EU Organic Awards 2026: apply now!

The application period for the 2026 EU Organic Awards is officially open and will run until 26 April 2026. The awards, jointly organized by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, COPA-COGECA, and IFOAM Organics Europe, recognize outstanding initiatives that contribute to the growth and success of organic production and consumption. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation, sustainability, and impact across the organic value chain. 

The EU Organic Awards consist of six categories and seven awards, including two special prizes presented by the CoR: best organic region or biodistrict and best organic city. Applications for these categories can be submitted until 26 April 2026, and the winners will be revealed on EU Organic Day, 23 September 2026. 

Through these awards, the CoR continues to promote sustainable organic farming by advocating legislative recommendations in its opinion on the EU action plan for organic farming. Additionally, in partnership with the European Commission, the CoR is committed to showcasing and supporting best practices and pioneering projects developed by local communities across the EU. 

Quote: 

Kirstine Helene BILLE (DA/Greens), representative of the CoR in the Organic Awards jury: "Local elected representatives are encouraged to apply for the European Organic Awards to showcase their political commitment to organic farming and sustainable food systems. The Awards offer a unique opportunity to gain European recognition for policies that support healthy food, environmental protection and resilient local economies."

Background: 

• Check out the dedicated online application forms. 

• Local and regional authorities play a key role in developing organic production in their regions. There are several levers that they can use upstream, such as land policy promoting the setting up of new farms and encouraging farmers to switch to organic farming, and downstream, by creating local markets and ensuring that those who take up organic farming have an outlet for their products. The Organic Awards for best organic region and city will encourage them to do even more for the development of this sector. 

• In 2025, the region of Võru County in Estonia and the city of Valpaços, Alto Tâmega, in Portugal, were the winners of the EU Organic Awards presented by the CoR.