Another Successful Year Representing Organic Voices at BIOFACH 2023
The organic sector proved crisis-resistant and ready for more success as we witnessed an impressive total of 2,765 exhibitors from 95 countries in attendance at BIOFACH and VIVANESS 2023 which welcomed almost 36,000 trade visitors from 135 countries.
"The industry players here in Nuremberg showed themselves to be full of strength and strategies for the future. The positive atmosphere that was palpable in the exhibition halls was deeply moving and filled me with joy on a personal level. It is remarkable how rich, inspiring, solution-focused and forward-looking this sector is. Organic is the future!" Petra Wolf, Member of the Executive Board, NürnbergMesse
The BIOFACH and VIVANESS Congress, with a total of 120 professionally polished individual sessions and high-calibre participants, attracted almost 8,000 delegates and once again proved to be a forward-looking forum for the sector.
Impressions of our activities at BIOFACH 2023
See more photos from BIOFACH 2023!
Our Sessions
We were delighted to run several sessions at BIOFACH that took place 14-17 February in Nuremberg, Germany, alongside partners including IFOAM Organics Europe. The sessions covered a rich range of topics and also featured illuminating discussions thanks to our outstanding roster of speakers and moderators.
Our session on international market development, “Global Organic Market Overview” attracted the highest attendance in 2023 with 242 participants.
The next BIOFACH is scheduled for 13-16 February 2024
A full breakdown of the sessions and some of the PowerPoint presentations!
Date: 14 Feb 2023
Time: 15:00 - 16:00 CET
Place: St. Petersburg room
Description
At this session, the speakers discussed the implications of organic food systems for diet, nutritional health and food security, and how it could affect the transition to sustainability. This session contextualised the farm-to-fork concept and its application through case studies and research data. Speakers provided a framework for studying and evaluating the benefits, challenges, and dynamics associated with the emergence and growth of such systems.
Speakers
- Salvatore Basile - President, International Network of Eco Regions
- Patricia Flores - Global Academy Manager, IFOAM - Organics International
- Lilliana Stefanovic - Acting Head at the Department of Organic Food Quality and Culture at the University of Kassel
- Julia Baudry - Nutrition epidemiologist, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team, University of Paris, France
Moderator
- Jostein Hertwig - Board Member, Organic Food System Programme SC
Date: 14 Feb 2023
Time: 17:00 - 18:00 CET
Place: Seoul room
Description
The latest data on organic agriculture worldwide (area, producers, retail sales), as well as information on the latest developments in organic policies and regulations, were presented at this session.
Speakers
- Silvan Hungerbühler - Program Manager, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
- Amarjit Sahota - Founder and Director, Ecovia Intelligence
- Helga Willer - Scientist, FiBL
- Vladyslav Zhmailo - Policy and Guarantee Coordinator, IFOAM - Organics International
Moderator
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Marco Schlüter - Interim Executive Director, IFOAM - Organics International
Date: 15 Feb 2023
Time: 11:30 - 12:30 CET
Place: Istanbul room
Description
As food prices rise, it is more crucial than ever to strategically communicate the value of organic produce. This includes benefits for people and the planet, and how it contributes to the public good. We explored success stories and opportunities for improvement and discussed current challenges in the sector.
Speakers
- Alex Cullen - Commercial and Marketing Director, Soil Association Certification
- Oriol Urrutia - Co-Editor, Bio Eco Actual
- Iris Kazazi - Albanian Association of Marketing
Moderator
- Andrés González - Senior Digital Media Coordinator, IFOAM - Organics International
Date: 15 Feb 2023
Time: 13:00 - 14:00 CET
Place: Istanbul room
Description
The new Regulation (EU) 2018/848 fundamentally changes the EU system for organic imports from third countries, with a particularly strong impact on certified smallholder supply chains. We highlighted the state of implementation, key challenges, and opportunities for smallholder supply chains, and discussed the potential implications for organic imports from the perspective of EU traders in a panel discussion.
This session continued in the same room and the discussion moved to: "New EU Organic Regulation and ICS group certification in the Global South – The smallholder perspective"
Speakers
- Franziska Bringe - Einkaufsmanagerin Kaffee, GEPA mbH
- Christoph Eisenbeiss - Certifications, Pronatec AG
- Florentine Meinshausen - Senior Expert Group Certification, FiBL
- Maren Peters - Sourcing Development Manager Africa, Tradin Organic Agriculture
Moderator
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Vladyslav Zhmailo - Policy and Guarantee Coordinator, IFOAM - Organics International
Date: 15 Feb 2023
Time: 14:30 - 16:00 CET
Place: St. Petersburg room
Description
The global organic market is developing dynamically and in different ways around the world. We examined market information from the IFOAM - Organics International/FiBL Statistics Book and reflected on trends and strategic market positioning from different parts of the world. The audience received first-hand market information from experts representing different regions of the world.
Speakers
- David Amudavi - Executive Director, Biovision Africa Trust
- Karen Mapusua - President, IFOAM - Organics International
- Helga Willer - Scientist, FiBL
- Julia Lernoud - Vice President, IFOAM - Organics International
- Miyoshi Satoko - World Board Member, IFOAM - Organics International
- Tia Loftsgard - Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association
Moderator
- Marco Schlüter - Interim Executive Director, IFOAM - Organics International
Date: 15 Feb 2023
Time: 16:30 - 17:30 CET
Place: St. Petersburg room
Description
We saw examples from Albania, Serbia, and Ukraine of how international market cooperation supported by public investment through public-private partnerships can improve the livelihoods of local communities, particularly in vulnerable areas, with better wages, more employment opportunities, and more equitable supply and demand relationships.
Speakers
- Silvan Hungerbühler - Program Manager, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
- Andrea Bischof - Senior Advisor sustainable Agriculture and Trade, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
- Jürn Sanders - President, FiBL Europe
- Petra Heid - Head of Sustainability, HALBA
- Luis Bidaj - General Manager, Bidaj SH.P.K.
- Martin Ritter - Managing Director, Organic Life GmbH
Moderator
- Andrea Bischof - Senior Advisor, Helvetas
Date: 16 Feb 2023
Time: 12:45 - 13:45 CET
Place: Istanbul room
Description
We learnt from examples of government initiatives in African countries that are taking a different path, despite calls for more subsidies for synthetic inputs in the wake of the crisis. National strategies for agroecology, organic farming and farmers' seed systems promise a long-term solution that will bring economic and climate resilience to African farms.
Speakers
- Dr Karim Abu Bakarr - Minister of Agriculture & Forestry Sn. Presidential Advisor Trade & Investment Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Government of Sierra Leone
- David Amudavi - Executive Director, Biovision Africa Trust
- Lineberger Akaii - Value Chain & Agribusiness Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Liberia
- Tolberg Lu - Founding member, Liberia Organic Association
Moderator
- Paul Holmbeck - Director, Holmbeck EcoConsult
Date: 17 Feb 2023
Time: 11:30 - 12:30 CET
Room: Istanbul room
Description
The conflict in Ukraine and the COVID pandemic have both exposed systemic vulnerabilities in industrial agriculture and sparked further debate on food security. One solution is to build local sustainable food systems, develop small local farms and agricultural cooperatives, and direct cooperation between producers and consumers. Organic production has proven to be stable in such circumstances and this is what was discussed in this session.
Speakers
- Kateryna Shor - Coordinator, Organic Info
- Bram Moeskops - Research and Innovation Manager, IFOAM Organics Europe
- Jamila Loukili - Project coordinator, Knowledge Hub North Africa
Moderator
- Toralf Richter - Senior Consultant International Market Development, FiBL
Sessions organised by IFOAM Organics Europe
IFOAM Organics Europe conducted several sessions focussing on policy, regulation and research.
Full details below:
Date: 14 Feb 2023
Time: 12:15 - 13:00 CET
Place: Istanbul room
Description
The session analysed and discussed the latest development in the organic market sector. It investigated challenges and opportunities for the organic sector to support the consumption of organic food and products. The session focused on Italian and German markets and included the experience of France, through the intervention of speakers from Federbio, Naturland and Agence Bio.
Speakers
- Marco Santori - Member of the Director committee/representant, AssoBio/Alce Nero
- Laure Verdau - Director, Agence Bio
Moderator
- Eduardo Cuoco - Director, IFOAM Organics Europe
Date: 14 Feb 2023
Time: 15:30 - 16:15 CET
Place: Kiew room
Description
Regulatory frameworks for using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture vary widely depending on national contexts. This session drew crucial lessons learnt from Canada to feed into the debate in Europe.
Speakers
- Jan Plagge - President, IFOAM Organics Europe
- Tia Loftsgard - Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association
Moderator
- Eric Gall - Deputy Director, IFOAM Organics Europe
Date: 14 Feb 2023
Time: 16:30 - 18:00 CET
Place: Shanghai room
Description
From a proper implementation of the EU Organic Action plan to organic in public procurement and new food labelling systems, this policy day explored political solutions to support the organic market in a challenging economic context. We also discussed which policy tools and upcoming EU legislations could increase the demand for organic products and influence consumers' behaviour.
Speakers
- Silvia Bender - State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany
- Elena Panichi - Head of Unit, DG AGRI, European Commission
- Jan Plagge - President, IFOAM Organics Europe
- Sybille Kyed - Head of Farm and Food Policy, Organic Denmark
Moderator
- Eduardo Cuoco - Director, IFOAM Organics Europe
Date: 14 Feb 2023
Time: 18:00 - 19:00 CET
Place: Event space next to the Shanghai room
Description
Following IFOAM Organics Europe's Policy Day event, the BEING ORGANIC in EU project invited everyone to a networking reception to taste organic food and drinks. The project coordinators from Federbio and Naturland presented the project goals and activities, and it was an occasion to network and exchange knowledge with European and national policymakers, as well as to showcase the new programme on promotional campaigns.
Date: 15 Feb 2023
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 CET
Place: Shanghai room
Description
In response to the urgent need to mitigate climate change, carbon has become a key focus for policymakers, brands and consumers looking to the food and farming sector to prove their positive credentials. This session provided an update on the latest legislative developments. We also heard why it was essential to go beyond carbon and learn from initiatives taking a holistic approach.
Speakers
- Sigrid Griese - Project Manager, Bioland e. V.
- Prof. Dr. Knut Schmidtke - Director of Research, Extension and Innovation, FiBL Deutschland e.V.
- Hanna Winkler - Policy Officer on Climate Change and Biodiversity, IFOAM Organics Europe
- Steven Ijzerman - Quality Manager, UDEA
Moderator
- Sarah Compson - Associate Director, Standards Innovation, Soil Association
Date: 15 Feb 2023
Time: 15:30 - 16:15 CET
Place: Oslo room
Description
2023 will be an important year for seeds, with the Commission's proposal for new seed marketing rules on the table of policymakers in Europe. We gave the audience an overview of what was at stake with the new legislation and what kind of changes (organic) seed breeders and producers would have to expect.
Speakers
- Gebhard Rossmanith - Consultant, Consulting agency for organic seeds and breeding
- Werner Vogt-Kaute - Project Management, International Development, Naturland e.V.
- Barbara Maria Rudolf - Director, Saat: gut e.V
Moderator
- Eric Gall - Deputy Director, IFOAM Organics Europe
Date: 16 Feb 2023
Time: 10:00 - 12:30 CET
Place: Oslo room
Description
The session put the spotlight on sustainable organic food innovation labs, which play a crucial role in finding smart solutions for challenges within organic value chains, for example, producer cooperatives to develop local organic food markets. The inspiring presentations were followed by a brainstorming workshop with the participants and a panel debate with the European Commission.
Speakers
- Kerstin Rosenow - Head of Unit, Research and Innovation, DG AGRI, European Commission
- Iyad Abu Awad - General Manager, Good Food Mood Co.
- Prof. Dr Katrin Zander - Head of Agricultural and Food Marketing, the University of Kassel
- Ivana Cavoski - Senior Researcher, Lecturer & Analyst, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari)
- Marie Populus - Founder & Sourcing & Sustainability Team Coordinator, SuperCoop Berlin
- Nikola Hassan - Project Management Jülich, FOODPathS project & SCAR Food Systems preparing the Sustainable Food Systems Partnership
Moderator
- Eduardo Cuoco - Director / Head of Secretariat, IFOAM Organics Europe / TP Organics
Date: 16 Feb 2023
Time: 14:00 - 14:45 CET
Place: Shanghai room
Description
Sustainability labelling will be high on EU policymakers’ agenda in the years to come, but the methodology that is currently considered by the European Commission favours intensive production instead of supporting a transition towards sustainable food systems. This session explored what this meant for organic and beyond, as well as which methodology the organic sector proposed instead.
Speakers
- Judith Faller-Moog - President, BioPlanet
- Sabine Bonnot - President, ITAB
Moderator
- Eric Gall - Deputy Director, IFOAM Organics Europe
Date: 16 Feb 2023
Time: 16:15 - 17:15 CET
Place: St Petersburg room
Description
This was a presentation from policy-makers and experts on the main challenges and opportunities of the new EU Organic Regulation after one year of implementation.
Speakers
- Elena Panichi - Head of Unit, DG AGRI, European Commission
- Marian Blom - Vice President / Project Leader, IFOAM Organics Europe / Bionext
- Michel Reynaud - Vice President, ECOCERT SA
Moderator
- Emanuele Busacca - Regulation Manager, IFOAM Organics Europe
Date: 16 Feb 2023
Time: 16:30 - 18:00 CET
Place: Seoul room
Description
EU organic aquaculture production has grown by 60% between 2015 and 2020 (74.032 t or 6.4% of the total production). The EU’s “Farm to Fork” strategy aims to further expand the organic aquaculture sector. The session examined organic aquaculture in Third Countries and its relevance to the EU market. It also aimed to answer questions like, how realistic these expectations were in the current market and regulatory environment, and how growth could be achieved in line with organic principles.
Speakers
- Christopher Atkinson - Chair, IFOAM Aquaculture Group and Soil Association
- Lucas Herry - Market Analyst, European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA)
- Patrizia Pitton - DG AGRI, European Commission
- Annabel Schuhn - Team leader, aquaculture & fisheries, Naturland e.V.
Moderator
- Udo Censkowsky - Bluesensus
Date: 17 Feb 2023
Time: 11:15 - 12:15 CET
Place: Kiew room
Description
This was an exchange with experts on the future possibilities of certifying organic products, 5-10 years from now.
Speakers
- Jan Wicher Krol - Policy Advisor, SKAL Bio Controle
- Marian Blom - Vice President / Project Leader, IFOAM Organics Europe / Bionext
- Michel Reynaud - Vice President, ECOCERT SA
Moderator
- Emanuele Busacca - Regulation Manager, IFOAM Organics Europe
All sessions indicated with * were funded by the project “BEING Organic in the EU” of the European Union, coordinated by FederBio and Naturland. The 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.
These sessions were co-financed by the LIFE Programme of the European Union, under the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The sole responsibility for this event lies with IFOAM Organics Europe. The CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided.
This year's trade fair was a tremendous organic success! Much as we cannot wait to see you at the next one scheduled for 13-16 February 2024, there are still a couple of other regional BIOFACHs happening throughout the year that you are welcome to participate in.
BIOFACH AMERICA LATINA BIOFACH INDIA
BIOFACH AMERICA BIOFACH SAUDI ARABIA
BIOFACH aims to provide platforms throughout the world to connect actors across the organic supply chain and in so doing, further develop the regional markets and organic sector at large.
"With its slogan Paving the Path, BIOFACH is showing the way as the World’s Leading Trade Fair for Organic Food. It is a place for innovative, committed business operators and visionaries to network, with a clear focus on ‘30 percent organic’ by 2030, and using positive, powerful examples to illustrate how we can shape the future differently."
Chair of the German Federation of the Organic Food Industry (BÖLW)
