European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has recognised the “crucial” role that organic agriculture will play in strengthening the resilience of Europe’s food and farming system, in a special video address she gave today on the opening day of the 2026 European Organic Congress.
Under the theme “Organics: A strategic investment in Europe’s resilience”, the Congress, taking place in Cork, Ireland, will explore how the next CAP and Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) can provide the conditions for organic farmers and businesses to continue developing and contributing to resilient and competitive European food and farming systems.
In her video message to delegates, President von der Leyen said: “Organic farming will continue to play a crucial role not only in European agriculture, but also in strengthening Europe’s resilience, by reducing our input dependence, by protecting our soil and improving animal welfare with innovative methods, and by strengthening rural communities and local value chains.”
The European Commission’s proposal for the CAP post-2027 and the next MFF will significantly reshape how EU agricultural policy is funded and implemented. Against this backdrop, the organic movement is calling for a clear long-term commitment to organic farming in the future CAP, providing stability and predictability for farmers and safeguarding dedicated support for both conversion to and maintenance of organic farming.
Dóra Drexler, President of IFOAM Organics Europe, said: “It’s great to learn about how organic production has been positively evolving in Ireland over the last number of years. Developments in countries such as Ireland show how organics offers a roadmap for governments to respond to some of the challenges facing food and farming systems from environmental and climate vulnerability to supply chain fragility which it seeks to confront”. She added: “Europe is making choices now that will shape its agriculture for the next decade. Organic is already delivering resilience and environmental and societal benefits, but farmers need a predictable policy framework and dedicated support to continue on that path. The next CAP and EU budget should recognise organic as a strategic investment in Europe’s future.”
Hosting the European Organic Congress in Ireland comes at a time of significant development for the country’s organic sector. Organic farmland has more than tripled since 2021, while around 6,100 organic farmers and food businesses are now active across Ireland. The Irish market for organic produce also grew by 12.5% in the past year.
Gillian Westbrook, CEO of the Irish Organic Association, said: “We are delighted to welcome the European organic sector to Ireland during the country’s holding of the EU Presidency. The strong and steady number of farmers choosing to go organic in recent years is good news story for Ireland. It clearly demonstrates what is possible when farmers and businesses are given the right supports to transition to organics”.
She added: “Importantly, there still remains considerable potential for further growth in organics, and the decisions made on the future CAP and EU budget will be crucial to maintaining this momentum, and continuing to future proof the agri-food sector in Ireland and across Europe”.
The Congress, taking place on 6–8 October, is an Irish Presidency Associated event organised by IFOAM Organics Europe, together with Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and in partnership with the Irish Organic Association. IFOAM Organics Europe warmly thanks them, as well as all sponsors and supporters, for making the European Organic Congress possible.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses the 2026 European Organic Congress. Image: IFOAM Organics Europe
