The European Union has once again celebrated the innovators driving the continent’s organic revolution, as the EU Organic Awards recognised the individuals, businesses, and regions making outstanding contributions to organic farming, production, and retail.
Designed to highlight excellence in sustainability and market leadership, the awards spotlight those setting new benchmarks for organic growth across Europe. With the EU’s goal of converting 25% of all agricultural land to organic farming by 2030, this year’s finalists demonstrate how innovation, community action, and responsible practices are reshaping Europe’s food systems.
For UK stakeholders, the EU Organic Awards serve as a window into Europe’s organic success stories – showcasing best practice in areas such as supply chain innovation, sustainable production, and consumer engagement. These examples offer practical inspiration for UK producers and retailers seeking to expand their organic credentials and meet growing consumer expectations.
Established in 2022, the awards comprise seven honours across six categories: Best Organic Farmer (male and female), Best Organic Region or Bio-District, Best Organic City, Best Organic Food Processing SME, Best Organic Food Retailer, and Best Organic Restaurant or Foodservice.
Celebrating the organic pioneers
This year’s winners reflect the breadth of organic innovation across the EU. In its remit to acknowledge sustainable food and drink production – the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign highlights the best organic farmer, the region/bio-district and city categories.
The best male organic farmer award went to Lieven Devreese from Belgium. Lieven runs Het Polderveld, a community-supported organic farm near the Belgian Dutch border. Supplying food to families and even a hospital, the farm shows how agriculture can nourish both people and communities. With fair wages, mental health initiatives, and direct links to consumers, Het Polderveld proves that farming is about relationships between soil, farmers, and society.
Through their passion and commitment, these remarkable trailblazers are driving innovation, supporting communities, and building resilient, fair, and future-focused food systems throughout the EU.
The Best Organic Food Processing SME was awarded to Joseph Brotmanufaktur GmbH in Austria. Founded by Josef Weghaupt 15 years ago, Joseph Brot is one of the world’s largest artisan bakeries, processing over 1,000 tonnes of organic flour entirely by hand. Working with 24 smallholder families to cultivate 14 rare grain varieties, the bakery leads in preserving original grain culture while promoting biodiversity, fair value chains, and sustainable food systems across Austria.
Võru County in Estonia received the award for Best Organic Region/ Bio-District. The county has built a sustainable organic food supply chain, integrating 20% organic food into all its schools, including pre-schools, by 2024. The Võru County Organic Agreement boosts local economies, supports rural entrepreneurship, and raises awareness about healthy, organic diets.
The Best Organic City was named as Valpaços, Portugal which is home to Portugal’s highest number of certified organic producers (516), where education on sustainability, environmental measures, and innovation is central to the city’s ethos.
The Best Organic Restaurant award was presented to Peskesi restaurant, in Heraklion, Crete. Known for bringing cultural heritage back to life, the restaurant embraces the philosophy of “Farm to Table” and “Table to Farm”, with 98% of its inputs involving local partnerships. They also organise educational events and conform to fair trade practices.
The EU Organic Awards are more than a celebration – they are a benchmark for what can be achieved when producers, communities, and policymakers work together. For UK trade, the awards are an opportunity to track the trends, techniques, and supply chains shaping the future of organic food in the EU – and influencing consumer expectations globally.