Organic research and innovation: a strategic investment in Europe’s agri-food systems

Summary

Research and innovation (R&I) in organic is strategic as a driver of Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Organic and agroecological R&I strengthens farm profitability, reduces dependency on external inputs, and regenerates natural capital. It delivers solutions that are taken up throughout the agricultural sector.
However, organic R&I risks being diluted within broad sustainability agendas, not serving the specific needs of the organic sector. There is limited transparency on funding levels, weak coordination, and insufficient mechanisms to translate research results into practice.
The next EU research and innovation framework (Horizon Europe), the European Competitiveness Fund, and a future EU Organic Action Plan will determine whether organic farming can continue to contribute effectively to EU priorities on climate and biodiversity, food security, rural vitality, and the competitiveness of the agri-food sector.
Policymakers should ringfence funding and build capacity for organic R&I in Europe, broaden participation of farmers and practitioners, strengthen Europe’s organic leadership through better coordination of organic research networks, and invest in long-term capacity for sharing and applying research results.