Meet Us at BIOFACH 2025

Tuesday, 11 February. 12:00 - 13:00 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Riga

What is it about?

The scientific part of the session will showcase resent research findings from Southeast Asia that highlight enablers and barriers for PGS upscaling and explain economic and environmental impacts of PGS adoption.

Speakers 

• Gábor Figeczky. Senior Manager Global Policy, IFOAM - Organics International.
• Patricia Flores. Senior Manager Global Academy, IFOAM - Organics International.
• Christian Grovermann. Senior Scientist - Agriculture Economics, FiBL.
• Robert Home. Senior Scientist - Rural Economy, FiBL.

Tuesday, 11 February, 17:00 - 18:00 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Shanghai

What is it about?

At this session, the most recent data on global organic agriculture (including area, producers, and retail sales) will be presented, along with updates on the latest developments in organic regulations.

Speakers

• Gabor Figeczky, Senior Manager, Global Policy, IFOAM - Organics International.
• Marco Kräuchi, Programme Manager, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.
• Amarjit Sahota, director, Ecovia Intelligence.
• Dr. Helga Willer, Scientist, FiBL.

Moderator

• Ravi Prasad, Director, IFOAM - Organics International.

Wednesday, 12 February. 10:00 - 11:30 in NCC Ost, Level 1, Room Hongkong 

What is it about?

The loss of “nature capital” poses an existential threat to global economic prosperity and political stability.
With its counter-business model, the organic food economy blends value creation with sustainability and public benefit – from farm to table. It is based on economic gains but depends on public funding, offering products as a diffuse promise to help save the world.
In a system that continues to undervalue socio-ecological and cultural benefits, how can we attract new financial resources – such as venture capital, nature capital investments or philanthropic funding?
Should we shift focus from crops and food products to systemic value creation? What frameworks ensure these financial resources fuel equity, resilience, and regeneration, without selling out a much more complex system?
Join us in this Sustainable Future Lab as we explore emerging and future models for financing agri-food systems, delving into both their potential benefits and inherent challenges.

Speakers 

• Sarah Compson, Director, Standards Innovation, Soil Association, IFOAM World Board.
• Julian Stock, Vorstand, Good Food Collective.
• Nora Taleb, Vorstand, Good Food Collective.

Wednesday, 12 February. 11:15 - 12:30 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Seoul

What is it about?

With the EU’s import system’s change to compliance, smallholders face significant new demands to continue supplying the European market. FiBL, COLEAD, and Fairtrade International share insights from efforts to understand the key challenges and opportunities, and to help support adaption of around one million smallholders that currently supply Europe with a variety of important organic products.

Speakers 

• Andreas Kratz, Director - Global Products, Programs & Policy, Fairtrade International.
• Florentine Meinhausen, Senior expert - group certification, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, FiBL.
• Morag Webb, Head of Science Policy, COLEAD.

Moderator

• Joelle Andrighetto, Senior Manager - Policy & Guarantee, IFOAM - Organics International.

Wednesday, 12 February. 14:00 - 15:15 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Istanbul

What is it about?

Speakers in this session will present about
‘AI in Organic Controls & Certification’
‘AI to Secure Organic Integrity’
‘Earth observation and artificial intelligence for monitoring in organic farming’
‘Dynamic farm benchmarking supported by Earth Observation and GIS’ and
‘Geographic Information Systems for certification efficiency and supply chain integrity’.

Speakers 

• Sarah Compson, Director, Standards Innovation, Soil Association, IFOAM World Board.
• Jan Hemmerling, Institute für Betriebswirtschaft Thünen.
• Gerald A. Hermann, Director, Organic Services GmbH.
• Jochen Kleboth, Intact GmbH.
• Bryan Stratton, Chief AI Ecocert Group, ECOCERT Group.

Wednesday, 12 February. 15:00 - 16:30 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room St. Petersburg 

What is it about?

The global organic market develops dynamically and in different ways around the world. We take a closer look at market information from the IFOAM – Organics International/FiBL statistics book and reflect about trends and strategic market positioning from several parts of the world.

Speakers 

• David Amudavi. Executive Director, Biovision Africa Trust.
• Joanna Wierzbicka. Deputy Director, IFOAM - Organics Europe.
• Josefine Pettersen. Operations and Technical Manager, Australian Organic Limited.
• Dr. Helga Willer. Scientist, FiBL - Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Lanbau.
• Tom Chapman. CEO, Organic Trade Association.
• Tia Loftsgard. Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association.
• Ravi R. Prasad. Executive Director, IFOAM - Organics International.
• Youting Zhang. Executive Vice President, Organic and Beyond Corporation.
• Thales Mendoça. INOFO Global Relationships Manager.

Wednesday, 12 February. 17:00 - 18:00 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room St. Petersburg 

What is it about?

Mayor Rommel Arnado from Kauswagan, the Philippines will present his impressive and very successful "Arms to farms " project, which solved a deadly civil war by converting 14 commanders and about 5.000 rebels to organic farmers The town and its 13 villages are 100 % organic, GMO is banned and the poverty rate went in 10 years down from 80 to 9 %. Kauswagan and Rommel were recognised last November with the prestigious International "Policy Oscar" from World Future Council.

Speakers 

• Rommel Arnado. Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Kauswagan, Lano del Norte, Philippines.
• Jürgen Grässlin. German publicist and peace activist.
• Karen Mapusua. President, IFOAM - Organics International.
• Edward Mukiibi. President, Slow Food.

Moderator

• Bernward Geier. Director, COLABORA.

Thursday, 13 February. 10:00 - 11:00 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Kyjiw

What is it about?

The EU as well as f.e. the US have recently updated their regulatory framework for organic international trade, including rules for groups of operators and drivin towards conformity. Operators worldwide exporting to the EU but also other markets are impacted by these new rules . We want to discuss openly about the impact of these changes on the work of organic operators all over the world and companies sourcing internationally.

Speakers 

• Barbara Altmann, Leiterin Nachhaltiges Lieferketten-Management, Rapunzel Naturkost GmbH.
• Heinz-Dieter Gasper, Geschäftsfphrer, Heuschrecke Naturkost GmbH.
• Ravi Prasad, Director, IFOAM - Organics International.

Moderator

• Johanna Stumpner, Regulatory manager, AöL e.V..

Thursday, 13 February. 11:00 - 12:00 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Seoul

What is it about?

Change is driven by people and quality begins with investing in people.
This session presents innovative methodological approaches to improve the quality of products from agroecological producers and actors. It illustrates how non-conventional investment, namely attractive and economically oriented capacity development can scale-up organic production and lead to better quality outcomes in organic farming. And that it is not all about financing.

Speakers 

• Patricia Flores, Senior Global Academy Manager, IFOAM - Organics International.. 
• Dorith von Behaim, Project Manager, GIZ.

Moderator

• Irene Kadzere, Department for International Cooperation, FiBL.

Thursday, 13 February. 11:30 - 12:30 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Kyjiw

What is it about?

How to feed the world has always been debated in view of hunger, business opportunities, and the diversity of agriculture systems. There is consensus that “business as usual” is not an option, but which narrative is convincing? FIBL provides the scientific base, and four popular narratives debate their case. An overview, four five-minute inputs, and a debate with the audience.

Speakers 

• Markus Arbenz, Senior Consultant and Project Leader, FiBL, Switzerland. 
• Beate Huber, Vice-chairwoman of the Management Board, FiBL, Switzerland.
• Ravi Prasad, Director, IFOAM - Organics International.

Thursday, 13 February. 12:15 - 13:00 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Seoul 

What is it about?

Overview of the market in the USA:

• Power shift from organic pioneers to industrial food giants.
• Pressures American organic farmers experience.
• Weaknesses of the USDA standard and why it is almost impossible to strengthen the standard
• Why stricter certification alternatives are needed.
• The successes of the Real Organic Project, America’s leading organic farmers grassroots initiative

Speakers 

• Linley Dixon, Co-director, Real Organic Project. 
• Stefan Hauke, Principal, Hauke Consulting LLC.
• Steffen Reese, General Manager, Naturland e.V..

Moderator

• Marco Schlüter, Head of Strategy / International, Naturland e.V. , World Board of IFOAM - Organics International

Thursday, 13 February. 13:45 - 14:45 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Seoul

What is it about?

In recent years, policies and government strategies for organic agriculture and agroecology have increased substantially in Africa on continental, regional, and national levels. We provide an overview and discuss the implications, benefits, and gaps from a movement, private sector and science perspective.

Speakers 

• Markus Arbenz. Senior Consultant, FiBL Switzerland.
• Bharat Bhandari. Executive Director, LI-BIRD.
• Paul Holmbeck. Director, Holmbeck EcoConsult.
• Alex Mutungi. AU EOA Initiative Continental Secretariat Coordinator, Biovision Africa Trust.

Moderator

• Gábor Figeczky. Senior Manager Global Policy, IFOAM - Organics International.

Thursday, 13 February. 15:15 - 16:15 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Istanbul

What is it about?

Public-private partnerships can scale organic food system combining strengths to improve market access, productivity, and awareness. This session highlights how governments, NGOs, and businesses accelerate growth through supportive policies, incentives and innovative funding opportunities.

Speakers 

• Hung Dang Thi Bich, Vice President/ General Secretary, Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association.
• Eva Gemmel, Project Management, Naturland e.V..
• Paul Holmbeck. Director, Holmbeck EcoConsult.
• Carlo Murer, Consultant, FAO.
• Konrad Hauptfleisch, Senior Advisor, Naturland e.V.

Thursday, 13 February. 17:00 - 18:00 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Oslo

What is it about?

Insights on innovative leadership, territorial approaches, discussion on emerging trends and new business models, actionable strategies from changemakers to adapt and thrive in a complex and evolving landscape. Get inspire by stories of resilience, passion and innovative thinking with panelists sharing their journey of navigating the complex organic landscape while remaining committed to sustain.

Speakers 

• Markus Arbenz, Senior Consultant and Project Leader, FiBL, Switzerland.
• Jean-Michel Florin, Co-Chair of BFDI.
• Dr. Jostein Hertwig, Executive Director of GAOD.

Moderator

• Patricia Flores, Senior Global Academy Manager, IFOAM - Organics International.

Tuesday, 11 February, 10:30 - 12:00 in NCC Ost, Level 1, Room Brüssel

What is it about?

Sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly important, but also more complex and demanding, for all organic operators. The requirements for data delivery and proof of climate, environmental and social impact with quantifiable outcomes is constantly increasing. Even though organic farming inherently promotes environmental and social sustainability, quantifying and reporting its impacts remains a challenge.

Speakers

• Jan Plagge, President, Bioland & IFOAM Organics Europe
• Fausto Jori, CEO, EcorNaturaSì Spa

Moderator

• Joanna Wierzbicka, Deputy Director, IFOAM Organics Europe

Tuesday, 15:00 - 15:45 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Riga

What is it about?

Join this session to explore how organic can play a role in addressing the issue that water is under pressure as a resource. Hear from experts about initiatives at the EU and national levels, including EU political priorities such as the water resilience strategy. Discover opportunities for the organic sector to enhance water stewardship and strengthen visibility in water management discussions.

Speakers

• Sabine van Wiren-Lehr, Director, van Wiren-Lehr consulting
• Speaker from FNAB

Tuesday, 11 February, 16:15 - 18:00 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Shanghai

What is it about?

During this session, high-level speakers will explore the EU’s strategic vision for transforming its agrifood sector towards greater sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. A key question will be how the CAP and the EU’s vision on agriculture and food can adequately support farmers who provide environmental and social benefits while ensuring that agriculture remains a competitive sector. It will also be an occasion to enquire what political changes are expected in the US organic development after the presidential elections.

Speakers

• Jan Plagge, President, Bioland & IFOAM Organics Europe
• Christophe Barnouin, CEO, Ecotone
• Stefan Krajewski, Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland
• Tom Chapman, CEO, Organic Trade Association

Moderator

• Eduardo Cuoco, Director, IFOAM Organics Europe

Tuesday, 11 February, 18:00 - !9:00 in Event Room next to NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Shanghai

What is it about?

The networking reception will present the BEING Organic in the EU project coordinated by Federbio and Naturland to organic operators, consumers, and other stakeholders from the food value chain, along with high-level representatives from EU and national institutions. The reception (entirely branded with the project’s promotional material) will be an opportunity for the project coordinators (Federbio, Naturland) to give an informal presentation about the project goals and activities, and to network and share knowledge with the European and national policymakers. It will also be an occasion to promote the new programme of promotional campaigns. A tasting of organic drinks and food will follow.

Wednesday, 12 February, 9:30 - 12:30 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Shanghai

What is it about?

A highlight to the positive change that organic meals bring to schools, emphasizing their transformative potential and looking at the participatory approach. The session is divided into 2 parts: 1) Speakers will present their inspiring practices in school meals and organic 2) An award ceremony will be co-organized with our partner ICLEI to reward the best cities in the SchoolFood4Change project.

Speakers

• SF4C
• IFOAM Asia

Moderator 

• Eduardo Cuoco, Director, IFOAM Organics Europe

The SchoolFood4Change project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101036763. The sole responsibility for the content lies with the authors. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Commission. The European Commission is also not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Wednesday, 12 February, 10:00 - 10:45 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Seoul

What is it about?

With the help of our speakers, we get a summary of the legislative work of the past year and a whole picture of the organic regulatory framework which has concluded an important stage of completeness with its extension to third countries. The panel discussion aims to reflect on the important achievements and challenges, with a special outlook on imports, how the new system has started to function from 1st January and we will reflect on important implications and current challenges in the export of EU organic products.

Speakers

• Henri Delanghe, Deputy Head of Unit Organics, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
• Michel Reynaud, Vice-Président, ECOCERT
• Tom Chapman, CEO. Organic Trade Association

Moderator

• Lea Bauer, Regulation Consultant, IFOAM Organics Europe

Thursday, 13 February, 10:00 - 12:00 in NCC Ost, Level 2, Room Oslo

What is it about?

TP Organics, the European Technology Platform for Research & Innovation into Organics and Agroecology, hosts the annual Science Day. The 2025 edition will be organised with several EU research projects such as SchoolFood4Change, OrganicTargets4EU, OrganicAdviceNetwork, ROAM-FREE, and SOILL Startup, as well as the CORE Organic network. During a policy debate, funding opportunities for organic R&I will be presented. OrganicTargets4EU will present scenarios developed within the project in an interactive workshop before the participants will get to know the projects during an interactive “speed dating”.

Speakers

• Ilsa Phillips, Research and Innovation Officer, IFOAM Organics Europe
• Ambra de Simone, Research and Innovation Associate Manager, IFOAM Organics Europe
• Evelyne Alcázar Marín, International Manager/ Brussels Office Manager, Ecovalia
• Atle Wibe, Research Scientist, Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture
• Matthias Koesling, Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture
• Berit Blomstrand, Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture
• Olivier Mora,  Coordinator, INRAE
• Etienne Schultz, INRAE
• Maria Gernert, TP Organics Senior Officer, IFOAM Organics Europe
• Susana Gaona Sáez, Research Programme Officer, European Commission
• Ivana Trkulja, Project Manager, Core Organic
• Gabriele Rudolfi, Project Coordinator, FiBL Europe

Moderator

• Eduardo Cuoco, Director, IFOAM Organics Europe

SOILL-Startup is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.                        

OrganicTargets4EU is funded by the European Union (Grant no. 101060368) and by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) (Grant no. 22.00155). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, European Research Executive Agency (REA) or Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Neither the European Union nor any other granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Thursday, 13 February, 11:45 - 12:30 in NCC Ost,  Level 2, Room St. Petersburg

What is it about?

During this session, we will look into concrete cases in which youth advocated on organic and other sustainability-related topics, and which best practices and lessons learned can be drawn from these cases. Furthermore, the newly created IFOAM Organics Europe Expert Group of Organic Youth will be officially inaugurated and further opportunities for youth empowerment in this Youth Group will be explored.

Speaker

• Silvia Schmidt, Policy manager, IFOAM Organics Europe

13 February, 17:00 - 18:00 in NCC Ost, Level 3, Room Shanghai

What is it about?

The session will give an update on the policy process of New Genomic Techniques at the EU level, as the political developments are in full swing. Furthermore, the session will shed some state-of-the-art light on the development of detection methods for GMOs derived from or produced with NGTs in the context of the DARWIN EU Horizon project.

Speaker

• Helene Schmutzler, Senior Policy Officer on GMOs and Animal Welfare, IFOAM Organics Europe

DARWIN is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.