From Umbria, an appeal to ensure stable European support for organic farming in the future CAP.

Organized by IFOAM Organics Europe, FederBio, and the Fondazione Progetto Valtiberina, the conference brought together representatives of European and Italian institutions, along with representatives of the organic and agri-food sectors, to discuss the future CAP, the European Organic Action Plan, and investment policies to support regional resilience and the competitiveness of agri-food systems.

The meeting took place at a crucial moment for the future of European organic farming. On October 20, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the targeted revision of the European Organic Regulation, laying the foundation for greater regulatory stability and certainty for operators in the sector.

But stable rules must be accompanied by adequate financial support. With negotiations underway on the future CAP and the next multiannual EU budget, IFOAM Organics Europe and FederBio are calling for maintaining a clear European obligation for Member States to provide support for the conversion and maintenance of organic farming.

Recent discussions on the Council Presidency's compromise texts have raised concerns about the future of this obligation. Eliminating it would risk creating unequal support among Member States, jeopardizing the level playing field for organic farmers, and undermining Europe's ambitions for sustainable agriculture.

Eduardo Cuoco, Director of IFOAM Organics Europe, said: " If Europe wants a resilient and competitive agricultural sector, it must invest in the farmers who are already making a concrete contribution to achieving this ambition. Organic farmers across Europe operate according to the same European rules and contribute to common EU objectives. They must therefore also be able to count on a common and binding European commitment to organic farming within the CAP. Organic farmers need adequate and predictable support for the work they do ."

Dario Nardella, S&D Agriculture Coordinator and shadow rapporteur for the CAP 2028-2034: " The Common Agricultural Policy must remain a truly European policy, with adequate resources and shared ambitions. We cannot ask farmers to contribute to Europe's competitiveness, environmental objectives, and strategic autonomy while, at the same time, allowing support to become increasingly fragmented among Member States. The future CAP must combine competitiveness and sustainability, guarantee a level playing field for farmers, and recognize the contribution of organic farming to the future of European agriculture. "

Camilla Laureti, S&D MEP and European Parliament rapporteur on the revision of the Organic Regulation: " The agreement we have reached on the European Organic Regulation represents an important step towards providing greater certainty to farmers and businesses, simplifying the rules while maintaining the high quality standards and consumer trust that are the foundation of the success of European organics. But better rules alone are not enough. We must now ensure that the future CAP and a renewed European Organic Action Plan create the necessary conditions for the sector to grow, innovate, and conquer new markets around the world ."

Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio: " Organic farming is a strategic resource for Italian and European agriculture, thanks to its contribution to soil fertility, biodiversity, climate resilience, and the vitality of rural areas. But farmers need more than recognition: they need stable economic support, fair remuneration, and stronger markets. The future CAP must safeguard specific support for organic farming, while European and national policies must invest in organic supply chains, local agri-food systems, and sustainable public procurement. Supporting organic farming means investing in the future of our regions and our food system ."

The discussion also highlighted the importance of linking European agricultural policies to investments, market development, and local initiatives that can create long-term opportunities for farmers, businesses, and rural communities.