BIOFACH Congress 2026: Embarking on a new journey with the next generation

Organic farming necessitates dialogue, knowledge and the courage to change. This is precisely where the BIOFACH Congress comes in, providing four days of inspiration from 10 February 2026 to 13 February 2026 with a clear goal in mind: taking the organic sector to the next level.

This year's theme, “Growing Tomorrow: Young Voices, Bold Visions,” focuses on the next generation. Visionary ideas, young perspectives and intergenerational exchange with experienced players characterise the programme. What are the visions that drive young people in the organic sector? What innovative products, concepts and business models are emerging from this? And how can established structures benefit from new perspectives? This spirit is already evident on the first day of the trade fair: Luisa Neubauer, known for her clear voice for change and dialogue, will accompany the official opening of BIOFACH 2026 with a keynote speech. 

The congress shall also present the latest organic market figures from the previous year, which offer valuable insights into the sector’s developments and prospects. The conference programme is available at www.biofach.de/en/congress-programme/programme-overview and will be updated regularly.

Seven specialist forums and the question: “How will the next generation shape the future of the organic sector?”

By way of its themed sessions – BIOFACH Forum, Retail Forum, Agriculture Forum, Sustainability Forum, Policy Forum, Science Forum and STADTLANDBIO Forum – the BIOFACH Congress provides a central platform for all target groups on which to exchange knowledge and explore current topics in detail.
Under the umbrella theme “Growing Tomorrow: Young Voices, Bold Visions,” the programme focuses on topics that encapsulate the perspectives of the next generation:

• Are we the organic family we think we are?
  Wednesday, 11 February 2026 | 10:45 a. m. - 11:30 a.m., Young BIOLAND
  A critical examination of the power structures in the organic industry and the role of the younger generation within it.

By way of the discussion “Who owns organic?” the SustainableFutureLab raises the question of power and responsibility in the organic sector. What began as a movement dominated by owner-managed businesses and family enterprises has developed into a dynamic market in which start-ups, investors and large retail companies are exerting increasing influence. The discussion focuses on how ownership structures, growth and new constellations of players are changing the industry – and how purpose, attitude and credibility are also being maintained in the mainstream.

• SustainableFutureLab: “Who owns organic?” – Ownership, Money & Fame in the Next Organic Era
  Thursday, 12 February 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  Mareike Nossol/dennree, Michelle Calios/KoRo founder, Sarah Baensch/Ölmühle Solling, Tillman Schulz/Bohlsener Mühle and Philipp Stahr/Wholey and other speakers.

In keeping with the main theme, BIOFACH 2026, with India as the country of the year, will focus on an organic market characterised by young players, new initiatives and strong growth. Dedicated programme items and country sessions provide insight into the development of the Indian organic sector and its role in global value chains.

Organic market figures, trends and innovations

One of the highlights of the BIOFACH Congress programme is the presentation of the latest organic market figures – both national and international. It, therefore, provides a central basis for market analyses and strategic discussions.

• The German organic market – figures, data and analysis 2025
  Tuesday, 10 February 2026 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., BÖLW & biovista
  An in-depth analysis of current developments and future trends in the German organic market.

• Global Organic Market Overview 
  Wednesday, 11 February 2026 1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m., IFOAM Organics International
  An in-depth look at the dynamic developments in the global organic market and an analysis of market strategies from different regions around the world.

The trend tours and BIOFACH Start-up Pitches offer additional exciting insights into the latest innovations in the sector. Another highlight is the “The Future of Organic – BIOFACH Trends 2026” event on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 and Wednesday, 11 February 2026, both at 4 p.m. on the INNOVATION STAGE. Here, the BIOFACH trend jury presents the key trends that will shape the organic market of the future.

Retail in transition: how organic products are gaining ground

Structural changes in the retail landscape are changing the rules of the game – and placing greater focus than ever on the nationwide supply of organic products. How will trade, distribution channels and availability of organic products develop in the future?

• What role do organic food wholesalers play in the independent retail sector’s nationwide organic supply? – Conquering the mainstream with organic complete ranges 
  Thursday, 12 February 2026 | 2:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  Including Sascha Damaschun/Bodan, Meinrad Schmitt/Terra Naturkost, Erich Margrander/Biopress, and other speakers

The BioHandel LEH Marketplace opens up new perspectives for organic products in food retail and brings together specialist manufacturers and merchants. In light of the “Bio 30/30” target, more and more organic producers are seeking permanent listings not only in specialist organic shops but also in food retailing. The marketplace offers a valuable platform for discussing trade structures and product concepts and working together to find new ways to make organic products more widely available and mainstream.

• Organic trade food retailing marketplace 
  Wednesday, 11 February 2026 | 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  Professor Dr. Stefan Rüschen/Heilbronn Cooperative State University, Amfried Marks/Edeka, Matthias Sinn/REWE Group and Markus Ihmann/Plan Bio.

Organic food as a location factor: opportunities for local authorities and out-of-home catering

The STADTLANDBIO Forum will spend two days focusing on the role of organic food in out-of-home catering – from regional value creation and jobs to the economic significance of the organic sector for cities, municipalities and districts and for local economic development. STADTLANDBIO is also a specialist event of the nationwide “Bio Komm' Mit” (Go Organic) project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity.

Practical examples on how local authorities can promote organic regional produce will be presented on the first day of the event. Against the backdrop of tight budgets and growing responsibilities, this session will highlight why Bio-Regio is worthwhile for local authorities, the strategies that are successful and the support that is available.

• Commitment. Creativity. New departures. How local authorities are promoting organic regional produce.
  Wednesday, 11 February 2026 | 12:00 midday - 1:30 p.m.
  With Dr Armin Kullmann/BioRegio Institute, Karin Lang/Managing Director of Sonnentracht GmbH,
  Annette Bruhns/BÖLW, Dr Claudio Serafini/Director of Organic Cities Network Europe, Dr Werner Ebert/Managing Director of Bio-Städte Deutschland

BIOFACH digital – knowledge platform, including after the trade fair

All participants will be granted exclusive access to streams of selected conference sessions on the “BIOFACH digital” digital platform. This way they can continue to explore the valuable content and discussions after the trade fair.

Author: Manuela Jagdhuber