FederBio: Simplification and more effective policies are needed to support small and medium-sized organic farms.

Organic farming as a driver of competitiveness for the Italian agri-food sector: this is the challenge launched by Rivoluzione Bio, the sector's general meeting, which brought together institutions, organizations, producers, and experts in an open discussion on the state of the sector, which faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges. The picture is positive, but the message is unanimous: targeted policies are needed to address the critical issues emerging during a period of profound structural change in the sector and the entire agricultural sector.

FederBio highlights how Italy is increasingly organic, with 2.5 million hectares of cultivated land and a share of organic UAA that exceeds 20%, about double the European average.

Data from the SANA Observatory, compiled by Nomisma, confirms the picture of a booming sector: in 2025, sales of organic products in Italy will reach €6.9 billion, driven by domestic consumption of €5.5 billion, a 6.2% increase, outpacing the overall food sector. Internationally, exports are approaching the €3.9 billion mark, confirming the strength of Made in Italy organic products beyond Italy's borders.

Organic food consumption in the "out-of-home" segment is also on the rise, reaching €1.35 billion, according to data from the SANA Observatory, accounting for 20% of the organic market. This strategic channel is capable of attracting new consumers and encouraging them to adopt an ethical and responsible diet.

FederBio underlines how an important turning point for the national organic sector will come from the introduction of the Italian Organic Brand, a voluntary certification that combines the sustainability of organic products with the valorisation of

Biodiversity of traditional local products. A strategic partnership that strengthens trust, traceability, and recognition of Made in Italy organic products, supporting Italian producers and the competitiveness of the entire supply chain, under the banner of quality, transparency, and responsibility.

"Expanding acreage and rising consumption demonstrate a healthy sector," emphasizes Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio . " However, one fact warrants reflection: for the first time, consumption is outpacing production. This is a sign that must be monitored so that market development can generate value for our producers and not result in increased imports. The slowdown in the Green Deal must absolutely not slow down policies supporting organic farming, considering that businesses and citizens are already demonstrating a significant commitment to this agroecological model. Administrative simplification is a key priority, especially for small and medium-sized farms that lack dedicated staff to manage such complex procedures. Yet, it is precisely these businesses, drivers of sustainability and biodiversity, that add value to the entire Italian agri-food system.

Furthermore, concrete investments in research, innovation, and training are needed to support the conversion to organic farming.

We also need to create a system at the local level through organic districts and consolidate ethical supply chains to promote a fair distribution of value and ensure fair compensation for farmers. Environmental taxation and tax credits for certification costs can be useful tools in this regard.

Finally, it is very important to promote the Italian organic brand through communication campaigns that clearly convey the ethical values of organic to citizens, raising awareness of a sustainable consumption model.