Organic food is no longer a niche – it’s a full-on movement reshaping what Europe eats and how it farms. At the heart of this green wave is IFOAM Organics Europe – driving policies, partnerships and public awareness. To get the inside scoop on the industry’s future, we sat down with Joanna Wierzbicka, IFOAM Organics Europe Deputy Director.
IFOAM’s mission is bold but brilliantly simple: get organic on every plate. The organisation is busy steering EU rules to protect producers, fighting for funding that fuels growth and rallying international networks to keep the movement thriving.
– We believe that Europe should be more organic and that organic should be on every plate, says Joanna Wierzbicka.
From conference halls to event stages, IFOAM’s collaborations – like its work with Nordic Organic Expo – help spotlight the big ideas shaping the future of organic. Sharing insights, spotting trends and swapping know-how keeps the sector sharp and forward-thinking.
– Learning from each other is essential to develop both our expertise and help the sector grow, Joanna adds.
Growth is good – but staying relevant is essential. With new sustainability claims popping up everywhere, the organic sector needs to stay crystal clear and confidently positioned. That’s why IFOAM champions simple messaging for consumers and reminds policymakers that organic boosts the economy while reducing dependency on external inputs.
– We focus on keeping organic relevant with many other sustainable options on the market and on ensuring that the communication about the organic label is simple and clear.
Looking to the future, the Nordics are leading the way. With eco-savvy consumers, innovative startups and health-driven lifestyles, the region sets a powerful example for the rest of Europe. For IFOAM, the biggest opportunity lies in scaling this approach – particularly by bringing organic into schools.
– I would love to see more countries adopting the Nordic model of organic food in schools, so every kid can have access to healthy, organic options from early age. With initiatives like this, the vision of an organic Europe on every plate feels closer than ever.
By Rebecca Hyde-Price Aggestam
