Farm, Food & Environment

The way we farm is strongly connected to the environment, food consumption and preferences, the use of natural resources and the environment. IFOAM EU advocates for policy frameworks that sustain and enhance the health of animals and humans, manage materials and energy efficiently, and protect living ecological systems, landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.Biodiversity and conservation are therefore major needs for farming to become resilient to climate change and other environmental challenges.

European farming practice is influenced by a variety of European policy areas, including the Common Agriculture Policy; legislation governing the marketing of seed and plant propagating material, water and soil use, the use of GMOs in food, feed and farming, animal health and welfare; as well as consumer related policies, such as food information and labelling. In each of these areas, IFOAM EU works with like-minded organisations to generate a legislative framework that promotes environmentally positive farming practices.

Climate change
Learn about different ways organic agriculture can counter climate change and IFOAM EU’s actions.
Resource Efficiency
Resource efficiency in food production can be increased through organic agriculture.
Biodiversity
Sustaining food production requires biodiversity. In organic agriculture, living ecological systems and cycles are taken into account, thus avoiding harming impacts on biodiversity.
Water
A comprehensive water approach is required to keep the environment healthy and ensure food production.
Food labelling
Food labelling is important to ensure consumers receive the appropriate information. Learn about the labeling goals IFOAM EU pursues.
Animal Health and Welfare
Contributing to animal health and welfare is of importance to the organic movement, this should be reflected in the EU legislative framework.
Green Public Procurement
Reducing the public sector’s environmental impact can partially be achieved by organic sourcing.
Plant Health Care
Learn about the diverse strategies for plant health care in organic farming.