Join us at BIOFACH 2026!

When: Tuesday, 10 February, 15:00-16:00, Seoul

Description: This session will have both young leaders and pioneers from the organic movement. They will discuss the current challenges the movement faces, how they differ from its origins, and how the new organic generation is taking lead and approaching the current challenges and bringing innovative solutions. 

Speakers:

• Sarah Compson, Director of Standards Innovation, Soil Association
• Katie Fettes, Director of Policy and Research, Canadian Organic Growers
• Bablu Ganguly, Director, The Timbaktu Collective
• Beate Huber, Executive Director, Vice-chairwoman of the Management Board, FiBL Switzerland
• Marco Schlüter, Managing Director for Strategy & International, Naturland e.V.
• Te-Chun Chen, International Development and Strategy Coordinator, Naturland e.V.

When: Tuesday, 10 February, 16:00-17:00, Istanbul

Description: The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) will present the latest data on organic agriculture worldwide (area, producers, retail sales) as well as information on the latest developments in organic regulations. Experts from IFOAM - Organics International and Ecovia Intelligence will take part in this important discussion.

Speakers:

• Dr. Helga Willer, Department of Extension, Training & Communication, FiBL
• Ravi R. Prasad, Executive Director, IFOAM - Organics International
• Sahar Brahim, Project Coordinator, IFOAM - Organics International
• Amarji Sahota, Ecovia Intelligence

When: Wednesday, 11 February, 10:00-10:45, Hall 9-161

Description: The plant-based movement is growing among young people, retailers, and startups. But not always with a focus on organic food and farming. Some nations, strong EU collaboration are bringing these two movements together, with positive results in policy and advocacy. In this session, we will spotlight collaboration at the EU level for a Plant-Based Action Plan, and policies and collaborations in Denmark. 

Speakers:

• Paul Holmbeck, Director, Holmbeck EcoConsult
• Louise Johansen, Head of Programmes, Dansk Vegetarisk Forening
• Marco Pedicchio, Commercial Director, Biolab
• Laura Sauques, Senior Policy Officer on Sustainable Food Systems and the CAP, IFOAM Organics Europe 

When: Wednesday, 11 February, 10:30-11:45, Kyjiw

Description: Different generations may connect with organic values in different ways, shaped by their unique experiences and concerns. This session explores the potential for generational differences in perception, the challenges in crafting inclusive messages, and real-life strategies, whether bridging perspectives or tailoring messages to specific audiences, that strengthen the organic movement. 

Speakers:

• Christiana CY Choi, Communications Membership Coordinator, IFOAM - Organics International
• Helene Schmutzler, Senior Policy Officer on GMOs, Animal Welfare, and Youth, IFOAM Organics Europe 
• Josefine van Marlen, Political Project Lead, NaNa Bio

When: Wednesday, 11 February, 11:30-12:30, Oslo

Speakers: 

• Thales Mendonça, Global Relations, Inter-Continental Network of Organic Farmer Organisations (INOFO)
• Pratap Marode, Director, Friends of Earthworms
• Julia Kamau, Secretary, Seed Saver Network Kenya

When: Wednesday, 11 February, 13:00-14:00, Shanghai

Description: The BMLEH is planning a new dialogue platform on international trade with organic products in order to address challenges in import and export and strengthen sustainable operating conditions. At the event, we will discuss with stakeholders from business and politics what alliances are needed to promote sustainable development in trade. (Keynote speech, concept presentation, and panel discussion).

Speakers:

• Ravi R. Prasad, Executive Director, IFOAM - Organics International
• Anna Baumann, Geschäftsführende Vorständin, AöL e.V.
• Cornelia Berns, Abteilungsleiterin, Bundesministerium für Landwirtschaft, Ernährung und Heimat
• Bernd Schwang, Referatsleitung 624, BMLEH

When: Wednesday, 11 February, 13:15-14:45, St. Petersburg

Description: 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 trends and strategic market positioning from several parts of the world. Expect first-hand market information from country experts from different regions of the world. 

Speakers:

• Ravi R. Prasad, Executive Director, IFOAM - Organics International
• Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director, Biovision Africa Trust
• Jackie Brian, Executive Director, Australia Organic
• Tom Chapman, Co-CEO, Organic Trade Association
• Julia Lernoud, IFOAM - Organics International World Board Member
• Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director, Canada Organic Trade Association
• Joanna Wierzbicka, Deputy Director, IFOAM Organics Europe
•  Dr. Helga Willer, Department of Extension, Training & Communication, FiBL
• Youngting Zhang, Co-founder, Organic and Beyond

When: Wednesday, 11 February, 14:45-15:45, Seoul

Description: This interactive session bridges generations in the organic movement, uniting pioneers and emerging leaders to share values, challenges, and visions. Through dialogue and co-creation, participants will explore ways to blend legacy with innovation, ensuring a thriving, inclusive organic future. 

Speakers:

• Patricia Flores, Senior Manager Global Academy, IFOAM - Organics International
• Markus Arbenz, Senior Consultant, FiBL
• Dr. Jouhaina Riahi, Research Assistant and Consultant, University of Turin
• Juan Zambrano, Masters Student in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Hohenheim

When: Thursday, 12 February, 10:00-11:00, Shanghai

Description: Regenerative agriculture is gaining rapid attention, with new frameworks and certifications emerging in the market that risk competing with organic. This session explores the latest developments in the regenerative debate, clarifies the differences and overlaps between organic and regenerative agriculture, and highlights organic’s proven contributions to soil health and biodiversity. We will assess the risks and opportunities this trend creates for the organic sector and discuss how it can assert stronger leadership in the sustainability narrative. 

Speakers:

• Sarah Compson, Director of Standards Innovation, Soil Association
• Paul Holmbeck, Director, Holmbeck EcoConsult
• Anne Floor van Dalfsen, Sustainability Specialist, Tradin Organic

When: Thursday, 12 February, 12:00-13:15, Istanbul

Description: The session explores how transformative policies are driving organic and agroecological transitions worldwide. Policymakers and organic associations from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas will highlight effective governance innovations, youth engagement, nutrition integration, and territorial approaches that advance healthier diets and more sustainable food systems. 

Speakers:

• Patricia Flores, Senior Manager Global Academy, IFOAM - Organics International
• Sahar Brahim, Project Coordinator, IFOAM - Organics International
• Paul Holmbeck, Director, Holmbeck EcoConsult
• Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director, Biovision Africa Trust
• Katie Fettes, Director of Policy and Research, Canadian Organic Growers
• Adrien Trouvadis, Programme Manager, Groupe de Recherches et d'Echanges Technologiques 

When: Thursday, 12 February, 12:00-13:00, Seoul

Description: Young organic entrepreneurs from different sectors, researchers, farmers, civil society, traders, will present innovative ways they are making organic sexy and fun to invite new people and keep consumers informed and bring clarity. The speakers will share their best cases and lessons learned in communicating organic, its benefits, impact, in this new world of communication.

Speakers:

• Sarah Compson, Director of Standards Innovation, Soil Association
• Te-Chun Chen, International Development and Strategy Coordinator, Naturland
• Julia Lernoud, IFOAM - Organics International World Board Member
• Josefine van Marlen, Political project Lead, NaNa Bio
• Rebecca Franz-Wippermann, Managing Director, FiBL Germany
• Kseniia Kliuiko, Events and Membership Officer, IFOAM Organics Europe
• Sandra Pesszer, Global Market Insights Specialist, Tradin Ogranic

When: Thursday, 12 February, 12:45-14:00, Kyjiw

Description: Organic agriculture faces a defining moment: Will its future be shaped by farmers and soil-based principles—or by industrial interests and regulatory compromise? Regulatory frameworks intended to protect organic integrity are increasingly stretched to accommodate hydroponics, intensive livestock systems, and input-heavy production models. Meanwhile, a new generation of farmers and grassroots movements are pushing back, demanding that organic remains rooted in ecological principles and farmer sovereignty. 

Speakers: 

• Marco Schlüter, Managing Director for Strategy & International, Naturland
• Dana Geffner, Joint Venture Director, Real Organic Project

When: Thursday, 12 February, 13:45-14:45, Shanghai

Description: Existing Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) approaches often fail to capture the holistic benefits of certified organic, regenerative, and perennial agricultural systems. This often results in organic and regenerative systems appearing less sustainable than high-input conventional farming. This session will explore a new initiative to develop and implement new, scientifically robust LCA best practice guidelines and data sets. 

Speakers:

• Dr. Amber Sciligo, Senior Director, Science Programs, The Organic Center
• Hanna Winkler, Policy Associate Manager, IFOAM Organics Europe
• Charlotte Vallaeys, Principal, Vallaeys Consulting LLC