Organic Food Forum in Brussels: shaping the future of organic agriculture in Europe

28/11/2025

Organic Food Forum in Brussels brought together key stakeholders of the European organic sector for an open and strategic dialogue on the future of organic agriculture, sustainable food systems, and the role of people behind the market. Held in the heart of the European Union, the forum served as a platform where policy, business, associations, and the next generation of professionals could meet and exchange perspectives.

The event gathered representatives of organic companies, traders, consultants, associations, and experts from across Europe and beyond. Discussions focused not only on regulations and market trends, but also on long-term sustainability, education, and human capital — elements increasingly recognised as critical for the resilience of the organic sector.

AGRIWELL at the forum

AGRIWELL was represented at the forum by Valery Torejev, Anton Varlamov, and Karolina Iastreb.
Their presence underlined AGRIWELL’s active involvement in strategic discussions shaping the European organic market and its commitment to contributing expertise beyond day-to-day trading operations.

For AGRIWELL, participation in such forums is an essential part of engaging in dialogue with the wider organic community — from policy and associations to emerging professionals — and staying aligned with the direction in which the sector is evolving.

What was discussed at Organic Food Forum

The forum addressed several key topics relevant to the future of organic agriculture in Europe:

  • the development of sustainable and resilient organic food systems

  • challenges and opportunities within the European organic market

  • the role of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the organic supply chain

  • education, knowledge transfer, and generational continuity in agriculture

  • the importance of cooperation between business, institutions, and associations

A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the understanding that regulations and market mechanisms alone are not sufficient — the long-term success of organic agriculture depends on people, knowledge, and the ability to involve the next generation.

Youth engagement as a strategic priority: Karolina Iastreb’s speech

Within this context, Karolina Iastreb delivered a speech dedicated to the topic of Youth Organic Association in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries — a subject gaining increasing relevance but still often underrepresented in high-level discussions.

In her presentation, Karolina highlighted that many CEE countries face a generational gap in organic agriculture. While the region has strong production potential and growing interest in organic farming, young people often lack clear entry points into the sector, structured support, and international visibility.

Key messages from the presentation

Karolina Iastreb focused on several core ideas:

  • Youth as a foundation for the future of organics
    Without systematic involvement of young farmers, agronomists, entrepreneurs, and specialists, the organic sector risks stagnation and loss of continuity.

  • The need for structured youth platforms
    A Youth Organic Association in CEE countries could serve as a hub for education, mentoring, networking, and cooperation with European institutions and businesses.

  • Bridging practice and policy
    Young professionals can play a key role in translating European organic policies into real, workable solutions on the ground.

  • CEE as a region of opportunity
    Central and Eastern Europe has the land, expertise, and motivation to contribute significantly to Europe’s organic future — provided that young people are supported and empowered.

Why this discussion matters

Raising the topic of youth engagement at a forum in Brussels sends a clear signal: the future of organic agriculture must be built not only through policies and trade, but through investment in people and long-term capacity building.

Organic Food Forum in Brussels demonstrated that the sector is ready to look beyond short-term challenges and focus on sustainable development in its broadest sense — economic, environmental, and social.

Conclusion

Participation in Organic Food Forum in Brussels and the contribution of AGRIWELL representatives reaffirm the importance of open dialogue and shared responsibility within the organic sector.
Karolina Iastreb’s presentation highlighted a crucial dimension of this dialogue — the role of young people as future leaders of organic agriculture in Central and Eastern Europe.

Strengthening youth involvement today means securing a resilient, innovative, and sustainable organic market for Europe tomorrow.