European Union policies and politics have a big influence on the operations of organic and conventional businesses. More and more policies directly and indirectly impact your day-to-day operations by shaping regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and growth opportunities. The best known to many in the organic sector is the EU organic regulation (EU) 2018/848 which defines what can be sold and imported as organic, what ingredients can be used in organic food production and how products can get the EU organic label.
Another example is the legislative proposal on so-called “New Genomic Techniques” or new GMOs which proposes to adapt the current regulatory framework on genetic engineering. This proposal will have far reaching consequences for all food and farming – from traceability and food labelling to producers’ freedom of choice.
Without going into too much detail on all EU policy developments, proposals like the development of a sustainable labelling framework, substantiating green claims, promotion policies and a revision of the criteria for sustainable public procurement offer opportunities and potential threats to your business.
EU policies are their own area of expertise, so we are there to do the work for you. As the voice of the European organic movement, we collect input from all sectors of the organic supply chain across Europe and actively engage and represent organic in EU policymaking. By ensuring your voice is heard, we work towards EU policies that foster growth and innovation. In short, we are making Europe more organic.
Representing organic businesses’ realities
How do we do this? Different sectors are represented in our organisation through dedicated interest groups: farmers; processors; certification and integrity; and retail. They formulate policies and positions relevant to their sector, discuss topics relevant to their sector and exchange best practices among peers and with the other sector representatives.
Our interest group of organic farmers (IGOF) is actively shaping the European organic movement’s position on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and discusses topics like inputs used in organic farming and animal welfare. One step further along the supply chain, the interest group of organic processors and traders (IGOP) actively provides input so we can advocate for a regulation that meets the sector’s needs. They provided valuable input on the organic regulation (EU) 2018/848’s delegated and implementing acts, and discussed the ingredients permitted in organic products, like flavourings, additives and other ingredients listed in annexes VIII and IX.
By ensuring your voice is heard, we work towards EU policies that foster growth and innovation
Closest to organic consumers is our interest group of organic retailers. They discuss how they can ensure specialised organic retail’s continued growth, contribute to our official positions on food policy issues, like unfair trading practices and explore how taxation can bring the external cost of food closer to its true cost. Last but not least, in the interest group on organic certification and integrity (IGOC), sector representatives from across the EU collaborate on European positions on certification issues such as the organic control system and organic import regime. They also work together to ensure the supply chain’s integrity and exchange to better harmonise the EU’s control requirements, share national interpretations and best practices.
Our members’ contributions in these interest groups gives us the knowledge to advocate for EU policies that consider the day-to-day realities of organic operators across Europe. For our members they provide a platform to exchange with peers and with other sectors along the supply chain and get firsthand information about EU developments.
Get involved at EU level
There are different ways to gain an edge about legislative developments at EU level that will impact your business. To get to know us, you could con – sider joining one of our events for organic businesses. At this year’s edition of BIOFACH, our “business day” on 11 February provides a creative space for business leaders to address pressing challenges and share best practices. Last year’s edition focused on crisis mitigation strategies and this year we will cover sustainability reporting in the organic sector.
At this year’s edition of BIOFACH, our “business day” on 11 February provides a creative space for business leaders to address pressing challenges and share best practices
If you are not at BIOFACH, you have another chance to meet us at the Organic Food Forum in November 2025. The forum serves as a vauable platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among organic and partly organic businesses. Discussions at the event will focus on prominent topics and trends shaping the organic industry today.
You can also connect with us at the European Organic Congress (EOC), our flagship event and the leading event for organic food and farming in Europe. While not exclusively for organic businesses, this event provides unparalleled opportunities for networking, gaining insights into trends and regulations, exploring new markets, increasing visibility and learning through workshops and excursions. You can find these events at www.organicseurope.bio/events-page.
If you would like to get your company in the know, you can consider becoming a member of IFOAM Organics Europe. Membership offers numerous benefits, including the chance to become a part of our sector interest groups, access to exclusive insights, discounted events rates, opportunities to connect with like-minded businesses and business leaders, and the ability to shape the future direction of the organic movement.
If you are not in a position to become a member but are convinced of the work we do, you can support us with an in-kind contribution or sponsorship. Besides getting visibility, your support helps ensure we can continue advocating for you and keep organic high on the EU’s political agenda.
IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming. With almost 200 members in 34 European countries, our work spans the entire organic food chain and beyond: from farmers and processors organisations, retailers, certifiers, consultants, traders, and researchers to environmental and consumer advocacy bodies. Visit www.organicseurope.bio for more information or contact info@organicseurope.bio.
Author: Eduardo Cuoco, IFOAM Organics Europe Director
Published in the BIOFACH 2025 Bio Eco Actual Special Edition.
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