Strengthening regional capacities for organic farming in South East Europe

In 2025, several initiatives were successfully implemented as part of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe (APD) to promote organic farming in the region and strengthen institutional capacities and multipliers. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) and implemented by the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) of South Eastern Europe (local project implementer) and IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH (international consulting contribution).

In September 2025, three training modules on organic farming were held. The aim was to support inspectors and employees of the relevant authorities in the effective implementation of the EU Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Each module attracted around 300 active participants from across the South Eastern Europe region.

Topics covered included the transition from the previous regulation, testing and control procedures, import controls, and best practice examples from EU member states and candidate countries. The training series was led by Farzaneh Mahdipour, Secretary General of the EOCC and trainer at the IQS Group, together with Toralf Richter (FiBL), key expert at the APD. Their close collaboration ensured a high level of practical relevance and encouraged active participation by the attendees.

At the end, participants had the opportunity to take an online knowledge test and receive a certificate. The consistently positive feedback underscored the high relevance of the training courses and the growing importance of harmonized implementation of the EU Organic Regulation in the region.

Building on this momentum, the Organic Advanced School, implemented by Sigrid Alexander (trainer) and Toralf Richter (key expert APD), took place in Shkodra, Albania, from Oct 5-10, 2025. Young professionals, farmers, researchers, and representatives of institutions from the six Western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, as well as the Republic of Moldova, came together for an intensive week of learning, exchange, and collaboration.

Through lectures, group work, and excursions to organic farms and processing companies, they deepened their knowledge of organic production, certification standards, and market opportunities. The week ended with the presentation of project ideas, networking activities, and the awarding of certificates of participation. The event strengthened regional dialogue and made an important contribution to capacity building in organic farming – a significant step for sustainable development and regional cooperation in South East Europe.