FederBio: Simplification and more effective policies are needed to support small and medium-sized organic farms.
Bologna, February 23, 2026 – Organic farming as a driver of competitiveness for the Italian agri-food sector: this is the challenge launched by Rivoluzione Bio, the general meeting of the sector, which brought together institutions, organizations, producers, and experts in an open discussion on the state of the sector, which is faced with increasingly complex and interconnected challenges. The picture is positive, but the message is unanimous: targeted policies are needed to address the critical issues emerging in a phase of profound structural change in the sector and the entire agricultural sector.
FederBio emphasizes that Italy is increasingly organic, with 2.5 million hectares of cultivated land and a share of organic UAA exceeding 20%, approximately double the European average.
Data from the SANA Observatory, compiled by Nomisma, confirms the picture of a booming sector: in 2025, sales of organic products in Italy will reach €6.9 billion, driven by domestic consumption of €5.5 billion, a 6.2% increase, outpacing the overall food sector. Internationally, exports are approaching the €3.9 billion mark, confirming the strength of Made in Italy organic products beyond the borders.
Consumption of organic products in the "out-of-home" segment is also on the rise, reaching €1.35 billion, according to data from the SANA Observatory, accounting for 20% of the organic market. This is a strategic channel, capable of attracting new consumers and introducing them to ethical and responsible eating habits.
FederBio emphasizes that a major turning point for the national organic sector will come with the introduction of the Italian Organic Mark, a voluntary certification that combines the sustainability of organic products with the valorization of the biodiversity of traditional local products. This strategic combination strengthens trust, traceability, and recognition of Made in Italy organic products, supporting Italian producers and the competitiveness of the entire supply chain, under the banner of quality, transparency, and responsibility.
"Expanding acreage and growing consumption demonstrate a healthy sector," emphasizes Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio. "However, one fact warrants reflection: for the first time, consumption is outpacing production. This is a sign that must be monitored so that market development can generate value for our producers and not result in increased imports. The slowdown in the Green Deal must absolutely not slow down policies supporting organic farming, considering that businesses and citizens are already demonstrating a significant shift toward this agroecological model. Administrative simplification is a key priority, especially for small and medium-sized farms that lack dedicated staff to manage such complex procedures. Yet, it is precisely these businesses, drivers of sustainability and biodiversity, that add value to the entire Italian agri-food system.
Furthermore, concrete investments in research, innovation, and training are needed to support the conversion to organic farming.
We must also create a system at the local level through organic districts and consolidate ethical supply chains to promote a fair distribution of value and ensure the Fair compensation for farmers. In this regard, environmental taxation and tax credits for certification costs can be useful tools.
Finally, it is very important to promote the Italian organic brand through communication campaigns that clearly convey the ethical values of organic to citizens, raising awareness of a sustainable consumption model.
FederBio (feder.bio) is a national federation founded in 1992 by organizations from the entire organic and biodynamic agriculture supply chain, with the aim of protecting and promoting their development. FederBio, a member of IFOAM and ACCREDIA, the Italian body for the accreditation of certification bodies, is recognized as the institutional representative of the sector at national and regional level.
Through its member organizations, FederBio brings together almost all representatives of the organic sector, including the main Italian players in production, distribution, certification, standardization, and the protection of the interests of organic operators and technicians.
The Federation is structured into five thematic and professional sections: Producers, Certification Bodies, Processors and Distributors, Service Operators and Technicians, and Cultural Associations. FederBio guarantees the integrity and correctness of its members' conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics and verifies the application of common standards.
Contacts:
FederBio Press Office
Pragmatika s.r.l.
Silvia Voltan
silvia.voltan@pragmatika.it
Mobile +39 331 1860936
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