On Monday 25 September, the European Commission announced the eight winners of the second EU Organic Awards.
Like last year, this year’s winners are a diverse range of players in the EU’s organic sector, representing excellence throughout the organic value chain. This event also marks the celebration of EU Organic Day on 23 September, launched by the European Parliament, the EU Council and the European Commission in 2021.
This year, almost 100 applications from all over Europe were received and 24 candidates from 11 EU countries were shortlisted. The EU Organic Awards recognise excellent, innovative, sustainable and inspiring projects that provide real added value to the production and consumption of organic produce. The awards are organised jointly by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, Copa-Cogeca and IFOAM Organics Europe, with the support of the European Parliament and the EU Council. Eight prizes were awarded, including best female organic farmer (Clara Benito Pacheco, Spain) and best organic farmer (Thomas Moschos, Greece).
The 28 CAP national strategic plans include funds to support organic farming. At EU level, it is expected that around 10% of the total utilised agricultural area will benefit from CAP support for organic farming in 2027, which is double the figure for 2020, explains the Commission. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)