Organic as a response to the climate, food and social crisis.

The organic Mediterranean diet and the reduction of food waste were also discussed, while organic and biodynamic farmers explained how they face climate challenges every day.

Organic as the key to a more resilient and sustainable future, this is the message launched by the Festa del BIO in Bologna, the first stop of the seventh edition of the event organized by FederBio, with the participation of Legambiente, Slow Food Italia, AssoBio, Lipu, WWF Italia, ISDE, Nomisma and Crédit Agricole.

Palazzo Re Enzo, in the heart of Bologna, was transformed for a day into a laboratory of sustainability and well-being, where relevant topics such as the agroecological transition, attention to food waste, the benefits of the organic Mediterranean diet for the health of people and the environment were explored in a constructive and stimulating debate aimed at raising awareness and spreading greater awareness among citizens towards responsible food choices.

The Bologna Organic Festival was also an opportunity to renew Italy's desire, which aims to anticipate the EU objective by 3 years and reach 25% of organic SAU by 2027, to position itself as a leader in the European agroecological transition, actively contributing to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. After all, Italy, with approximately 2.5 million hectares of organically cultivated land and over 94 thousand operators, is among the most organic countries in Europe with already 20% of the total surface area cultivated organically.

Organic food sales are also positive, reaching almost 5.4 billion euros in 2023, according to Nomisma data, with a 9% increase in value compared to the previous year and 4% considering the first six months of 2024 in large-scale distribution. On the export front, Italian organic products reached 3.6 billion euros , marking an increase of 203% considering the decade from 2012 to 2023 .

"Despite the numerous difficulties linked to the complex macroeconomic context conditioned by climate, food and environmental emergencies, the national organic sector continues to grow - underlined Maria Grazia Mammuccini , president of FederBio - Italy boasts the highest number of organic operators in Europe, of which 84,000 are agricultural companies . However, critical issues also persist: the consumption of organic products in Italy is still lower than in many other European countries, and to reach the goal of 25% of organic cultivated surfaces by 2027, it is necessary to strengthen both consumption and the production chain. It is essential to simplify the administrative and bureaucratic aspects for farmers, as they represent an obstacle both in terms of time and costs, with the risk that many small and medium-sized agricultural companies abandon the organic path. Furthermore, it is important to guarantee training and technical assistance to farmers, together with greater investments in research and innovation. These tools are essential to help farms increase soil fertility, protect biodiversity and tackle climate challenges, while also bringing innovation to the rest of agriculture.”

With in-depth meetings, an engaging showcooking with Vito, tastings of organic foods and the final of the contest between students of the local hotel school, the Festa del BIO was the ideal opportunity to promote more responsible and sustainable consumption, with particular attention to waste reduction.

“We believe it is very important to raise awareness among citizens about the values and benefits of organic products for health and the environment,” concluded President Mammuccini . “But it is also strategic to create a system between production, processing and distribution to develop Made in Italy organic supply chains based on fair prices, and to promote organic districts, which enhance internal areas and spread local food culture thanks to the direct relationship between farmers and citizens. Only with a strong and aware market can we create a virtuous circle that guarantees a sustainable future for organic products.”

The events of the Festa del BIO are part of the initiatives carried out within the Being Organic in EU campaign promoted by FederBio in collaboration with Naturland and co-financed by the European Union pursuant to EU Reg. n.1144/2014.