The European Commission, IFOAM Organics Europe, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, and COPA-COGECA have launched the first ever EU organic awards – together, as example of a pan-European collaboration. These awards will recognise excellence along the organic value chain, rewarding the best and most innovative actors in organic production in the EU.
The EU Organic Awards are a follow-up to the Action Plan for the development of organic production, adopted by the Commission on 25 March 2021. Eight awards within seven categories will be given out, including best organic farmer female, best organic farmer male, best organic region, best organic city, best organic bio-district, best organic SME, best organic food retailer and best organic restaurant. There will be an award ceremony to announce the winners on the annual EU Organic Day on 23 September 2022.
Jan Plagge, IFOAM Organics Europe’s President, reiterates that “the EU Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies put organic farming at the heart of a transition to sustainable food systems, with a target to reach 25% organic land on average by 2030 and with the publication of an EU organic action plan.” He continues: “These EU Organic Awards are a great way to showcase the innovative potential in the EU organic sector. I am particularly happy that the winners will be announced at the annual EU Organic Day, a day that will be an ideal opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the organic action plan.”
Eduardo Cuoco, IFOAM Organics Europe’s Director adds that “We must not forget the importance of the involvement of national, regional and even local actors to make the EU Organic Action Plan as successful as possible in reaching the 25% organic target and transitioning towards more sustainable food systems.” He affirms that “these awards will inspire those working to make our food and farming system more sustainable, using the potential of organic food and farming. I am particularly happy that we will get to celebrate these awards in the year in which IFOAM Organics Europe turns 20 and at the first actual EU Organic Day”.
Applications to the awards will open on 25 March and run until 8 June 2022 (before 25 March, the application form will only be available for consultation). After the application period, a jury consisting of one representative from each of the different organisers and a representative of each of the European Parliament and European Council will shortlist the best candidates. More information is available on the EU Commission's website as well as on the Commission note about the event.
Sorce: European Commission/IFOAM Organics Europe