In Nuremberg, Germany, the largest international exhibition of organic products, BIOFACH 2024, has begun, which annually serves as a meeting place for national and international stakeholders of organic food products with added value from around the world.
This year, Ukraine is represented at the event by two National pavilions and a collective stand. Additionally, three companies are presenting their products with separate exhibits. In total, 38 companies are showcasing the export potential of the Ukrainian organic sector, which is the largest number of exhibitors in Ukraine's participation history at BIOFACH.
Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Markian Dmytrashevych emphasized that the Ukrainian organic sector demonstrates resilience and original business approaches that help to stay afloat despite all challenges. He noted that despite the full-scale war, Ukraine managed to preserve its organic sector, diversify production, and attract new participants to the organic market. The export of organic products in 2022 remained almost at the same level as in 2021, and Ukraine became the third most important supplier of organic products to the EU.
"It is important to strengthen the presence of representatives of Ukrainian organic exporters internationally and increase the recognition of the Ukrainian organic brand. Ukraine confirms its clear Eurointegration course, setting adaptation of national organic legislation to EU organic regulation as a priority for 2024. I would like to express special thanks to the Minister of Food and Agriculture of Germany, Cem Özdemir, for the warm welcome of the Ukrainian delegation and constant support of Ukraine," said Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Markian Dmytrashevych.
This year, for the first time at the BIOFACH exhibition, the presentation of the state logo for organic products took place at the National Pavilion of Ukraine and the products marked with it.
"We are proud that the state logo for organic products can already be seen on Ukrainian organic products today. Thanks to the accreditation of our first certification body, the launch of two state registers maintained by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, and about 200 certified operators, national organic legislation is actively being implemented," emphasized Markian Dmytrashevych.
"Despite border blockades and continuous attacks by Russia over the past two years, the global demand for Ukrainian agricultural and food products, including organic ones, remains stable, and Ukrainian exporters fulfill their contractual obligations regarding the supply of organic products. Ukraine is the third-largest importer of organic products into the EU, confirming the responsibility of our producers to international partners and demonstrating their unwavering strength, hard work, and reliability, despite the major difficulties caused by the war. And it is extremely important to convey this message to the global community. We know that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is working on adapting Ukraine's organic legislation to EU legislation. Our Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is ready, on its part, to contribute to the fastest approval of such Eurointegration legislative initiatives," said Chairman of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Alexander Haidu.
Ukraine is also represented within the framework of the BIOFACH 2024 Congress, which in 2024 is held under the slogan 'Food of the Future: Women's Impact on Sustainable Food Systems' and is dedicated to the transformative power of women in the agricultural and food sector and their role in creating a more sustainable future for the organic food system.
During the Congress, an event will be held with the participation of representatives of Ukrainian businesses, government, and non-governmental organizations, who will share the achievements and challenges of Ukraine's organic sector in the context of war.
