2024 EU Organic Awards: Italy, Spain, and Sweden lead with best organic SME, retailer, and restaurant recognized by EESC

On 23 September, the European Commission announced the winners of the third edition of the EU Organic Awards. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) proudly welcomed the winners of three key categories: Best organic food processing SME, Best organic food retailer, and Best organic restaurant/food fervice.

For the third year in a row, this event was organized in partnership with the European Commission and other stakeholders to celebrate excellence across the European organic value chain. The winners of all categories participated in a special ceremony held at the European Commission, hosted by EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski.

The winners are:

• Best Organic Food Processing SME: Giovanni Girolomoni and Maria for Gino Girolomoni Cooperativa Agricola, Italy.
  Located in the Marche region, this cooperative specializes in organic pasta production, continuing the mission of its founder, Gino Girolomoni. With 80 hectares of organic farmland and renewable energy-powered facilities, they produce 9 million tons of pasta annually, supporting over 300 local farmers and employing 60 workers.
• Best Organic Food Retailer: Julio Quilis, Fermin Salcedo, and Francisco P.P. Barat for SAiFRESC, Spain.
  Founded by three farmers in 2011, SAiFRESC transitioned to organic farming, revitalizing agriculture in the Huerta de Valencia. With 30 hectares of organic land, they produce 70 varieties of high-quality organic fruits and vegetables, selling 90% of their harvest locally while minimizing packaging. The initiative promotes a circular economy and offers educational workshops on organic farming.
• Best Organic Restaurant/Food Service: Rune and Fabian Hansen for Kalf & Hansen, Sweden.
  Established in 2014 by Rune and Fabian Kalf-Hansen, this restaurant chain offers 100% organic, seasonal Nordic cuisine. With two restaurants and catering services for the Swedish railways (SJ), Kalf & Hansen prioritize local sourcing, sustainability, and affordable organic meals, forging strong relationships with local producers.

Peter Schmidt, President of the Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) section at the EESC, said: 'We must structure organic production and bring together  all actors. However, solving social problems through agricultural policies is the wrong approach. Social policies must empower European citizens to afford organic products'

EESC President Oliver Röpke added: 'The Organic Awards recognize and celebrate excellent and innovative organic businesses in the EU, and they inspire us with their achievements. The organic sector deserves recognition and promotion across the entire food chain. Ensuring accessibility and affordability of organic food is crucial for the sector’s growth, which will help the EU reach its 25% organic farming target by 2030. I am proud that the EESC partners in managing three of these awards, strengthening connections within the EU organic community.'

Background

The EU Organic Awards are part of EU Organic Day, an initiative launched in 2021 by the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Commission to celebrate and promote organic production. Organic farming, which produces high-quality food with a low environmental impact, is key to developing a sustainable food system for the EU.

Following the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic production, adopted in 2021, the Commission aims to further highlight the benefits of organic farming. The establishment of EU Organic Day and the EU Organic Awards are two actions designed to bring organic production into the spotlight. The Common Agricultural Policy also provides more financial support to EU farmers converting to and maintaining organic farming. For the first time, nearly all Member States have developed comprehensive strategies for organic production.

Between 2012 and 2022, the share of organic land in the EU’s total utilized agricultural area increased from 5.9% to an estimated 10.5%, representing a rise of 7.4 million hectares. Despite challenges like high inflation and rising energy costs, the organic product market has remained strong in recent years. EU organic retail sales increased from €38.6 billion in 2019 to €45.0 billion in 2022, peaking at €46.3 billion in 2021. The EU is now the second-largest market for organic products, after the US.(ks)