About 28% of the land in Austria is organically farmed, making it a true pioneer in organic agriculture. The province of Burgenland was named the best organic region and the capital city Vienna the best organic city in the EU. The world's largest organic restaurant, Luftburg Kolarik in the Vienna Prater, is the best organic restaurant in the EU.
The European Union's organic awards consist of 8 prizes in 7 different categories. They recognize various actors in the organic value chain who have developed an innovative, sustainable, and inspiring project that delivers real added value for organic production and consumption. These awards are non-financial.
In addition to the best organic farmer, regional distinctions and awards were also given to companies. The jury is composed of representatives from EU institutions and agricultural umbrella organizations. The winners were present at an event in Brussels to receive their awards. By presenting best practice examples, the winners were able to explain their projects to a wider audience.
In his opening speech, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski emphasized the importance of organic farming in the EU. According to the European Commission, the world's largest organic restaurant is also the best in the EU: the air castle Kolarik in the Vienna Prater. The restaurant is certified 100% organic with 1,200 seats.
Austrian Member of the European Parliament Simone Schmiedtbauer (EPP), a jury member of the European Parliament, congratulated the local Austrian winners: “Without committed farmers, entrepreneurs, and the right conditions in communities and regions, we could not have realized Austria’s successful path to more organic farming.”
Schmiedtbauer also highlighted the role of demand for organic food in the sector's further development: “That is why these award-winning companies and cities are particularly important for the expansion of organic farming.”