On Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Maribor, Slovenia, became a hub for expert dialogue as it hosted the 12th conference on Current Trends in Organic Farming 2024. The event brought together more than 100 participants with strong ties to organic farming. The atmosphere was charged with a deep commitment to sustainability, as attendees discussed current challenges and explored innovative solutions for the future of organic farming.
The Food4CE project, which aims to support Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in creating a sustainable and resilient food supply system, was represented at the event by RDAPM. This year’s conference placed special emphasis on integrating organic food into public institutions such as schools, kindergartens, and hospitals. Experts showcased numerous best practices, highlighting the benefits of organic food while paving the way for a more sustainable supply chain.
Mag. Danijela Kocuvan from RDA Podravje – Maribor, a Slovenian partner in the Food4CE project, delivered a presentation on Alternative Food Networks, demonstrating the importance of strengthening cooperation and trust among stakeholders in the supply chain to ensure a sustainable future. Discussions deepened during the roundtable titled “Organic is Not Niche,” where participants highlighted the need for organic food to become the standard, not the exception.
Key topics included incorporating organic food into the menus of primary schools and kindergartens, reducing food waste in public institutions, and a case study on organic egg production. Participants also explored the potential of incorporating organic products into vending machines at universities and healthcare facilities, along with models for public institutions aimed at increasing the share of organic food.
The conference also featured early findings from the “Inputs in Organic Farming” project, providing valuable insights into sustainable solutions for the future.
Events like this serve as important milestones for exchanging knowledge, ideas, and experiences – key goals of the Food4CE project – fostering the continued rapid development of organic farming. This year’s conference was particularly successful, once again proving that collaboration, innovation, and best practices pave the way toward a better, more sustainable world.