Applications for the EU Organic Awards are open

Brussels – The European Union is rewarding excellence in the world of organic farming. Applications are now open to participate in the EU Organic Awards, the EU’s recognition of organic producers. Participation is free and will remain open until May 12. Awards of the prizes will be on September 23, which is also the EU Organic Day.

There are seven categories where to compete: best organic farmer (female and male), best organic region, best organic city, best organic district, best organic food processing SME, best organic retailer, and best organic restaurant. To participate, register on the dedicated page on the European Commission website. Prizes will not be in cash but give the winners more visibility throughout the EU.

Increasing organic farming, which avoids using pesticides and poisons, is a significant goal for the EU. The Commission wants these to reach 25 percent of cultivated land by 2030. In 2021, about 15.9 million hectares in the EU states were devoted to organic farming, equivalent to 9.9 percent of total crops. These numbers are on the rise, not only among producers but also among consumers. According to a 2020 Eurobarometer survey, 80 percent of respondents believed organic products were more environmentally friendly and had higher animal welfare standards.