Connecting Organic Markets in South East Europe

The conference was opened by Eugeniu Osmoschescu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova, together with representatives of regional and German partner institutions – underlining the importance of organic agriculture and trade for Moldova’s agricultural development and closer integration with European markets.

The event was organised in the framework of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe (APD SEE). As implementers of APD SEE, the Standing Working Group for Regional Rural Development (SWG) and IAK Agrar Consulting were closely involved in the preparation and organisation of the conference together with Moldovan and international partners.

The International Network on Organic Trade (INOT) contributed an important international trade and market perspective, supporting the exchange between organic producers and market actors from the region and European partners.

The conference focused on current developments in European organic markets, certification and organic supply-chain integrity, export and import requirements, and opportunities for strengthening access to EU markets. A dedicated networking and matchmaking format brought organic producers and service providers from Southeast and Eastern Europe together with European importers and other market actors.

The conference was preceded by an exposure visit to three Moldovan organic operators on 22 September. Visits to businesses active in organic grains, honey and wine provided practical insights into production, processing, traceability and supply-chain integrity and enabled direct exchange on certification, risk management and European organic requirements.

A central conclusion of the two-day exchange was that successful organic market development requires more than production and certification. Reliable supply chains, traceability, market-oriented production, strong business partnerships and continued alignment with EU requirements are essential for translating the region’s organic potential into sustainable market opportunities.

By connecting policy dialogue, technical expertise and business cooperation, the conference contributed to the broader objectives of APD SEE: strengthening regional cooperation, supporting European integration and creating new perspectives for sustainable agricultural trade between Southeast Europe and the EU.