India Highlights Strengthened Organic Regulatory Framework and India–EU Trade Momentum at BIOFACH 2026

India marked a significant presence as the “Country of the Year” at the inaugural of BIOFACH Germany 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, held on 10 February 2026 at Nuremberg, Germany. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is organising India’s participation with a prominent and high-impact presence, highlighting the country’s rich agricultural heritage and its growing stature as a reliable global supplier of organic products. Trade visitors are being provided insights into Indian organic products, value creation models and partnership opportunities.

At the inaugural ceremony of BIOFACH 2026, attended by Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, Government of Germany, Mr. Alois Rainer; Director-General, Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission, Ms. Elisabeth Werner; and other delegates from leading organic-producing countries, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, highlighted India’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of organic products. He underlined the key amendments made in India’s organic regulation, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which further strengthen the credibility of India’s organic framework. He also emphasised the complementarities between India and the European Union bloc, noting their combined demographic and economic strength. Referring to the successful conclusion of negotiations of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, he stated that the agreement would enhance bilateral trade and investment ties, strengthen resilient supply chains and support sustainable growth. He also called for the early conclusion of the Mutual Recognition Agreement on organics between India and the European Union to further expand organic trade.

The India Country Pavilion was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Shri Vivek Dewangan; Minister (Personnel), Embassy of India, Berlin, Dr. Mandeep Singh Tuli; Consul General of India, Munich, Shri Shatrughna Sinha; Secretary, Industry, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Hage Tari; Secretary, Trade and Commerce, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Taru Talo; Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Nishant Warwade; Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Saket Kumar; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Shri Raman Kumar; and Secretary, Horticulture, Government of Mizoram, Mrs. Maria C.T. Zuali, along with other senior dignitaries from the Government of India and State Governments.

Curated by APEDA, the India Pavilion spans 1,074 square metres and hosts 67 co-exhibitors, including organic product exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, organic certification and testing laboratories, state government organisations and commodity boards. The pavilion showcases a wide range of organic products such as rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, essential oils, tea, coffee and millets. India’s participation at BIOFACH 2026 represents a significant expansion over previous editions, with a 50 per cent increase in area and participation, making India the top non-European Union exhibitor and among the top five exhibiting countries at the event. This reflects the steady growth of Indian organic exports, rising international demand and increased participation from exporters and state institutions.

Exhibitors from more than 20 Indian States, including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, are participating in the exhibition, highlighting region-specific organic produce and value-added products.

In addition to product displays, the India Pavilion is featuring curated food tastings that showcase the flavours and aromas of Indian cuisine, including innovative pairings of Indian organic products with European culinary styles. A highlight includes the serving of organic basmati rice-based preparations featuring select spices, celebrating India’s culinary heritage.

India’s participation as “Country of the Year” at BIOFACH Germany 2026 underscores its growing role in the global organic ecosystem. With a rapidly expanding organic sector, India continues to supply high-quality, sustainably produced products meeting stringent international standards. Through focused initiatives and market-oriented support, APEDA remains committed to enabling Indian exporters to effectively respond to evolving global demand and contribute to a dependable and sustainable organic food basket for the world.

India's organic regulation strengthens export readiness at BIOFACH, urging India EU mutual recognition to expand organic trade. India emphasised amendments to the National Programme for Organic Production enhancing credibility and international alignment, and urged early conclusion of a Mutual Recognition Agreement on organics with the European Union to enable reciprocal certification acceptance and expand bilateral organic trade, supported by APEDA-led market promotion and capacity-building measures for exporters, certification bodies and farmer organisations.