The Italian organic sector is reacting to the recent acquisition of Suolo e Salute, Italy’s largest organic certification body, by the Swiss company Cotecna. This move has raised concerns about the future of Italian organic certification and its potential impact on national producers.
Giuseppe Romano, president of AIAB (Italian Association for Organic Agriculture), expressed concerns over the new regulatory framework introduced by the Non-Conformity Decree, which imposes heavy fines on organic farmers for minor infractions. He argues that this approach unfairly presumes guilt and could harm Italy’s competitiveness in the organic sector.
Similarly, Nicoletta Maffini, president of AssoBio (Association of Italian Organic Producers), believes that the forthcoming Italian Organic Brand will help consumers distinguish Italian organic products, potentially boosting domestic consumption. She emphasizes that organic products undergo rigorous controls, ensuring their authenticity and quality.
Maria Grazia Mammuccini, president of FederBio (Federation of Italian Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture), views the introduction of the Italian Organic Brand as a strategic opportunity to enhance the visibility of Italian organic products both domestically and internationally. She assures that the brand will be managed under strict controls to prevent misuse and maintain consumer trust.
These developments highlight a critical juncture for Italy’s organic sector, as stakeholders navigate the challenges of regulatory changes, international acquisitions, and the need to strengthen Italy’s position in the global organic market.
Cristina Latessa
