IFOAM Organics Europe has summarised the many powerful messages delivered by industry leaders and stakeholders at the 2025 edition of the European Organic Congress, which took place in Warsaw, last week. 

Here are the top 8 takeaways: 

1. True competiveness. In his keynote, Jürn Sanders (FiBL) highlighted that true competitiveness must go beyond short-term gains and include profitability within planetary boundaries. Organic farming offers a systemic approach that considers ecological complexity and long-term sustainability.

2. Let’s get greenfencing. With budget and the CAP being uncertain, the whole agricultural sector is united in calling for sufficient budget to be allocated for the next CAP, which means at least what was available in the past, updated with inflation. Organic farming – the only regulated sustainable farming system at EU level – should be prioritised in the CAP and recognised as a strategic asset. Greenfencing for measures rewarding public goods is crucial.

3. Organic targets work. Despite fluctuations in growth, long-term projections to 2033 show a positive and sustainable development path for organic. One important message: Targets matter – countries with higher organic land targets also show stronger market performance.

4. Water wise. Organic improves water quality: evidence from France shows organic farming helps reduce pesticide pollution, leading water agencies to co-fund conversions to organic. Organic farming should be recognised and funded as a nature-based solution for water resilience — it’s effective, cost-efficient, as well as innovative.

5. Prioritising natural inputs. Following the rejection of binding pesticide reduction targets by the European Parliament in 2023, the spotlight is now on the upcoming EU proposal on biocontrol, expected in 2025. Discussions at #EOC2025 focused on how to ensure quicker access to safe, natural substances for organic farmers – and whether taxation on synthetic pesticides could be a viable policy alternative.

6. The future is organic. And the future of organic is youth! To secure the future of food and farming, the organic movement must empower young people with purpose, voice, and responsibility — through bold action, meaningful inclusion, and investment in education and connection across the value chain. IFOAM Organics Europe tries to do so through the Organics Europe Youth Event and the Organics Europe Youth Network (#OEYN). Read more about the latter on their website http://www.organicyouth.bio and check out their flyer.

7. Organic delivers. As the sector prepares for the post-2027 CAP, #EOC2025 was a strong reminder: the organic movement delivers on economic, social, and environmental goals. From field to fork, many organic actors work tirelessly to produce healthy food while caring for people and planet.

8. Join IFOAM Organics Europe. Celebrate #EUorganicDay on 23 September. Share your own inspiring stories and local initiatives on social media using #Euorganic and #EuorganicDay — and tag @OrganicsEurope so we can help amplify them!

Image: The 2025 European Organic Congress. IFOAM Organics Europe