EU organic food sector pushes tougher labeling rules ahead of regulation update

Clear and accessible organic labels on consumer products are essential to maintaining the industry’s momentum, according to participants at a high-level discussion on organics, which was organized by IFOAM Organics Europe, Eat Europe, and Coldiretti Bio and hosted by a member of the European Parliament, Herbert Dorfmann.

Food Ingredients First attended the event, “The Socio-Economic Value of Organic Agriculture: Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Value Chain and the Resilience of Rural Areas,” at the European Parliament last week.

As part of the discussion on the economic and social benefits of organic farming, the speakers highlighted the steady consumer interest in ingredients and food products bearing an organic label, despite some concerns about cost.

Raffaele Zanoli, professor at the Italian Marche Polytechnic University and president of the International Society for Organic Agriculture Research, notes that while organic product sales are impacted by the overall rise in food prices, the sector maintains a broad consumer base across the EU and income brackets. “For European consumers, an organic logo means a product of quality,” he says.

The speakers emphasized the importance of clear EU standards and effective labeling of organic ingredients. IFOAM Organics Europe says such safeguards are vital to maintaining consumer trust and ensuring that operators are investing in “genuine sustainability” rather than being undermined by “speculative narratives.”

Luigi Scordamaglia, president of Eat Europe, says: “Clear information and reliable certification systems are no longer optional — they are essential. Not only for consumer confidence, but also to ensure a level playing field where responsible businesses can grow without being harmed by unfair or fraudulent practices.”

The European Commission (EC) is expected to publish a revision of its Organic Regulation tomorrow (Dec 16).

The organic foods market

MEP Dorfmann shared statistics highlighting the growing significance of organic farming and consumer demand in Europe and beyond.

Between 2000 and 2023, organic farming grew from representing less than 2% to over 10% of agricultural activities in the EU. 

During the same period, organic retail sales grew from €5.5 billion (US$6.5 billion) a year to €46.7 billion (US$54.7) in the EU, and from €7 billion (US$8.2 billion) to €54.5 billion (US$63.9 billion) in Europe more broadly.Organic sector leaders call for clearer, harmonized organic labels to protect consumer trust and curb greenwashing.

“Meta-analyses show average willingness to pay premiums of around 30–60% for organic attributes. Premiums are higher among younger, more educated, and higher-income consumers. Premiums tend to be larger for lower-priced staple products,” explains Dorfmann.

He adds that “all groups” purchase at least some organic food, with positive attitudes toward health, the environment, and food ethics “strongly” defining the typical organic consumer.

Health and safety concerns, in particular, are highlighted as the main drivers of organic purchases, as organic ingredients are perceived as more natural and higher quality. 

“High prices are consistently the main barrier to buying organic food. Limited availability, assortment, and visibility in shops reduce purchases, especially in rural areas,” explains Dorfmann. 

“Lack of trust or confusion about labels and standards undermines buying intentions, though by far and large the organic label is preferred to other ecolables.” 

Policy and market frameworks 

Dormann argues that policy and market frameworks are essential to unlocking the full potential and fair value distribution of the organics market. He says continued investment and policy alignment are needed to strengthen the organic system. 

Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, director at the EC’s Directorate-General Agriculture, also attended the event and indicated the EC’s intention to ringfence the budget for organic agriculture as part of the Common Agricultural Policy budget for 2028–2034.

Eduardo Cuoco, director of IFOAM Organics Europe, says: “The evidence is clear: organic farming is already delivering what Europe says it wants — more competitiveness, more resilience, and more quality jobs in rural areas.”

“The upcoming revision of the EU Organic Regulation and the new Action Plan must build on this reality, with strong, clear and coherent rules that protect trust and help organic farmers and SMEs compete on a fair playing field.” 

He called for a smooth roadmap to address persistent issues and keep the “high standards” of organic ingredients and products, while removing “burdens” associated with organic certifications. 

Eat Europe’s Scordamaglia adds: “For the continued growth of the sector, it will also be essential to address the risks of greenwashing — including corporate-driven ‘regenerative’ initiatives and narratives — examining how such approaches may undermine consumer trust, improperly influence policymakers, and divert resources from authentically sustainable pathways like organic farming.”