EU Organic Awards open for applications

Organic agri-food systems remain a keen interest for the EU CAP Network and we have been contributing to the transition of organic production in a range of ways, including through our Thematic Group work strengthening the position of farmers in organic supply chains. This is part of the wider EU Farm to Fork campaign to increase organic land coverage and another useful tool designed with the same purpose is the EU Organic Awards.

Following the success of the first edition of the EU Organic Awards, a call for applications for the second EU Organic Awards is now open until 14 May 2023. The EU Organic Awards acknowledge different excellent actors along the organic value chain that have developed an innovative, sustainable and inspiring project resulting in real added value for organic food production and consumption. The award ceremony will take place in Brussels on 25 September.

Eight awards will be given in seven categories: Best organic farmer (female and male), Best organic region, Best organic city, Best organic ‘bio district', Best organic food processing SME, Best organic food retailer, and Best organic restaurant/food service. The EU Organic Awards are jointly organised by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe, with the involvement of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union in the jury for the awards.

The EU's Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, said: “The EU Organic Awards shine a light on the possibilities and potential of organic farming. We all know that organic methods protect ecosystems and natural resources, but last year's winners proved just how resilient, profitable and productive organic farming can be. I was struck by the passion and enterprise of the farmers, businesses and local authorities who participated in last year's awards and I look forward to discovering more inspiring stories this year. I encourage all involved in the EU organic sector to put their name forward, to shine a spotlight on their work and become a beacon for sustainable food production in the European Union. Good luck to all applicants!”

More information about the EU Organics Awards is available online. You can also see and share the latest content recently published from our Thematic Group work strengthening the position of farmers in organic supply chains.