This was an important conclusion of the meeting organized by INTER-BIO Association on February 4, 2020, at the USH Pro Business headquarters. The discussions focused on national and regional priorities for organic farming in the context of the European Commission’s new guidelines and directives. Along with the members of the association, representatives of Bio Danubius Tulcea and BioNEst-Iași clusters, the Bacău Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Mureș County Agricultural Directorate as well as ASRO – the National Standardization Body and media representatives participated.
The debates focused on important topics regarding the future of organic farming in the European Union, following the discussions held in Brussels by INTER-BIO Association with representatives of IFOAM EU. The new EU rules for organic agri-food products were briefly presented. It was highlighted that between Romania and the EU countries, advanced in the field, there is a significant gap in the adoption of organic agriculture both at the level of producers and consumers. The Romanian market is underdeveloped, especially in terms of processing organic products and consumption, so, in order to overcome this situation it is required a will to change, and a clear strategy dedicated to this sector.
The role of education in increasing the consumption of organic products and in creating awareness campaigns on health benefits has been stated. The digitalization and innovation of the activity of the producers in the sector also attracted the attention of the participants of the event, who understood that in order to become competitive in both the internal and external market it is necessary to invest in these new types of services.
“Organic farming is advancing everywhere, with dynamism, and its standards are becoming higher, with new production, processing, control and certification rules, more rigorous, which must ensure increased food security and bring a contribution to human health. In addition, emphasis will be placed on a better understanding of the concept of integration in the bio or organic production of the bio-economy and the circular economy. The farmer or modern organic processor will take care not only to produce organic, but also to recycle or use green energy. Unfortunately, we in Romania do not recognize the importance of these changes and there are still voices claiming that organic farming is illusory. However, we cannot evolve decoupled from advanced countries by still relying on chemistry, genetically modified organisms and unhealthy products, although the temptation exists. Consumers do not benefit from a systematic education and correct information on the health benefits of the ecological alternative that is becoming dominant in the EU “said Assoc. Costin Lianu, Inter-Bio President and General Manager of USH Pro Business.