The 5th edition of the EU Organic Awards is now open for applications from 10 February to 26 April 2026. These awards celebrate leaders in the organic value chain who develop inspiring projects that enhance organic food production and consumption. This year’s winners will be celebrated at the Awards Ceremony on the EU Organic Day, 23 September in Brussels.
The EU Organic Awards are jointly organized by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe, with the participation of the European Parliament and the Council in the evaluation.
Seven awards will be presented across six categories:
- Best organic farmer (female and male)
- Best organic region/bio-district
- Best organic city
- Best organic food processing SME
- Best organic food retailer
- Best organic restaurant/food service
Who can apply?
Any EU actor or institution with a noteworthy project that contributes to greater affordability and accessibility of organic products in the EU can apply. This includes not only organic farmers, regions or bio-districts, unique businesses like organic shops or restaurants, but also cities offering for instance, organic meals to local school pupils, or actively promoting organic production.
How to apply
Applications are welcome in all official EU languages via an online form available until 26 April 2026. Eligible applications will be reviewed by the EU Organic Awards jury against the criteria of excellence, innovation, sustainability and potential to replicate the project elsewhere in the EU. Winning projects will play a key role in raising public awareness about organic production within the EU.
Background
The Vision for Agriculture and Food underlines that sustainability and farming can go hand in hand, and organic farming serves as a prime example of this. Its environmental credentials are clear: Organic farming encourages the responsible use of energy and natural resources, the preservation of regional ecological balances, the enhancement of soil fertility, the maintenance of water quality, rich biodiversity and high standards of animal welfare.
The economic and business case of organic farming is equally important. The share of land farmed organically in the EU has been growing steadily to attain currently around 17 million hectares (11% of the total agriculture land).
Organic farming has also become a driver for generational renewal as underscored in the Commission’s Strategy for generational renewal in agriculture and the organic share among young farmers is far higher (20.7%) than for all farms combined (11.9%). EU initiatives in favour of organic farming not only create the conditions for the long-term and sustainable competitiveness of rural areas but also open up new opportunities for the generation renewal in agriculture.
In support of the further growth of organic production in the EU, the European Commission adopted an action plan to increase the demand for and supply of organic products, and to enhance the sustainability of organic production. Member states were encouraged to set ambitious targets for organic farming within their CAP Strategic Plans and national organic action plans. Over the past years, and more particularly since 2023, the Common Agricultural Policy has enhanced financial support for converting to and remaining in organic farming.
Submit your project by 26 April 2026 at the latest and be a part of the future of organic farming!
Mr Christophe Hansen, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, said:
Organic is the gold standard of EU agriculture, representing not only an environmentally sustainable model of farming but also creating significant economic impact while contributing to the EU’s resilience and strategic autonomy. The EU organic awards recognise the efforts of particularly innovative and dedicated organic businesses and projects and inspire others to drive this transformation. I encourage organic farmers, chefs, entrepreneurs and local policymakers to apply, share their story, and help shape the future of organic farming in the EU.
Mr Stoyan Tchoukanov, President of the Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), said:
We all have a role to play in shaping more sustainable, fair and resilient agri-food systems, and the organic sector is key to achieving these goals. That’s why the EU Organic Awards are so important: they showcase true champions of the organic food chain, from organic farmers to processors, retailers, restaurants and food services that base their entire business on organic products. Last year’s awards also showed that organic is much more than a competitive business: it’s a way of producing and consuming while living in peace with nature! The EESC is proud to be a partner of these awards and invites all organic actors to apply and share their stories to inspire change, in particular for the young generation.
Ms Kirstine Bille, Member of the European Committee of the Regions, said:
Local elected representatives are encouraged to apply for the European Organic Awards to showcase their political commitment to organic farming and sustainable food systems. The Awards offer a unique opportunity to gain European recognition for policies that support healthy food, environmental protection and resilient local economies.
Mr Søren Søndergaard, Vice-president of COPA, said:
The EU Organic Awards, now at its fifth edition, provides an opportunity to highlight the diversity and commitment of farmers engaged in organic production across Europe. Copa-Cogeca remains supportive of this initiative, which helps bring visibility to the numerous innovative approaches coming from the farming community, acknowledge high standards of practice, and encourage the exchange of practical experience within the organic sector.
Mr Jan Plagge, President of IFOAM Organics Europe, said:
We are proud to launch the new edition of the EU Organic Awards, celebrating the outstanding work of organic farmers, businesses and territories across Europe. At a time when Europe needs agrifood systems that are resilient, sustainable, competitive and trusted by citizens, organic farming demonstrates that high standards and economic viability go hand in hand.
