Rejection of environmental initiatives: Swiss population votes against more organics

With a double "no" vote against a pesticide ban and stricter drinking water protection, the Swiss have rejected two initiatives. The result of the vote is also a success for the country's organic associations.

Vivatis acquires majority stake of Wojnar

The Austrian food group Vivatis wants to expand its fresh convenience sector as majority owner of the traditional Viennese company Wojnar. The Austrian Federal Competition Authority still has to approve the purchase.

Holle sells baby food in the USA

The organic manufacturer already sells its products in numerous countries. Since spring, branches of the US supermarket chain Whole Foods, which belongs to Amazon, have also been selling Holle baby food.

Switzerland: Coop introduces filling stations for beer and mineral water

In some Coop branches, customers have recently been able to tap their own beer and mineral water. The offer is one of three unpacked pilot projects of the Swiss supermarket chain.

“Really Raw” Standard: New Seal indicates “real” raw food products to consumers

A seal developed by the Raw Food Association identifies products that are "genuinely raw" according to the catalogue of criteria. Four companies have already been certified.

Plant drinks still allowed to be called milk alternatives

The CAP negotiations are on ice. But vegan food producers can breathe a sigh of relief - and continue to promote their products as milk substitutes. The EU Parliament withdrew the controversial Amendment 171 recently.

South Tyrol: Acquittal for pesticide critic

In the South Tyrolean pesticide trial, the author Alexander Schiebel has been acquitted. Meanwhile, the trial against Karl Bär continues.

Virtual Edition of the European Sustainable Foods Summit starts next week

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 12^th edition of the European Sustainable Foods Summit will be held online. The virtual conference takes place next week from 8^th-11^th of June 2021 and will discuss sustainability developments and innovations in the food industry.

Calcium enrichment: Algal lime must not be added to soy drinks

The European Court of Justice has ruled that organic food may not be fortified with calcium derived from algae. In doing so, the court prohibited a practice that had been common for a long time, but the ruling is not likely to have serious consequences.

Eco-Controls: Why organic smallholders in Africa need the help of their buyers

For small farmers in southern countries, organic control according to EU rules is a challenge. Now, Brussels has tightened the requirements again. In order to fulfill them, the farmers need the support of their buyers.

What participants can expect at the European Organic Congress 2021

IFOAM Organics Europe prepares for the second virtual edition of the European Organic Congress from 16-18 June 2021. In six dedicated sessions, experts and participants will discuss Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), expected changes in the new EU Organic Regulation, organic’s contribution to climate change mitigation, sustainable food systems and rural development. Registrations are now open for interested parties.

Mealworms are now officially allowed in food

The EU has approved the yellow mealworm as the first insect in the novel food category. Yet there are already foods with insects on the market. How does that work together?

Oatly goes public: 10 billion dollars for oat milk?

Oatly, the world's largest producer of oat drinks, is turning to Wall Street. With the initial public offering (IPO), the company, which made a loss of 60 million euros last year, wants to raise billions.

Certisys becomes part of the Ecocert Group

The internationally active French organic certifier Ecocert has acquired the Belgian market leader Certisys. Certisys founder Blaise Hommelen is to train the new executive director during a transition phase.

EU Commission wants to revise genetic engineering law

The existing rules are too strict for the Commission when it comes to products of new genetic engineering. Organic associations criticise the plans - and register their own proposals for change.

Scientists call for genetic scissors in organic farming

An international team of scientists wants to ensure that new genetic engineering methods are approved for use in organic farming. Only in this way organic could really become sustainable, the scientists say.

One World Award 2021: These are the winners

Rapunzel and IFOAM presented the One World Award on Monday. The five winners were those who make the world a fairer place through ecological, social and economic improvements.

Biofach takes stock: 50 percent international participants

The organizers of the Biofach and Vivaness trade fair duo have published figures on the participants in the E-Special. Among other things, they show which countries and industries were represented and to what extent.

The future of organic audits and inspections: digital or not?

The Corona pandemic has proved that digital tools can tremendously facilitate business processes and allow for many tasks to be performed remotely. This is also true for organic audits and inspections. But some limitations persist, and many people still have reservations towards new technologies. The digital future of organic audits and inspections has yet to be defined.

Swiss organic associations say "No!" to pesticide ban and restructuring of agricultural subsidies

Voters in Switzerland can permanently ban pesticides and redistribute agricultural subsidies in favor of organic. But organic producers and organic retailers are against it. What's going on?