EU Organic Awards 2026: Sardinia and Gironde recognised as champions of organic farming

Distretto Sardegna Bio in Italy and Cussac-Fort-Médoc in France were awarded the EU Organic Awards 2026 for ‘Best organic region/bio-district’ and ‘Best organic city’ respectively, at a ceremony held in Brussels on 23 September to mark European Organic Day.

The awards highlight the important role that regions and cities play in supporting organic production and creating more sustainable local food systems. The rewarded initiatives demonstrate how organic farming can bring environmental, economic and social benefits to local communities.

The winners were selected by a jury bringing together representatives of the European Commission, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the European Economic and Social Committee, and the trade associations COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe, with the support of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

While the EU Organic Awards recognise excellence across six categories, the CoR is responsible for the two awards highlighting the contribution of regions and cities.

• Distretto Sardegna Bio, Sardinia (Italy), ‘Best organic region’: Located in region of Sardinia and established in 2021, Distretto Sardegna Bio is Italy’s first and largest organic bio district, covering 24,090 km² and bringing together 1.57 million people, 2,600 organic farms, and 184,000 hectares of certified organic farmland. It connects producers, processors, public institutions, and consumers through shared governance, local supply chains, organic public procurement, and rural energy communities. A model for sustainable regional development, it strengthens local economies, supports access to EU funding and export markets, and offers a transferable framework for building resilient, community-led organic districts.
• Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Gironde (France), ‘Best organic city’: A French town of more than 2,000 inhabitants has developed a local approach to increasing organic food in school canteens. Through a municipal organic market garden, a 7,000 m² certified-organic plot provides 50% of the fresh vegetables needed for 230 daily meals, allowing the town to serve more than 50% organic menus without additional cost. Located next to the school, the field helps reduce the carbon footprint through zero transport, zero packaging, and anti-waste practices. Surplus production is distributed to local food aid initiatives, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Quotes 

Kirstine Bille (DA/The Greens & Progressives), member and representative of the CoR in the Organic Awards jury: “Organic farming is about much more than how we produce food. It is about protecting biodiversity and our soils, strengthening local economies and building resilient food systems that work for farmers, communities and the environment. This year’s winners show what local and regional leadership can achieve, from bringing producers and consumers together to using public procurement to make healthy, sustainable food more accessible. Their success should inspire communities across Europe to put organic farming at the heart of a fairer and greener food system.”

Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture: “When I travel across Europe, I meet farmers and entrepreneurs who are proving every day that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand. The EU Organic Awards celebrate the people who are helping shape the future of European agriculture. Today's winners are not only being recognised for their achievements. They are showing what is possible when ambition, innovation and dedication come together. Their success can inspire others across Europe and help drive the next chapter of organic farming. The European Union will continue to support the development of the organic sector because it contributes to many of our shared objectives: stronger rural areas, healthier ecosystems, greater consumer confidence and a more sustainable and resilient food system."

Background 

• Photos of the ceremony.
• Presentation and videos of the winners. 
• The EU Organic Awards were launched in 2022 as part of the European Commission's Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production. They recognise excellent, innovative, sustainable and inspiring projects across the organic value chain that create real added value for organic production and consumption.
• The EU Organic Awards comprise seven awards across six categories. The European Committee of the Regions is responsible for two of these: ‘Best organic region/bio-district’ and ‘Best organic city’, recognising the important role played by local and regional authorities in developing organic production and sustainable food systems.
• Organic farming currently covers around 17 million hectares in the EU, representing 11% of the EU's agricultural land. Beyond its environmental benefits, organic farming can contribute to the competitiveness of rural areas and create new opportunities for generational renewal in agriculture.

Contact:

Hélène Dressen

Tel: +32 471502795

Helene.dressen@cor.europa.eu