EU celebrates Organic Day for second time
The EU Member States will celebrate the European Organic Day in various ways around the autumn equinox. The staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will enjoy an organic breakfast on 25 September, and will invite the staff of the European Commission Representation in Finland and representatives of the National Nutrition Council, ProLuomu and Finnish Organic Association to join them.
- With organic food we are not dependent on foreign inputs as no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. This means that organic production supports our national security of supply,” says Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah.
- Unfortunately, the number of farmers’ commitments to organic production has decreased by almost 8 per cent from last year and the consumption of organic food has also decreased due to the poor economic situation. I believe, however, that the economic situation will improve and responsible and sustainable choices will start to increase again. Organic production embodies what is best in Finnish food production, and I am very proud for the opportunity to celebrate this Organic Day together, Minister Essayah says.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stresses that organic production is an important part of a sustainable food system, and it also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity. Organic production leads the way towards more sustainable food production.
The aim of the EU’s organic action plan and the National Programme for Organic Production is to increase the consumption of organic foods in both households and food and catering services and support the conversion into organic production and the whole organic value chain. Besides these, the National Programme for Organic Production sets out objectives concerning organic aquaculture and boosting the collection of organic products from the wild. These can be achieved through collaboration among all stakeholders in the organic sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry wishes that as many people as possible will celebrate the European Organic Day, each in their own way.
Inquiries:
Kirsi Heinonen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 162 059
Leena Seppä, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 162 373