As global politics make the world a more uncertain place, the importance of having a good representation of the organic sector in Brussels cannot be overstated. In 2026 the European Union will decide on its new budget for the next seven years (2028-2034), and we need to ensure that EU policies will contribute to the growth of the sector and will secure stable relations with our trade partners.
This is the mission of IFOAM Organics Europe, which represents more than 200 organic associations and companies across Europe, and which ensures that the organic community is heard by the European institutions.
One of our core missions is to ensure that European policy instruments and budgets contribute to expanding organic production and markets, and to the development of the sector through research and innovation. This starts with making sure that the EU Organic Regulation is implementable and adapted to the practical realities of operators on the ground.
It is with this objective in mind, and to avoid any trade disruption, that European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen announced on 23 September a targeted review of the organic regulation, accompanied by a roadmap to simplify the implementation of some aspects of the regulation, as well as an update of the celebrated EU Organic Action Plan. The primary aim is to make the EU organic regulatory framework more efficient, easier to implement and more competitive, while ensuring stable rules for trade in organic products.
Ensuring stable trade relations
A central motivation for this targeted review is the need to provide legal clarity following the ruling of the European Court of Justice in the renown “Herbaria case”, particularly regarding the import of organic products under the equivalence scheme. The Commission also stressed the importance of preserving the credibility of the EU organic logo, so that it reliably reflects production rules for products placed on the EU market.
We also highlighted the risk of trade disruption if current equivalency recognitions with eleven non-EU countries expire on 31 December 2026. The Commission therefore underlined the necessity of extending this deadline to prevent the discontinuation of recognition systems that underpin a significant share of EU organic trade, and plans to extend the recognition of all current equivalency agreements with third countries from 2026 to 2036. This would safeguard trade flows with key partners such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, which together account for an estimated €12-15 billion in organic exports.
One of our core missions is to ensure that European policy instruments and budgets contribute to expanding organic production and market
The proposed targeted review also introduces several technical clarifications and adjustments. These include clearer rules on the use of organic terms and the EU organic logo in labelling and advertising processed foods containing imported ingredients, addressing loopholes exposed by the Herbaria ruling.
Further changes concern livestock production, notably specific rules for quail production, adjustments to poultry housing and outdoor access for young birds, and revised withdrawal periods following the use of allopathic veterinary medicines.
Long-standing difficulties around establishing a positive list of products for cleaning and disinfection in processing and storage facilities are also addressed. In addition, Member States may be allowed to exempt certain small sellers of unpacked organic products from certification requirements based on a simpler, single criterion. At the same time, groups of operators that have faced difficulties complying with existing eligibility rules for establishing or maintaining a group may benefit from higher thresholds and more flexible conditions.
The targeted revision was presented on 16 December as part of a broader “Organic Package”, alongside a roadmap for simplifying secondary legislation and an updated EU Organic Action Plan expected in 2026. While the proposed amendments to the Basic Act remain technical and broadly supported by key stakeholders, attention is increasingly focused on the accompanying roadmap. If it fails to deliver meaningful simplification, pressure from national governments and the European Parliament for wider legislative changes is likely to grow. Importantly, the revised Basic Act of the organic regulation must be adopted before the end of 2026 to avoid regulatory gaps and potential trade disruption.
Revising the EU Organic Action Plan offers scope to further develop collaboration across the organic value chain, address constraints related to processing capacity and encourage the uptake of skills, innovation and digital solutions. Such measures can enhance competitiveness and help the sector respond to changing market conditions and societal expectations. Approaches like biodistricts can support more integrated value chains by connecting organic production with local development initiatives, tourism, gastronomy and public catering, while contributing to value creation and quality employment in rural areas.
IFOAM Organics Europe is also active in many other policy areas beyond the organic regulation that affect the operations of organic farmers and companies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, biocontrol, research policy and seed legislation, all of which are up for review in 2026.
We need to ensure that EU policies will contribute to the growth of the sector and will secure stable relations with our trade partners
Get involved at EU level
There are different ways to gain an edge on legislative developments at EU level that will impact your business.
To get to know us, you could consider joining one of our events, such as our Business Day on 10 February, which provides a creative space for business leaders to address pressing challenges and share best practices. Another event, the Policy Day, will bring together high-level policy-makers and organic leaders to discuss current challenges and future prospects.
If you are not at BIOFACH, you have another chance to meet us at the European Organic Congress (EOC), our flagship event and the leading event for organic food and farming in Europe, which will take place this year in Ireland.
If you would like to get your company in the know, benefit from networking opportunities and services, or simply support our work, you can consider becoming a member or a sponsor.
Author: Eduardo Cuoco, IFOAM Organics Europe Director.
- Further information available at www.organicseurope.bio
Published in the BIOFACH 2026 Bio Eco Actual Special Edition.
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Read the BIOFACH 2026 Bio Eco Actual Special Edition
