Group Certification in the South: Digitalisation should be key to integrity

The EU Commission’s proposal to further regulate group certification has raised great concern within the organic community. Instead of limiting the size of grower groups to 2,000 members, we should help them to professionalise by going digital.

Veggie-Burger may still be called Burger

The EU Parliament has not approved the proposal to ban certain names such as "Schnitzel" for plant-based substitutes. Instead, the marketing of vegan dairy product alternatives will be further restricted.

EU Agricultural Ministers agree on common position on CAP

The EU member states have agreed on a binding standard for environmental and climate protection with which they will enter into negotiations with the EU Parliament. The standard provides for a little more environmental protection, but otherwise leaves most things as they are.

Agriculture Ministers welcome EU Farm to Fork strategy

The ministers are united behind the Brussels strategy for sustainable agriculture. However, the fact that the CAP reform would have to set the course for this does not seem to play a major role. 

Monsanto opponent and activist Percy Schmeiser has died

A lawsuit with the U.S. seed producer that lasted for years made the Canadian farmer and his wife global pioneers for more biodiversity. Last week Schmeiser died. His story lives on in the cinema.

Austrian organic food market grows despite Corona

In the first half of 2020, Austrians spent almost 20 percent more money on fresh organic food than in the same period last year. This and more details were reported by Agrarmarkt Austria Marketing (AMA). 

How Covid-19 impacts sustainability in the natural cosmetics industry

The Corona pandemic has changed the way consumers buy and how they use cosmetic products as well as it has changed the whole industry from raw materials supply to the distribution of products. The resulting challenges and opportunities for the industry will be discussed at the first digital European Sustainable Cosmetics Summit on 2-5 November 2020.

German government rejects CO2 labeling of food

Consumers should be able to see directly how big the footprint of food is. A corresponding petition by oat milk specialist Oatly made it to the German parliament - but was rejected.

South Tyrolean State Council upholds complaint against pesticide rebels

In September, the South Tyrolean provincial councilor Arnold Schuler wanted to withdraw his lawsuits against Karl Baer and Alexander Schiebel. Now he has changed his mind. At the end of November the trial will be continued.

EU Commission threatens the existence of small farmers in the South

With the coming into force of the new EU Organic Regulation, certification for small farmers may become significantly more expensive than before. Various organizations are sounding the alarm.

IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business goes online

Save the date for the 3rd edition of the IFOAM Organics Europe Meets Business on the 8^th and 9^th December 2020. The event will take place online and will be divided into two morning sessions.

Why German consumers reach for regional products in the supermarket

In a survey commissioned by the German grocery retailer Rewe, 2,500 consumers provided information about their purchasing behavior. The focus was on regional products in supermarkets.

EU starts Organic Farming Action Plan and involves citizens

The EU Commission is starting to work on its promised Action Plan on Organic Agriculture with a public consultation. Until the end of November EU citizens are allowed to express their ideas.

South Tyrolean state council wants to withdraw complaint against pesticide rebels

The South Tyrolean state councillor Arnold Schuler has announced that he wants to withdraw his lawsuits against Karl Baer of the Munich Environmental Institute and author Alexander Schiebel. Whether thereby the lawsuit against the two pesticide critics is off the table, must still be shown.

World’s first detection method for gene-edited plants presented

An international team consisting of NGOs, associations and a retail company has developed a method for detecting genetic modifications in the US rapeseed variety Falcon. The new method revolutionizes the control possibilities within the EU.

Pesticide rebels in court

For years, Alexander Schiebel, author of the German book "Das Wunder von Mals", and agricultural expert Karl Bär have been accompanying the South Tyrolean community of Mals in its fight against the use of pesticides. Now they have to stand trial in court in the Italian city of Bozen. Their crime: telling the truth.

First half of 2020: Organic share in Austrian retail double-digit for the first time

In Austria, the share of organic goods in retail is expected to have risen to 10 percent for the first time only within the first half of the year. This was announced last week by the Austrian Minister of Agriculture Elisabeth Köstinger (Austrian People’s Party), according to a report by derstandard.de.

EU-Organic-Regulation to be postponed

On the initiative of the EU Commission, the new organic legislation will not be applied until 2022. The EU Parliament and the member states first have to give their approval, but the organic sector is already breathing a sigh of relief.

Bio-Suisse makes bud label almost unattainable for Aldi and Lidl

The umbrella organization of Swiss organic producers has established new rules. For discount store chains, the use of the Bud label is thus moving into the far distance. Rumor has it that competitor Coop might have something to do with it.

12th European Sustainable Cosmetics Summit goes Digital

On 2-5^th November 2018, the conference by Ecovia Intelligence takes place virtually for the first time due to the Corona pandemic. The digital SCS-edition will discuss the sustainability implications of the corona crisis.