The challenge to reach 25% of organically cultivated surface area by 2027 begins at the Bologna Organic Festival

On Saturday 19 October, at Palazzo Re Enzo, in the heart of Bologna, the reference event for Italian organic products returns, with a focus on the values and benefits of the organic Mediterranean diet. A rich programme that combines talks, tastings, an exhilarating show cooking with Vito , entertainment and fun for the whole family. The day will be moderated by Patrizio Roversi and Tessa Gelisio.

Organic food is synonymous with quality, transparency and respect for the Planet. It responds to food challenges by ensuring sustainability, diversity, resilience and food safety. To celebrate it as it deserves, on Saturday 19 October, from 11 am, Palazzo Re Enzo hosts the first stage of the seventh edition of the Festa del BIO, the event that focuses on the promotion of healthy and low-impact nutrition, which protects ecosystems, biodiversity and is able to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Organized by FederBio, with the participation of Legambiente, Slow Food Italia, Lipu, WWF Italia, ISDE AssoBio and Nomisma, the event brings together experts, journalists, farmers and citizens to raise awareness of the positive impact of organic and spread greater awareness of sustainable food choices, capable of combining well-being and respect for the environment.

Free and open to all, the Organic Festival aims to introduce and enjoy all the goodness of organic, with a focus on the Mediterranean diet, internationally recognized for its nutritional balance and low environmental impact. But we will also talk about numbers, with a focus on the agroecological transition. With over 2.46 million hectares of organically cultivated land, 94,400 operators, of which 84,191 are agricultural companies, Italy confirms itself as one of the leading countries in Europe for the production of certified organic foods. Furthermore, with 20% of the total surface area cultivated organically, our country is increasingly closer to the objective of 25% by 2027 set by the National Strategic Plan of the CAP and in line with European strategies.

"The data describe a positive scenario, but it is not enough - underlines Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio - We need to accelerate the agroecological transition, of which organic represents the maximum expression, because the damage caused by the intensive model is very clear. We are facing environmental, climate and food challenges that require a profound rethinking of the agri-food model, towards organic, resilient, regenerative agriculture capable of guaranteeing food security for future generations. A change that requires, however, everyone's support, and that must be supported by a responsible consumption model. It is clear that without a significant increase in demand for organic products, the entire supply chain cannot have the resources necessary to grow as would be desirable. This is why at the Festa del BIO we will work even harder to raise awareness among citizens on the importance of adopting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles to reduce environmental impacts, with seasonal organic products and containing waste that is always too high".

Among the themes of the event, in fact, also the fight against food waste which, according to the Waste Watcher Observatory Report - Zero Waste Campaign, in 2024 in Italy grew by 45.6%. Organic can represent an answer in this direction. The adoption of more responsible production and consumption models is one of the conditions that helps to eat better and waste less.

The Festa del BIO will also feature moments dedicated to the younger ones with the contest “BUONO! È BIO”, where the future chefs of the Professional Institute for Food and Wine Services and Hotel Hospitality - IPSAR Luigi Veronelli, will compete in the final test that will see them compete with recipes created with products from organic farming, traceable, eco-sustainable, good and healthy.

The events of the Festa del BIO are part of the initiatives carried out within the Being Organic in EU campaign promoted by FederBio in collaboration with Naturland and co-financed by the European Union pursuant to EU Reg. n.1144/2014.