New Delhi: India has been designated the “Country of the Year” at the world’s leading organic products trade fair, BIOFACH 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, marking a major milestone for the nation in global organic agriculture and exports.
This honour highlights India’s rich agricultural diversity, growing organic industry, and its renewed leadership on the global organic farming stage.
The designation also aligns with rising international demand for sustainable food systems and expanding trade partnerships, including recent trade developments with the European Union.
What is BIOFACH
BIOFACH is recognised globally as the pre-eminent trade fair dedicated to organic food and agriculture, bringing together producers, exporters, retailers, policymakers, and innovators from around the world. Held annually in Nuremberg, Germany, the event showcases the latest organic products, technological innovations, and industry trends.
BIOFACH attracts tens of thousands of trade visitors and hundreds of exhibitors from over 130 countries, making it the central platform for organic industry dialogue.
This four-day fair — taking place from 10 to 13 February 2026 — features a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, networking sessions, and insights into the organic value chain from farm to market.
BIOFACH 2026: Scale and Significance
India’s participation in BIOFACH 2026 stands out for its unprecedented scale and impact:
Large National Presence
- The India Country Pavilion spans 1,074 square metres, featuring 67 co-exhibitors, including exporters, cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), organic certification bodies, state agencies, and commodity boards.
Diverse Organic Products on Display
- A wide variety of certified organic Indian products are showcased, such as rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils.
Inclusive Participation
- Exhibitors represent more than 20 Indian states and union territories, demonstrating the country’s wide agricultural range and regional organic strengths.
Branding and Promotional Push
- APEDA has mounted extensive branding and high visibility promotions across the exhibition centre to reinforce India’s profile as the focus nation.
BIOFACH 2026: Importance of India Wining
Being named Country of the Year at a globally respected event like BIOFACH serves several strategic purposes for India:
1. Bolstering Organic Exports
India’s leadership role at BIOFACH 2026 puts a spotlight on its organic export potential. As global buyers increasingly prioritise certified and sustainably sourced products, India’s diversified organic portfolio positions it to expand market share in Europe, North America, and beyond.
2. Renewed International Recognition
After a 14-year interval, India’s central role at the fair underscores its return to the global organic stage. This reflects years of consistent work by policymakers, farmers, and industry groups to meet international standards of organic production.
3. Supporting Sustainable Agriculture Goals
India’s emphasis on organic products aligns with global sustainability trends, such as environmental protection, responsible consumption, and healthier food systems, helping strengthen the country’s credentials as a responsible agricultural exporter.
Role of APEDA and Government Support
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, drives India’s participation in BIOFACH. APEDA supports organic certification, export readiness, market access, and brand promotion for Indian exporters — serving as a critical bridge between domestic producers and international markets.
Their efforts have played a key role in building India’s presence at the fair — organizing the pavilion, facilitating co-exhibitors, and supporting promotional activities to maximise impact.
Read also: How Washim Became India’s Organic Chia Hub: The Visionary Leadership of IAS Officer Buveneswari S
