MONDAY 18 AUGUST

OPENING
9.00 – 9.30

Official welcome:

• Official Welcome – Janni Brixen on behalf of the host partners

• Lars Weiss, Lord Mayor, City of Copenhagen

• Video message by Christophe Hansen - EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food ​

• Presentation of The Summit Charter, Rikke Lundsgaard, Project Manager Organic Summit 2025

• Philip Lymbery, CEO Compassion in World Farming – How Organics can contribute to a fair and sustainable food system

HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL PANEL
9.30 – 10.45

How to achieve 25 percent organics in the EU by 2030

Moderator: Connie Hedegaard, former European Commissioner for Climate Action​

FIRST BREAKOUT SESSION
11.15 – 12.30

Organic farmers - What does it take? 

Barriers and solutions for farmers turning or staying organic 

Arranged by Danish Agriculture and Food Council 

Without organic farmers, no organic farming. The sessions will focus on what motivates farmers to turn organic and which barriers they face or perceive as being prohibitive. We will also investigate solutions to overcoming these barriers.  

Panellists:  

• Pedro Pena, Policy Advisor, COPA COGECA

• Nic Lampkin, Agricultural economist (PhD), The Thünen Institute and OrganicTarget4EU project

• Frank Oudshoorn, Senior Scientist, ICOEL 

Moderator - Jürn Sanders, President, FiBl Europe 

Who Owns the Land in the Future?

Unlocking Land for Organic Farming: Ownership, Access, and Opportunity 

Arranged by Lars Pehrson, Chairman, The Danish Organic Farming Foundation 

Industry and politicians have long focused on the interests of today's large farms, while the small and medium-sized farms of the future are neglected. 

In Denmark, we see this in the form of declining organic acreage and decreasing number of farms, while at the same time the demand for organic products is increasing. Large conventional farms and other players (energy companies, private foundations, international capital funds etc.) are winning the land price competition when farms come for sale through generational change.

Panellists: 

• Thomas Høgenhaven, CEO - Planetary Impact Ventures.

• Julie Birk, headmaster, Kalø Organic Agricultural College

• Patrick Holden, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Food Trust, UK

Moderator – Lars Pehrson, Chairman, Dansk Økojord A/S 

How Organic Farming Can Shape the Animal Welfare Agenda  

Arranged by Animal Protection Denmark  

As the EU undertakes a major revision of its animal welfare legislation, this session asks how the organic sector can take a proactive role in the debate and advocate for legislation that reflects citizens’ expectations and promotes meaningful progress in animal welfare – while highlighting the unique role that organic farming brings to sustainable food systems. How do we ensure that organic experiences, needs and solutions are heard and considered in shaping the future of EU animal welfare policy? 

Hear a cross value chain panel discuss opportunities and next steps.

 Panellists:

• Laura Sauques, Policy Officer, IFOAM Organics Europe

• Steen Dissing, Organic Farmer, Thise

• Philip Lymbery, president Eurogroup for Animals, CEO Compassion in World Farming

• Per Clausen, Member of the European Parliament

Moderator: Sophie Hastrup Christensen, Chief Agricultural Policy officer, Animal Protection Denmark 

Resilience – the Backbone of Organic Agriculture

War, climate crisis & trade barriers 

Arranged by Organic Summit Secretariat 

As the world faces mounting disruptions — from war and trade instability to extreme weather and climate breakdown — the question is no longer if agriculture must adapt, but how. Resilience is emerging as a defining strength of organic systems. 

This panel debate will explore cases of how organic agriculture contributes to stability in uncertain times:

Organic coffee and cocoa producers restoring carbon and climate resilience

- Farmers building self-reliance in food and input supply during war 

- Extreme weather testing even the most adaptive systems 

- Organic principles holding the key to food security in a fragile world

Through concrete case studies and strategic insights, we will examine what it takes to make organic agriculture not just sustainable — but truly resilient.

Panellists:

• Sebastian Nielsen, CEO, Slow Forest.

• Yan Ostrovskyi, Organic farmer in a war zone, Ukraine. 

• Peter Sisseck, Dominio de Pingus, wine grower in Spain and France 

• Thaddeo Tibasiima, Kilimo Organic Farmer Learning Centre; Uganda.  

LUNCH
12.30 - 13.30 

WHY ORGANICS – THE CASE FOR ORGANIC FOOD AND FARMING

13.30 – 14.45

WHY Organics - the case for organic food and farming

What are the public goods created by organic methods

• Climate – resilience and carbon economy – Marie Trydeman Knudsen, University of Aarhus​

• Biodiversity - Pascale Bonzom, IUCN

• The aquatic environment - Christine Watson, Scotland's Rural College​

• Soils – Wiebke Niether - Justus-Liebig University Giessen ​

• Animal Welfare – Britta Riis, CEO Animal Protection Denmark​

• Food Security – Mwatima Juma, Chair: Tanzania Organic Agricultural Movement (TOAM)​

• Certification and trust – Amaia Aldana, Technical Director, IOAS​

COFFEE BREAK
14.45 - 15.15

SECOND BREAKOUT SESSION
15.15 - 16.30

Regenerative and Organic - Competing Visions or Complementary Paths?

Arranged by Organic Summit Secretariat and ICOEL

Organic farming has the potential to produce healthy food within the planetary boundaries. There is, however, still room for improvement. At the same time, regenerative methods have been adopted by some large actors in global food and farming. Why? And what can the two approaches learn from each other? 

Panellists: 

• Kate Mendenhall, CEO, Organic Farmers Association (US)

• Torben Emborg, Nordic Director, Nestle

• Julia Williams, Senior sustainability specialist, Arla Foods

• Abby Youngblood, Executive Director of the National Organic Coalition 
   

Moderator – Julie Cherono Schmidt, Team Manager Climate and Nature, ICOEL 

Can the Soil Keep Up When We Scale Organics?

Focus on soil fertility and access to nutrients when organic farming grows in acreage 

Arranged by ICROFS and The Danish Agriculture and Food Council 

How do we ensure soil fertility and nutrients if the organic expands to 25 percent in 2030? Hear the latest research and technical breakthroughs: 

Panellists: ​

• Jürn Sanders, Director, FIBL

• Hanne Lakkenborg, Professor, Department of Food Science, University of Aarhus

• Bolette Neve, CropLife Denmark 

Moderator: Christine Watson, Scotland’s Rural College and Jakob Magid, University of Copenhagen 

How Can Organic Farming Shape the Future CAP?

Advancing Organic Farming in Europe: Lessons, Policies, and the Path to a Greener Common Agricultere Policy (CAP) 

Arranged by IFOAM Organics Europe, The Danish Agriculture & Food Council and Organic Denmark 
  

On 16th July, the European Commission unveils its proposal for the future EU budget, and the role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in it. This new financial framework is expected to change the CAP structure and the partnership between Member States and the Commission.  

What impact will these changes have for the organic sector? This panel will explore the implications for organic farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, looking at opportunities and challenges to ensure the next CAP delivers in terms of development of the organic sector in the European Union. 

Panellists: 

• Maria Skovager Østergaard, Chief Policy Advisor, Danish Agriculture & Food Council

• Sybille Kyed, Head of Agriculture and Food Policy, Organic Denmark

• Jan Plagge, President, IFOAM Organics Europe

Moderator: Laura Sauques, Policy Officer Sustainable Food Systems, IFOAM Organics Europe

How to reach 90 % organic procurement across 1000 public kitchens? Lessons from the City of Copenhagen   

Arranged by The City of Copenhagen 

Over the past 25 years, the City of Copenhagen has worked with ambitious targets for organic public procurement. In 2024, the city purchased almost 88% organic food across 1000 public kitchens.  
This session will cover what the organic transition has looked like in practice, from policy to kitchen level, and speakers will reflect on useful experiences to be shared with the sessions participants.

Panellists: 

• Anna Karolina Jönsson, Food Strategy Lead, City of Copenhagen
• Nina Sindballe Lauritsen, Programme Manager, Meyers Madhus
• Trine Mossman, Head Chef, Sølund Care Center 

Moderator: Anya Hultberg, Senior Expert, Norion 

ORGANICS HOW TO SCALE AND FINANCE
16.45 – 18.00

How to Scale and Finance

How does organic farming fit into strategies of developing a more sustainable future

​

RECEPTION THE BLACK DIAMOND
18.10 – 20.00

TUESDAY 19 AUGUST

ORGANIC AT ITS BEST
9.00 – 10.20

Organic at Its Best

Brilliant European cases from the whole value chain

Farming

• Dominio de Pingus – Peter Sisseck, Danish/Spanish organic and biodynamic winegrower, Spain and France​

• Moschos Dairy Farm – Thomas Moschos, Kastoria, Greece, Winner EU Organic Awards ​

• Juchowo Farm, large arable farm, Poland - Krzysztof Ostrowicki​

Industry

• Girolomoni – Giovanni Battista Girolomoni, Organic Cooperative, Italy, Online Pasta, Winner EU Organic Awards

Market​

• City of Copenhagen, Public Procurement /Public Meals– Betina Bergman, Public Food Procurement Expert

• Dennree, German Organic Retailer, Lukas Nossol, CCEO​

• Bio-district Sörmland, Sweden – Sofi Gerber, Winner EU Organic Awards

Moderators: Hans Erik Jørgensen, chairperson Organic Section, The Danish Agriculture and Food Council ​and Michael Kjerkegaard, chairperson Organic Denmark

THIRD BREAKOUT SESSION
10.45 – 12.00

Who Will Grow Tomorrow’s Organic Food?

A Pioneer Perspective: European Organic Agriculture the Last 50 Years

A pioneer perspective: European organic agriculture the last 50 years 

Arranged by the Organic Summit Secretariat

We invite you to participate in a “fireplace” talk looking back over the last 50 or so years of organic farming in Europe and reflecting on what worked, what did not work, where are we now and what needs to happen now to achieve 25% organic by 2030?

• Renate Künast, former German Minister of Consumer protection, Food and Agriculture (The Greens)

• Patrick Holden, founder & director of Sustainable Food Trust, organic farmer

• Gunnar Rundgren, founder KRAV (SE), organic farmer

• Per Kølster, former chairman Organic Denmark, brewer 

Moderator: Janni Brixen, journalist 

Organic Public Meals – Selling Points for Organic Procurement

Arranged by The City of Copenhagen 

How can we make organic public procurement a priority for decision-makers across the EU to so healthy organic meals can be served in all public institutions? 

We have invited a panel to share how they work towards organic procurement in their city or municipality - challenges and best cases - and how organic procurement can be prioritised and scaled on local an national level. 

 
Panellists: 

• Cécile Campano, Partnership Manager, City of Paris

• Milagros de Hoz, Director Policy and Strategy, New York City Office of the Mayor

• Jean Marc Louvin, Sustainable Food Systems Expert and Campaign Coordinator, ICLEI

• Maria Fray, Head of Sustainability, Coor 

Moderator: Mette Boye, Deputy Director, Gate 21 

Role of Retail: How Can We Increase Organic Sales?

Arranged by Meny, Organic Denmark & Danish Agriculture & Food Council

 In this session, we explore how retail chains can take strategic responsibility for keeping organic products visible, affordable, and relevant in a world full of competing agendas.

Key perspectives include: 

- How can organic be part of a long-term growth strategy, even under price pressure? 

- How can retailers work with consumer segments and strategic KPIs beyond just price? 

- What role do assortment decisions, campaigns, and supplier partnerships play? 

- How can retailers and suppliers co-create innovation and define successful collaboration? 

Panellists: 

• Kristine Pilgaard, Commercial Director, MENY (DK)

• Leif Jørgensen, CEO, Naturmælk (DK)

• Jerome Cinel, Interbio Nouvell Aquitaine, France

• Imre ter Hedde, Sustainability Specialist Purchasing, Lidl Netherland

Moderator: Mette Gammicchia, Market Director in Danish Agriculture & Food Council

LUNCH
12.05 - 13.00

THE DANISH ORGANIC EXPERIENCE - Hosted by Meny, Organic Summit Platinum Sponsor
13.00 - 14.15

Farming

• ​How have the farmers been motivated and assisted in turning and staying organic, Kirsten Holst, ICOEL ​

• Organic farming as a strategic tool to ensure environmental benefits, Maria Reumert Gjerding, President, The Danish Society for Nature Conservation

14.45 - 16.00

How to Make a Commercial Success from Side Streams and Cross-Industrial Collaboration

Organic Fish on Land?

Is Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) part of a Future of Sustainable Organic Animal Production? 

Arranged by The Interreg BSR project TETRAS

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are emerging as a promising solution for producing fish with a significantly lower environmental footprint and higher standards of animal welfare. But despite their clear benefits, these systems face major roadblocks when it comes to organic certification. 

In this panel, we explore whether RAS could represent a new frontier in organic and sustainable animal protein — and what it will take for certification systems and policies to catch up. We ask our invited panelists if organic can evolve to embrace new technologies without compromising its core principles? 

Panelists:  

• Jacob Veiss, CEO of Skagen Salmon (DK)

• Johan Ljungquist, CEO of Gårdsfisk (SE)

• Emma Rung, CEO of KRAV.SE

• Christopher Atkinson, Head of Standards at Soil Association

Organic Trade – How to Maintain and Develop Organic Trade in a Volatile World

Arranged by the Organic Summit Secretariat 

We invite you to explore the role of organic food as a stable and value-driven force in international trade. Can organic supply chains offer greater resilience and fairness? How can organic standards contribute to trust and long-term market partnerships? And what policies and trade frameworks are needed to support organic’s potential in an increasingly unpredictable world? 

Panelists: 

• Lee Holdstock, Head of Trade Affairs, Soil Association, UK

• Luba Mykhailova, Founder, ProOrganica, Ukraine

• Olena Stretovych, CEO of Organic Milk, Ukraine

• Michel Reynaud, Vice president ECOCERT
• Sarah Gorman, International Trade Manager, OTA, US

Moderator: Jan Bay-Smidt, Minister Counceller, Danish UK Embassy 

National & Regional Policies Upscaling Organic Farming and Markets

Best practice and Lessons from Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands and Tanzania 

Arranged by Paul Holmbeck, Board Member IFOAM Organics International 

National policies for organic farming and food are a key, but often missing, driver for achieving the EU goal of 25% organic in 2030. Yet many nations are developing new organic policy frameworks and harvesting valuable lessons that can be useful to policy makers and stakeholders.  

The aim of this workshop is to bring together experienced practitioners to share lessons and knowledge as inspiration for actors working towards new national organic policies in their countries. 

Panellists:

• David Mckay, Soil Association

• Michael Wilde, Founder, The Organic Embassy, NL

• Katie Fettes, Director of Policy and Research, Canadian Organic Growers

• Paul Holmbeck, board member, IFOAM – Organics International 

• Mwatima Juma, Chairperson, Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movements (TOAM)

• Dr. Nic Lampkin, Thünen Institute and OrganicTarget4EU​ 

16.15 - 17.30