Committee of the Regions announces EU Organic Awards competition

These will underscore EU Organic Day on 23 September

The European Union aims to have a quarter of its agricultural land converted to organic farming by 2030. In that context, to boost this approach to food production, the European Committee of the Regions announced last week the first EU Organic Awards to be given out in seven categories on 23 September (EU Organic Day).

They aim of the initiative is to promote the variety of actors throughout the organic value chain who have developed excellent, innovative, sustainable and inspiring projects, or have produced real added value for organic production and consumption.

7 awards for 7 types of actors in the organic field

The awards are also a way to extend a helping hand to all the actors who have the agency or influence to implement organic ways of producing food and feed. Here are the award categories:

• Best organic farmer (female and male): The objective of this award is to reward a farmer (one female and one male) and is thus the only category that will distinguish two laureates. The award is organised by COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe.
• Best organic region: This award is organised by the European Committee of the Regions.
• Best organic city: This award is organised by the European Committee of the Regions.
• Best organic bio-district: This award is organised by the European Committee of the Regions.
• Best organic SME: The objective is to reward an EU-based Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) processing organic products. The award is organised by the European Economic and Social Committee.
• Best organic food retailer: Here the search is for the best EU-based retailer selling organic products. The award is organised by the European Economic and Social Committee.
• Best organic restaurant: The objective is to reward a restaurant, either stand-alone or as part of the hotel or catering sector, proposing organic certified references in its menu. The award is organised by the European Economic and Social Committee.

The awards do not have a financial component and are meant as a sign of high-level recognition that promises to bring increased visibility and heightened reputation for the winners.

Project considerations must be established in the EU. Applications must be submitted (for the relevant category) in one of the official EU languages by 8 June.