Smallholders need support to adapt to new organic regulation
The new EU organic regulation redefines the rules for international organic production destined for the EU and Swiss market. FiBL now presents the results...
Organics Europe to EU: Seize the moment for a sustainable agri-food future
IFOAM Organics Europe published its recommendations for the European Commission’s forthcoming Vision for Agriculture and Food. These recommendations aim to align EU policies with...
New study confirms the leading role of organic farming in contributing to agriculture’s climate...
According to a new analysis of the expected contribution of CAP Strategic Plans to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and sequestration, conversion to organic farming,...
New patents granted on traditionally bred plants threaten food sovereignty in Europe
According to European law, patents can only be granted on genetic engineering in plant breeding. Despite this, major seed companies have exploited legal loopholes...
The use of biodiversity as a means of adaptation to climate change is a...
The European Patent Office (EPO) has rejected an appeal filed against a patent granted to Monsanto (now Bayer). Patent EP2134870 covers the breeding of...
Opposition against patent on maize rejected: far-reaching monopoly claims on conventional breeding upheld
On October 15th, 2024, the European Patent Office (EPO) rejected an opposition against a patent held by the company, KWS, on cold-tolerant maize (EP...
Strategic dialogue creates unique momentum to reconcile environmental & economic sustainability
Speaking at a hearing in the European Parliament committee for Agriculture on the outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of agriculture, IFOAM...
20 new European patents on conventionally bred seeds
No Patents on Seeds! is publishing a new report on patents covering conventionally-bred plants. Although Europe only permits patents on genetically engineered plants, the...
A defining moment to stand up for organic: European Organic Congress 2024 round-up
Co-organised by IFOAM Organics Europe, the Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (ÖMKi) and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, the 18th edition of the...
Can you invent maize? Patents threaten access to seeds
According to European law, patents can only be granted on genetic engineering in plant breeding. Despite this, major seed companies have exploited legal loopholes...
