With 2024 marking the third year of the EU Organic Awards, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is urging businesses to put themselves forward for these prestigious prizes and take advantage of the growing interest across Europe in organic food and farming.

Since their establishment in 2022, the EU Organic Awards have offered operators in the sector a visibility platform to highlight excellence and innovation as the European Union looks to increase the amount of farmland under organic cultivation to 25 per cent by 2030.

The deadline for applications is 12 May 2024 and submissions can be made online via the EU Organic Awards website, through an easy to fill-in application form available in all EU languages.

The awards are organised by European Commission, with the EESC, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe.

The EESC supervises the nomination, shortlisting and award process for three categories: best organic food processing SME, best organic food retailer and best organic restaurant/food service.

The EU Organic Awards give a recognition to the innovation, passion and dedication of those who truly champion organic food and production in the EU and bring it closer to everyday consumers, says EESC President Oliver Rpke.

Last years winners from the categories for which the EESC supervises have also joined forces to encourage businesses to seek recognition.

Kevin Scully, whose business The Merry Mill was awarded the prize for the best organic food processing SME, urged companies to nominate themselves: I recommend other businesses to apply for the Organic Awards because its very good for a companys profile and brings a great endorsement.

Paul Kolarik, head of Austrian eatery Kolarik im Prater that won the best organic restaurant award, said: Winning the Organic Awards generated great interest in our business from the national media. Thanks to the awards, new collaborations have also emerged and many political representatives became aware of our commitment to the organic and sustainability sector.

The 2023 winner of the best organic food retailer category was Gut Wulksfelde, whose manager Hauke Rsblt said: We believe that organic farming is the right path for the future of agriculture.

The awards ceremony takes place on 23 September 2024, which is the EU Organic Day. (ks)

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Celebrating the best of Europe's organic sector: Apply now to win the 2024 award! - European Union