New Charter defines a shared direction for the future of organic agriculture and food systems in Europe
A new organic Charter was formally adopted by policymakers, researchers, farmers, industry and market operators from across Europe at Organic Summit 2025 in Copenhagen. The agreement defines a roadmap to scale up organic production and consumption in the EU, aiming to ensure that 25% of agriculture and food production is organic by 2030.
Organic Summit 2025 marked a unified commitment to advancing sustainable food systems in Europe through the presentation of a new Organic Charter. The Charter sets a clear direction for action to strengthen organic systems, support resilient value chains, and increase demand across retail and public food services. It calls for stronger political and economic support for farmers transitioning to organic production, the introduction of a European sustainability benchmark, and the expansion of the Organic Cuisine Label across the EU.
The Danish Minister of Finance, Nicolai Wammen, received the Charter at the closing session of the summit. In his remarks, Wammen recognised organic agriculture as a cornerstone of the green transition and affirmed the need for greater ambition to meet the 25% target in 2030. Taking place during Denmark’s EU Presidency, the handover underscored the importance of Danish leadership and cross-sectorial collaboration to accelerate the organic transition.
A system-based roadmap for organic transformation
The Organic Charter provides a holistic and system-based strategy built around three interconnected focus areas: farming, industry and market. Across these domains, it outlines eight concrete actions to transform how food is produced, processed, sold and consumed.
Farming:
- Stronger political and financial support for farmers converting to organic production.
- Increased investment in research, innovation and advisory services.
- Regulatory frameworks that reflect new knowledge and broader environmental goals.
Industry:
- The introduction of sustainability benchmarks to recognise the added value of organic practices.
- Improved policy conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises, including reduced administrative burdens.
- Better access to organic raw materials and expanded EU export opportunities.
Market:
- Wider availability of organic food in retail, public procurement and food service.
- Public awareness initiatives, measurable procurement targets and trusted. certification schemes.
Strong support from European stakeholders
The Charter was met with broad and positive support from stakeholders across Europe, reflecting a strong shared commitment to advancing organic solutions at scale.
Former European Commissioner for Climate Action and Danish Minister for Environment, Connie Hedegaard described organic agriculture as ‘a Swiss army knife’ for its ability to tackle climate, nature, health and rural challenges in one integrated model.
The Danish Agriculture & Food Council also sees strong potential in a coordinated European effort: “Across the board, our focus is on strengthening the organic market while reinforcing the role of organic production in the green transition, helping to meet broader societal goals for biodiversity, animal welfare, climate and the environment,” said Kirsten Lund Jensen, Head of Organics at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council.
Denmark as a platform for European collaboration
Organic Summit brought together 450 delegates from more than 40 countries, reflecting a broad commitment to strengthening organics at European level. As host nation and current holder of the EU-presidency, Denmark reaffirmed its role as a trusted platform for international collaboration on sustainable food system development.
By aligning political commitment with practical solutions, the Charter signals a shared willingness to remove barriers, drive innovation, and ensure sustainable food systems throughout the entire value chain. To achieve this target, it is essential to ensure systematic follow-ups, securing continued alignment and accountability across the EU.
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