At the glittering inaugural ceremony of BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary, Government of India, highlighted India’s growing prominence as one of the world’s leading producers of organic products.

In his keynote address, Shri Agrawal underscored the strengthening of India’s organic ecosystem under the recently enforced 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). He emphasized the complementarities between India and the European Union in the organic sector and welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations for the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also called for the early conclusion of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on organics to further facilitate seamless trade between the two regions.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Mr. Alois Rainer, German Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity; Ms. Elisabeth Werner, Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission; and other key delegates from major organic-producing countries.

India, the ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026, was prominently showcased through a specially curated film marking the commencement of the ceremony. The event began with welcome remarks by hosts Ms. Tina Andres and Ms. Karen Mapusua. Mr. Marcus König, Lord Mayor of the City of Nuremberg, extended his greetings and formally welcomed international delegates, followed by an address from Ms. Elisabeth Werner.

APEDA expressed pride in presenting India’s organic strength and diversity on the global platform at BIOFACH 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and expanding global partnerships in the organic sector.

Source - APEDA