Finalists announced for the 2026 EU Organic Awards

The names of the finalists for the 2026 EU Organic Awards have been revealed today. For each category, the top three projects have been selected, representing 21 finalists from 12 EU countries. The winners of the seven awards will be unveiled at the official ceremony in Brussels on 23 September, as part of a series of events and activities celebrating the annual EU Organic Day.

The EU Organic Awards were launched in 2022 as a commitment under the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production. The Awards' goal is to recognise excellence across the organic value chain, from farmers and restaurants to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and cities. They also enhance the overall visibility of the organic value chain and develop the knowledge of the organic logo. This year marks the fifth edition of the Awards, featuring seven individual awards. The Awards aim to honour projects that are outstanding, innovative, sustainable, and inspiring, adding real value to organic production and consumption. Winners have the chance to present their projects to a wider audience, showing best practices.

The Awards are jointly organised by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe. The jury for the awards consists of representatives from these organisations, as well as representatives from other EU institutions. The jury selects the winners in each category by judging their projects against horizontal award criteria.

This year's finalists in each category are:

Best organic farmer (female)

• Susana Vilar, Sonim, Vila Real, Portugal
• Kay O' Sullivan, Mourneabbey, Cork, Ireland
• Argyro Koutsouradi, Chalkio, Chios, Greece

Best organic farmer (male)

• Hans Erik Joergensen, Risbjerg Landbrug, Haarby, Denmark
• Alfred Grand, GRAND FARM for Research and Demonstration, Absdorf, Lower Austria, Austria
• Georgios Antonopoulos, AGROKTIMA ANTONOPOULOU, Farsala, Thessaly, Greece

Best organic region/"bio-district"

• Sardegna Bio, Quartucciu, Italy
• Alto Tâmega e Barroso, Chaves, Portugal
• Pla de Manlleu, El Pla de Manlleu, Spain

Best organic city

• Cussac Fort Médoc, Gironde, France
• Hellemmes, Lille, France
• Torino, Piedmont, Italy

Best organic food processing SME (Small and Medium Enterprises)

• Bio Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria
• Cantero de Letur S.A., Letur (Albacete), Castile-La Mancha, Spain
• Genusskoarl GmbH, Wolkersdorf, Lower Austria, Austria

Best organic food retailer

• Boßhammersch Hof GmbH & Co. KG, Großseelheim, Hesse, Germany
• SmartMBSE Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
• OHNE BVBA, Gent, Flanders, Belgium

Best organic restaurant/food service

• Zotter Schokolade GmbH, Riegersburg, Styria, Austria
• Chef Partie Catering & VOI.bio Restaurant, Salzburg, Austria
• Köglerhof, Gramastetten, Upper Austria, Austria

Further information about the candidates, the selection criteria, and the awards in general can be found on the on the EU Organic Awards webpage.

Organic farming and aquaculture contribute to reducing chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and anti-microbials, positively impacting climate, environment, biodiversity, animal welfare, and fair farmer incomes. The area of land farmed organically in the EU has grown to 17,7 million hectares, making up 10.9% of the total in 2023. In the current common agricultural policy (CAP), all 28 CAP Strategic Plans include funding for organic farming. In December 2025, the Commission proposed targeted updates to organic rules to prevent trade disruption, boost competitiveness, and strengthen the sector.