Naturland e.V., one of the world’s leading international associations for organic agriculture, with support from the European Union (EU), highlighted the growing role of European organic standards.  It also emphasized the importance of organic adoption in building a more resilient food system during the 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement.

“Every time we choose organic, we’re choosing a system that respects people, animals, and the planet,” said Alexandra Castillo, Philippines' Coordinator for Promotions and Market Linkages at Naturland e.V. “Organic practices help protect the soil and water that sustain us and make sure that everyone can enjoy safe, healthy food now and in the future. Together with our partners, we work hand-in-hand with stakeholders across the value chain to turn these standards into everyday practice and support the shift toward organic more sustainable food systems.”

Organic farming promotes animal welfare, biodiversity, as much as it does environmental responsibility. Europe upholds some of the world’s most stringent standards on organic certification and through specific regulations and rigorous inspections, the EU ensures that every stage of production meets these criteria.

With these high standards, organic practices offer practical pathways to achieving sustainability across the entire food value chain–from farmers and suppliers to restaurants and consumers.

Naturland also emphasized that the organic movement presents new opportunities for businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, and retailers. By offering certified organic products, they not only appeal to consumers who care about the quality, safety, and origins of their food, but also build trust through transparency and traceability. The EU Organic Logo and the Naturland seal serve as marks of credibility that signal responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship, values that resonate with today’s consumers.

Ongoing efforts to grow the organic movement in the Philippines include the “European Organic: Nurturing Every Juan” campaign, implemented by Naturland with support from the EU, which seeks to make European organic products an accessible, everyday choice for consumers.

Naturland also co-organized the 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement, initiated by Pristine Solutions, a consultancy working to advance sustainability in the country. The event annually gathers sustainability organizations and representatives from the hospitality, culinary, development, business, and public sectors, including Naturland partners PYC Foods and One World Deli.

Over the past decade, the movement has helped increase awareness and drive the adoption of more responsible practices across the country’s hospitality and food sectors. As it looks ahead, it aims to build on this momentum by shaping resilient food systems rooted in transparency, accountability, and shared purpose.