Unity in Challenging Times – BIOFACH 2026

The session “Many Voices, One Movement: Communicating Organic Values Across Generations” explored how different generations connect with organic values in distinct ways, shaped by their experiences and priorities. Discussions focused on bridging generational perspectives, crafting inclusive messaging, and identifying practical strategies to strengthen the organic movement.

Key takeaways included:

• Diversity exists within generations, just as common ground exists across them. Intergenerational communication should not become an “us versus them” narrative.
• Meaningful exchange must go both ways: mentors share experiences and historical perspectives, while younger generations contribute fresh ideas and new approaches.
• The true value of organic and agroecology must be communicated clearly. The effort, passion, and dedication of farmers cannot be reduced to price alone.

You can view the presentation of the session here.

During the session “Global Organic Market Overview,” we examined the latest statistics from the FiBL yearbook The World of Organic Agriculture. Recent data indicated steady growth in global organic retail sales.

On the production side, global organic farmland remained stable at 98.9 million hectares in 2024, while the number of organic producers reached a record of 4.84 million worldwide.

Key regional insights included:

• Millennials and Generation Z continue to drive organic growth in Europe.
• Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) play a vital role in Latin America and the Pacific Islands.
• Canada, China, and the United States show significant potential for further market expansion.

You can view the presentation of the session here.

In the session “Roots and Wings: Intergenerational Leadership for Organic Futures,” pioneers and emerging leaders engaged in dialogue to share their values, challenges, and visions for the future.

Key messages included:

• Organic must remain values-driven and rooted in togetherness. Although the movement began as multiple initiatives across regions, it continues to thrive as one global family.
• Openness and reciprocal learning foster meaningful reflection and spark innovation.
• Unity makes a difference. Bringing all stakeholders to the table is essential for developing shared solutions.

In the session “Organic and Regenerative Agriculture: Positioning Organic in a Shifting Landscape,” World Board member Paul Holmbeck, together with Christopher Gergen (Regenerative Organic Alliance) and Anne Floor van Dalfsen (Tradin Organic), examined developments in the regenerative agriculture debate. The discussion clarified overlaps and distinctions between organic and regenerative approaches and highlighted organic’s proven contributions to soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.

Key takeaways included:

• Regenerative principles are inherent to organic agriculture. Organic should be positioned as the strongest regenerative offering in the marketplace.
• Regenerative Organic Certification builds on organic standards while adding essential pillars such as animal welfare and social fairness.
• Creating accessible, time-bound improvement pathways across value chains is key to enabling broader transition.

The session “Shaping the Future: Global and National Policies Empowering the Organic and Agroecological Transition” examined how policies across Europe, Asia, and the Americas are advancing organic and agroecological transitions. Speakers highlighted governance innovations, youth engagement, nutrition integration, and territorial approaches.

Key insights included:

• Strong national organic frameworks and the strategic positioning of organic as a solution to broader environmental challenges are proven pathways for sector advancement.
• In Southeast Asia, national theories of change, field-based evidence, policy dialogue, and youth engagement are driving agroecological progress.
• In the Americas, policy initiatives related to nutrition, women’s empowerment, and public procurement from smallholder farmers are scaling agroecological transitions.

You can view the presentation of the session here.