Brussels hosts pivotal organic sector event amid EU aims for 25% agricultural land
AöL e.V. and OPTA Europe are set to bring together key players in the organic sector for a two-day event in Brussels this September, featuring an Organic Reception on the evening of 24 September and a comprehensive Organic Market Conference on 25 September. These events aim to provide valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and insight into the evolving organic market landscape.
The Organic Reception will offer attendees a relaxed environment to connect with peers from across the organic industry, fostering discussions and collaborations. This is followed by the Organic Market Conference the next day, which promises an in-depth exploration of trends and drivers shaping organic consumption across various markets. The conference seeks to empower organic brands with strategies to expand into new markets and grow their consumer base, addressing the sector's ongoing challenge of meeting increasing demand.
The conference programme will open with welcoming remarks from Stefan Hipp, President of OPTA Europe, alongside opening comments from representatives of the European Commission, signalling strong institutional support for the event. One of the key sessions will focus on EU public policies designed to bolster the development and growth of the organic sector, reflecting the importance of policy frameworks in achieving the EU's ambitious organic targets.
According to OPTA Europe, which represents leading organic processing and trade industries across 11 EU member states and 3 non-EU countries, the event aligns with broader European goals. The organisation advocates for increasing organic food and farming to at least 25% of agricultural land by 2030, a major policy target underpinning many of the initiatives and regulatory developments currently shaping the sector.
This conference follows shortly after the 2025 EU Organic Awards, scheduled for 23 September 2025 in Brussels, which commend excellence across the organic value chain. Organised by various EU bodies including the European Commission and IFOAM Organics Europe, the awards highlight outstanding contributions in categories such as organic farming, food processing, retail, and catering. The proximity of these events underscores a vibrant period for the organic industry, with a spotlight on innovation, sustainability, and market growth.
Broader engagement opportunities across Europe are also evident, with the organic sector calendar featuring events such as BioExpo in Warsaw and the Nordic Organic Food Fair in Stockholm later in the year. These gatherings further enhance the industry's visibility and provide ongoing platforms to support the expansion and evolution of organic products and practices.
Registration and further information about the Organic Reception and Market Conference are available through OPTA Europe’s website. The events represent a valuable occasion for executives from associations, confederations, and trade bodies to gain cutting-edge insights and strengthen networks that will be crucial in meeting the sector’s growth aspirations.