Key Takeaways
- President von der Leyen marked IFOAM Organics Europe’s 25th anniversary with a video message from Brussels
- The federation plays a key role in harmonising organic standards across the EU single market
- The Commission signals continued support ahead of the 2028 revision of EU organic regulation
President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a video message from Brussels on 6 October 2026 to mark the 25th anniversary of IFOAM Organics Europe. In the address, the President thanked the federation’s members for their contribution to the development of organic farming across the continent and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the sector’s growth and sustainability goals, as reported by the European Commission. The celebration underscores the pivotal position of IFOAM Organics Europe within the EU’s broader agricultural framework. The federation coordinates national organic bodies, helping to harmonise standards that underpin the EU’s organic label and facilitate cross‑border trade under the Single Market. Its work aligns with the Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal, which aim to increase the share of organic production and reduce the environmental footprint of food systems. Von der Leyen’s message is interpreted as a signal that the Commission will maintain, and possibly deepen, policy and financial support for organic agriculture. The upcoming revision of the EU organic regulation, slated for a formal proposal in 2028, is expected to draw on insights from IFOAM’s network. Stakeholders anticipate further funding streams via Horizon Europe and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, with the next EU Organic Forum scheduled for November 2026 to outline concrete actions.
Source: European Commission. Read the original report ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IFOAM Organics Europe?
It is a pan‑European federation that brings together national organic farmers’ organisations, coordinating standards, advocacy and knowledge‑sharing to promote organic agriculture throughout the EU.
How will the Commission’s support affect organic farmers?
Enhanced policy backing and funding programmes are expected to facilitate transition to organic methods, improve market access across borders and boost investment in sustainable technologies.