAP Strategic Plans: On the road to achieving the 25% organic target](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/09/OT4EU-420x540.png)
National CAP Strategic Plans: On the road to achieving the 25% organic target
The Horizon Europe project OrganicTargets4EU supports the achievement of the targets set by the EU’s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity…
![New video on organic plant health care & updates on the SUR](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
New video on organic plant health care & updates on the SUR
We are happy to announce that we just published a new video on the organic approach to plant health care…
![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…
![The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), moving forward but slowly](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
23/03/2023
Plant health care
The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), moving forward but slowly
The legislative process of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR) proposed by the European Commission back in June 2022…
![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…
![Scientific study shows synthetic pesticides significantly more dangerous than natural ones](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/pressrelease-1-420x540.png)
Scientific study shows synthetic pesticides significantly more dangerous than natural ones
More organic farming means less pesticide use and risk BRUSSELS, VIENNA, 23 FEBRUARY 2023 – The European Green Deal’s targets of…
![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…
![Online press conference: Conventional and organic pesticides compared, 23 February](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
Online press conference: Conventional and organic pesticides compared, 23 February
“Organic farming is not what it claims to be. Organic farmers also spray poisons – and not too sparingly.” “Organic…
![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…
![Innovative solutions in organic fruit production – BIOFRUITNET project's final conference - 2 March 2023, 9:15-13.30 (CET), online](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/02/BIOFRUITNET-420x540.png)
Innovative solutions in organic fruit production – BIOFRUITNET project's final conference - 2 March 2023, 9:15-13.30 (CET), online
Organic farming relies on knowledge and information flow and has a biodiversity-based approach to plant health. Sharing the available best…
![Organic movement's recommendations on EU pesticides regulation (SUR)](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
Organic movement's recommendations on EU pesticides regulation (SUR)
IFOAM Organics Europe’s position paper gathering our recommendations on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR) is out. As our…
![Save the bees and farmers hearing at the European Parliament](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2023/02/a23bdd2a-82e2-4cb4-917e-b4766f0ebcea-420x400.jpg)
Save the bees and farmers hearing at the European Parliament
The official hearing of the European Citizens (ECI) Initiative Save the Bees and Farmers, which we are part of, take…
![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…
![Member States call for ‘new impact assessment’ on the Pesticides Regulation (SUR), delaying strict EU pesticide regulation](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
Member States call for ‘new impact assessment’ on the Pesticides Regulation (SUR), delaying strict EU pesticide regulation
On 19 December, Member States1 voted in favour of requesting complementary data to the existing impact assessment the Commission carried…
![EU pesticides regulation (SUR) under attacks from Member States & industry](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
16/12/2022
Plant health care
EU pesticides regulation (SUR) under attacks from Member States & industry
The EU Pesticide Reduction proposal SUR has been under attack by lobbyists. They developed a strategy to delay and possibly…
![Promoting recycled fertilizers in Europe: IFOAM Organics Europe position paper & outcomes policy workshop on closing the nutrients’ cycle](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/12/81443228-cf93-4a32-8d04-226c28da6f7b-420x540.jpg)
Promoting recycled fertilizers in Europe: IFOAM Organics Europe position paper & outcomes policy workshop on closing the nutrients’ cycle
On 28 February, IFOAM Organics Europe has published a new position paper on the Commission’s Integrated Nutrients Management Action Plan…
![All CAP Strategic Plans approved, just like Parliament’s report on long-term vision for rural areas](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/CAP-2-420x540.png)
All CAP Strategic Plans approved, just like Parliament’s report on long-term vision for rural areas
On 13 December, the European Commission approved the last national Common Agricultural Policy’s (CAP) Strategic Plan and the European Parliament…
![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!…
![Bold pesticide reduction plan faces attack on Saturday](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
06/12/2022
Plant health care
Bold pesticide reduction plan faces attack on Saturday
BRUSSELS, 6 DECEMBER 2022 – EU plans to cut pesticide use and risk by half and protect the most sensitive…
![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…
![Press conference: EU pesticide reduction under fierce attack](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_SUR-420x540.jpg)
Press conference: EU pesticide reduction under fierce attack
In June 2022, the EU Commission presented a legislative proposal on the “sustainable use of plant protection products” (SUR), which…
![Political Hotspot - November 2022](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2020/06/PoliticalHotspot-2-420x540.png)
24/11/2022
Plant health care
Political Hotspot - November 2022
The legislative process of revising the EU’s pesticide legislation, the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), is full of hurdles,…
![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…
![1 million EU citizens knock on EU’s door: No synthetic pesticides to save bees & farmers](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2021/09/Save-the-Bees-420x512.png)
1 million EU citizens knock on EU’s door: No synthetic pesticides to save bees & farmers
Over 1 million EU citizens are asking to restore nature, provide healthy food, healthy soil and clean water. On Friday 25…
![‘Way forward in organic plant health care strategies’ Conference, 17-18 November 2022, online](https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/11/comm_website_THUMBNAILS_PlantHealthCare-420x540.jpg)
‘Way forward in organic plant health care strategies’ Conference, 17-18 November 2022, online
On 17 & 18 November, IFOAM Organics Europe, BÖLW and JKI Institüte organised an online conference on the ‘Way forward…
![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…