BioFach 2018: Next Generation is the main topic

Picture: 51,453 visitors travelled to Nuremberg to BioFach and Vivaness last year.

The international organic sector will meet at BioFach and Vivaness from 14 to 17 February 2018 to discuss ideas about how the “next organic generation” wants to continue developing the concept of organic in production and on the market. Also how the generational transition can be successfully shaped.

Organic 3.0 and more

Organic farmers, processing facilities and distributors demonstrate how a sustainable farming and food industry can function. They contribute to solving global problems such as famine, poverty, the waste of resources, the destruction of the environment, climate change, the extinction of species, soil exhaustion and contaminated water. The Organic 3.0 concept, which was first presented at the 25th anniversary of BioFach, the World’s Leading Trade Fair, two years ago. It positioned the organic process as a modern, innovative system tackling global challenges in line with the UNO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Markus Arbenz, managing director of IFOAM Organics says, „Today there is certified production in 170 countries in the world. The professional organic sector generates an annual turnover of 80 billion US dollars. The people who shaped the organic movement from its beginnings at the start of the 20th Century (Organic 1.0) to the present day (Organic 2.0) can look back at their astonishing achievements. Their experience is hugely valuable for the next generation. Following a holistic approach, they have succeeded in giving the organic process a secure place in the field, in stables, in processing facilities and store shelves, in the political agenda and, above all, a secure place in the heart of society. The organic process is successful because it functions practically in method and system and is sustainable for the future. In this way, the organic process and the extensive knowledge we have of it is at the frontline of the current debate on farming and nutrition.”

Picture: Young generation is taking over from the experienced pioneers.

Young workers with an agenda for the future

Dr. Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein, chairman of the German Federation of the Organic Food Industry (BÖLW) says, „Worldwide, organic farmers are, on average, younger than their conventional colleagues. The number of entry level employees is also higher. Organic start-ups are emerging all the time. In Germany alone, around one quarter of all newly established food products in 2016 were produced organically. And whilst the current generation of the organic sector moved across into organic, today, many entrepreneurs grow up with organic products. Like everywhere else, the generational transition in companies in our sector poses a great challenge. Exchanging experiences and advice is instrumental for the survival of these companies. Good training tailored to the needs of the sector is essential. There is still much to be done here!”

Established aims, new styles

A sustainable planet, respect for nature, a fair society and a global perspective from the field to the plate – the younger generation are also spreading these traditional aims of organic produce. The dedication of organic farmers, food manufacturers and distributors as well as of organic customers and civil society is continuing – on this, industry representatives agree. So are values such as reliability to citizens and consumers, the authenticity of products, and honest communication. But new minds, new possibilities and new motivation change not only the stories that the sector tells, but the methods and strategies too, which bring us closer to these aims. The younger generation shall discuss exactly what this means at BioFach 2018.

The variety of topics ranges from the new generation’s political programme about the passing of the baton and company succession to trends in the start-up sector and civil society. There will also be discussions on what conclusions the younger generation draws from the promises of the programme and the strategy implemented in the past for their plans and communication in the future.