Delegation of APD SEE at BIOFACH

BIOFACH, the leading international trade fair for organic food, took place again in Nuremberg from Feb 13-16, 2024. Over four days, exhibitors and visitors discussed the latest developments in organic food, organic drinks and organic non-food products.

A high-ranking delegation from the regional expert advisory working group (REAWG) organic farming of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe (APD SEE), implemented by IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH together with the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) of South Eastern Europe, also attended the event. Delegation members included representatives of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) as well as ministries and organisations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova and Serbia.

A project round table discussion was also held in this context, at which the delegation presented its own contributions. High-ranking representatives took part, e.g. Elena Panichi, Head of Organic at DG Agri and Cornelia Berns, Head of Division at the BMEL. The discussion focussed on "Organic Policy". It was emphasised that the EU is willing to improve communication with the south-east European EU candidate countries – in compliance with legal and data protection guidelines. DG Agri is generally prepared to actively participate in important project meetings.

In addition to a visit to BIOFACH, the programme for the trip from Feb 12-16, 2024 also included several congress sessions and visits to organic farms and breweries. The members of the delegation gained insights into the latest developments and trends in organic farming and the impact of the new EU Organic Regulation from the perspective of producers and retailers. The programme also promoted networking and the exchange of knowledge between organic stakeholders from different countries and organisations.