Organic beef and poultry meat from the EU

European organic farms rear animals that enjoy freedom, natural food and fresh air. These comfortable growing conditions translate into high quality meat. Tasty variety on the plate is provided by a wide range of European poultry meat, including chicken, turkey, goose and duck. Chicken meat is the most popular, with its light colour, fine texture and thin, smooth skin. Poultry meat is high in protein with a relatively low fat content. It also stands out for its speed and ease of cooking, and for combining perfectly with all kinds of flavours and cuisines. This makes it ideal for a variety of dishes – from light salads to exquisite dinner dishes.

Organic beef is a unique type of meat, characterised by its tenderness and dark red colour with white strings of fat. It is one of the meats with the highest nutritional value. It contains a medium amount of fat and a high content of easily digestible protein, as well as vitamins B12, B1 and B6, phosphorus, iron and zinc. This makes it an ideal ingredient for a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients. Above all, meat from animals with constant access to natural feed, a large pasture and fresh air is more flavoursome. Organic meat has a rich flavour and aroma, so it does not need additives to improve its taste. It does not contain artificial, chemical substances to prolong freshness, so harmful preservatives are avoided.
At the end of summer, go for recipes that highlight the flavours of organic beef and poultry, while making use of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Here are some suggestions

grilled chicken breast with tomato and basil salad,
BBQ-style beef with grilled courgettes, peppers and aubergines,
roast turkey with summer vegetables - carrots, beetroot and potatoes,
salad with duck and seasonal fruit (raspberries, blackberries), nuts and goat's cheese.

Summer harvest

Summer is a busy harvest time, when farmers all over Europe are harvesting organic crops. Cereals grown in harmony with nature not only contribute to the environment, but also provide us with tasty, wholesome products that form a basis of our daily diet. In organic cereal farming, farmers use natural pest control methods and organic fertilisers. They care about maintaining biodiversity, leaving spaces for wild plants and insects that support the health of the ecosystem. As a result, the cereals grow in harmony with nature, without the use of chemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers, which translates into the quality and purity of the final product. Summer is the time when farmers harvest ripe cereals from the fields. It is the culmination of a whole year’s work in the fields, when golden fields of wheat, rye, barley, oats and other cereals are turned into raw material for the production of a variety of cereal products. Thanks to favourable weather conditions and proper care, organic cereals acquire an exceptional quality, rich in nutrients and full of natural flavour. They are a source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

There is a wide range of organic cereal products from the EU, with something to suit everyone’s taste:

baked from organic flour, the bread - its natural taste and aroma are incomparable to conventional products;
organic pasta, available in many shapes and forms, is the perfect addition to summer dishes, salads and soups;
a nutritious breakfast cereal, made with organic cereals, is the perfect choice for an energetic start to the day;
organic flour, both wheat and gluten-free, is the basis of many home baked goods, from bread to cakes;
organic groats, such as millet, buckwheat or barley groats, make an excellent addition to dinner dishes and salads. They are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and easy to prepare;
gluten-free flours, pasta, bread, snacks and desserts - made from a variety of grains such as maize, rice or buckwheat.

Summer is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen with organic cereal products. Sourdough bread made from organic flour, fresh wholemeal pasta salads or homemade oatmeal granolas are just a few of the options. Organic cereal products are extremely tasty, making every meal a real treat.

Organic fruit and vegetables from the EU on your table

European organic fruit and vegetables are gaining increasing recognition worldwide for their exceptional quality, rich aromas and intense flavours. Apples, pears, raspberries, strawberries, rosehips, tomatoes, carrots, courgettes and broccoli are just some of the delicacies winning the hearts of consumers.

Organic fruit and vegetables are distinguished by their distinct aroma and flavour and their retention of natural colour. The higher content of natural sugars makes organic fruit more aromatic and sweeter, making it an ideal addition to summer desserts, salads and juices.

The production of organic fruit and vegetables in the EU is based on the principles of sustainable agriculture. Farmers use natural methods of fertilisation and plant protection, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers. This keeps the soil fertile and healthy and the fruit and vegetables free of harmful chemicals. This approach also favours the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of local ecosystems.

How to use these treasures of summer in the kitchen? It’s simple! Fresh, organic vegetables such as tomatoes, courgettes, carrots and broccoli are perfect for summer salads. Add some olive oil, herbs and cheese to create a delicious, healthy dish. Fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, apples and pears are great for making refreshing smoothies and juices. Simply blend them with yoghurt, milk or water to enjoy a natural summer drink. Summer is also the time for barbecues. Courgettes, broccoli and also tomatoes are perfect for roasting on the grill. Add a little olive oil, salt and your favourite spices to enhance their natural flavour.

Enjoy!

Organic EU dairy ideal for summer

On organic farms in the EU, cows, goats and chickens have access to fresh, green pastures. As a result, their diet is rich in a variety of grasses and herbs, which directly affects the taste and quality of the milk and eggs. In summer, when the pastures are in full bloom, the milk takes on a particularly rich, full-bodied flavour, and cheeses, yoghurts and other dairy products become even more delicious. These products bring not only exceptional taste to the kitchen, but also a harmonious balance with nature. The range of organic dairy products from the EU includes a wide variety of products to satisfy every dairy lover:

Organic milk, whether cow or goat, is characterised by its rich taste and natural composition. It is perfect for drinking cold on hot summer days or as a base for cocktails and smoothies.
Natural yoghurts, both classic and fruity, are ideal for light summer breakfasts and desserts. With their creamy texture and fresh taste, they make an excellent addition to fruit and muesli.

A wide range of organic cheeses, from soft, fresh cheeses to mature, flavour-intensive cheeses, make the perfect accompaniment to summer salads and sandwiches.
Organic butter and cream are distinguished by their exceptional creaminess and full flavour. They are ideal for baked goods, sauces and desserts.
Organic free-range eggs are prized for their taste and quality. They make an excellent ingredient in summer dishes, from omelettes to salads and desserts.

There is also no shortage of lactose-free alternatives in the summer range of organic dairy products from the EU. This is an excellent option for people who avoid lactose, but want to enjoy the taste and quality of milk and dairy products. Summer lactose-free yoghurts, cheeses and desserts are light and refreshing, perfect for warm days. The summer variety of organic dairy products from the EU will satisfy every gourmet. Fresh cheeses, natural and fruit yoghurts, milk and eggs from organic farms are the perfect accompaniment to summer dishes. Salads with fresh cheeses, refreshing milkshakes or light yoghurt desserts are just some of the suggestions that can be prepared using the wealth of summer dairy.

Honeys from the EU - discover the diversity of flavors

Late spring and summer is when EU honey reaches its full flavor and nutritional value. It is now that beekeepers have their hands full, as blooming meadows, orchards and fields provide bees with unlimited sources of nectar. Honey is the essence of the diversity of European flora, encapsulated in golden droplets. Here are some popular types of honey that are worth exploring:

Lime honey
It is one of the most prized types of honey in Europe. It comes from the nectar of linden flowers, which bloom in early summer. It is characterized by its light, golden color and distinct, sweet-herbal flavor. Lime honey is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Acacia honey
It is extracted from the nectar of the flowers of the acacia robinia, which blooms in late spring. This honey is extremely light, almost transparent, and has a delicate, subtly sweet taste. Due to its high fructose content, acacia honey crystallizes very slowly, making it stay liquid for a long time. It is ideal for sweetening beverages and foods without altering their taste.

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The first year of the "EU ORGANIC FOOD – GOOD CHOICE" programme

The first year of the “EU ORGANIC FOOD – GOOD CHOICE” programme has concluded! Not only is the UAE initiative going very well, but it’s full of events! We’ve already held a press conference for journalists, influencers and industry representatives, where we presented, among other things, our philosophy of eating organic. We also participated in the ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION and the MIDDLE EAST ORGANIC AND NATURAL PRODUCTS fair in Dubai, the UAE’s most influential organic produce fair.

Moreover, there are discussions with suppliers – our representatives have held more than 50 business meetings in the 12 months since the launch of the European Union’s organic promotion campaign. What can we expect next year? We’ll keep you updated!

Organic and natural foods from Poland at the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo in Dubai

The 21st edition of the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo was held in Dubai from December 12-14, 2023. The expo is the largest business event in the Middle East, which this time brought together more than 300 producers and suppliers of organic and natural products from 65 countries to showcase their products related to the themes of healthy living, ecology and sustainability.

This year’s edition was attended by more than 12,000 people from various industries, including Horeca, importers, distributors, grocery chains, organic stores and food bloggers.

The focus for 2023 was on five key categories: food and beverage, beauty and cosmetics, health and wellness, agriculture and environment, and sustainable lifestyles.

The three-day fair featured a number of events, including the Organic and Natural Conference, where industry experts discussed the latest trends, product certification, export and sales strategies. Presentations were accompanied by cooking demonstrations in the Organic Super Kitchen and makeovers in the Organic Beauty Corner, as well as side events – the Tea & Coffee Pavilion and the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Conference and Expo.

During the fair, European organic products were promoted as part of the “EU Organic Food – Good Choice” campaign. Among the exhibitors were producers from Poland, who presented their products, such as fruits, vegetables, honey, meat and dairy products, distinguished by their high quality and attention to sustainability.

The Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo is not only a three-day event, but also an online platform, Arabian Organics, which serves as a central portal for all those interested in organic and natural products. More than 35,000 users have already registered on it and use it throughout the year.

The organizers have already announced the next edition of the expo, which will be held on November 18-20, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo is one of the most important business events in the region, focusing exclusively on organic and natural products. The fair is held under the auspices of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and has been bringing suppliers and buyers together for 21 years.

The consumption of organic food in the Middle East has already become an enduring trend. Dubai, located between Asia, Africa and Europe, is a gateway to the global market. In 2021, the market for packaged organic products in the Middle East and Africa region was worth $820 million. The market is growing by 7% per year and is expected to reach $1 billion by 2026.

Polish Organic Food at Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE).

The ADIFE international food fair took place in Abu Dhabi from November 27-30. During the event, Polish organic food producers presented their products as part of the project “Organic food from the EU – a good choice”, co-financed by European Union funds.

The ADIFE fair was an excellent opportunity to present a diverse group of organic food products from Poland. These are products grown and processed with care for the environment, respecting water resources, soil, biodiversity and the welfare of livestock. Their production does not use chemical protectants, artificial fertilizers, growth stimulants or genetic modification techniques.

Zoonotic products, including meat, milk and dairy, come from animals raised in natural conditions, fed with organic feed, without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones. Such a production method guarantees not only the highest quality, but also compliance with strict European Union standards for organic food production.
European organic fruits and vegetables are distinguished by their natural color, intense flavor and aroma, due to their higher content of natural sugars and lower water content.
Organic beef is rich in digestible protein and vitamins, and comes from animals raised in high welfare conditions. In the process of raising and producing organic poultry, among other things, the use of synthetic additives is prohibited, so the meat retains its natural flavor and aroma. Milk, dairy, eggs and honey from organic farms are sourced to the highest organic standards.
Organic grain cultivation, free of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, contributes to the preservation of biodiversity. Products such as flour, pasta, bread and breakfast cereals made from these grains are rich sources of nutrients.

“By choosing European organic food, consumers not only receive products that taste delicious, but just as importantly, they are assured that they are consuming safe foods. The European Union has set high standards for organic production. The EU certificates that the products we promote have are a guarantee of their highest quality – the quality that consumers in the United Arab Emirates expect,” says Pawel Krajmas, President of the All-Poland Association of Processors and Producers of Organic Products “Polska Ekologia.”

Organic food - it's worth it

Nowadays, more and more consumers are becoming aware of the impact of their choices on the environment and their own health. This awareness is leading to increased interest in organic products that carry the relevant quality labels. Offering the reassurance that food has been produced with respect for the environment and meets strict production standards, eco-products have become a common choice for those who aspire to a sustainable and responsible lifestyle. In this article, we will look at the advantages of eco-products as being controlled at every stage ‘from field to table’ and the certification process that underpins this guaranteed quality chain.

Interview with the President of POLSKA EKOLOGIA

An Interview with Paweł Krajmas, President of ‘POLSKA EKOLOGIA’ – the Association of Polish Organic Food Producers and Processors, executing the project ‘Organic Food from the EU – A Good Choice’. The campaign, which started in March 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, is expected to last three years.

What does the ‘POLSKA EKOLOGIA’ association entail?

‘POLSKA EKOLOGIA’, known officially as the Association of Polish Organic Food Producers and Processors, was established in 2006. The association gathers producers who have embarked on the production of food from organic materials, convinced that these products are more valuable for humans.

Our association operates across the entire expanse of Poland, and it currently holds the distinction of being the largest organization within its sector in the country. Our membership includes a diverse array of producers and processors operating across various agri-food sectors, encompassing milk and dairy products, pork and beef, as well as their derivatives, poultry and its associated products, cereals and cereal products, and an assortment of fruits and vegetables along with their processed variants.

What was the rationale behind launching the EU’s project for promoting eco-food products in the UAE? What goal does it aim to achieve?

The initiation of the project to promote EU eco-food products in the UAE is grounded in our belief in the substantial potential of the UAE market for the promotion and sale of organic food. Renowned for its exacting standards, the UAE market presents promising opportunities. EU organic food adheres rigorously to the elevated food production standards set by the European Union.

Innovations in organic agricultural production

Innovation plays a key role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Here are some examples of such solutions:

Composting and biodynamic cultivation methods: Promoting natural methods of soil nutrient enrichment, such as composting or biodynamic preparations.
Agroforestry: Combining agricultural crops with tree stands to increase biodiversity, improve soil quality and protect against erosion.
Hydroponics and aquaponics: Soilless farming methods that use significantly less water compared to traditional agriculture.
Digital monitoring technologies: Applications and software that enable real-time monitoring of crop condition, yield prediction or optimisation of farm work.
Regenerative cultivation methods: Aiming to rebuild soil health through practices such as no-till, mulching or multi-year crop rotations.
Water collection and storage systems: Advanced systems for rainwater collection, drip irrigation or natural water purification methods on farms.

These innovations not only contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of organic agricultural production, but also help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions and market challenges.

Requirements for organic product certification

Organic certification indicates that a product has been produced according to organic production principles and standards. To be certified, a product must meet certain requirements. Here are some of them:

Conservation of natural resources: Organic production should focus on conserving natural resources such as water, soil, and on maintaining biodiversity. Sustainable cultivation practices, such as multi-year crop rotation, composting and minimising soil erosion, are important in organic production.
Animal safety and welfare: Production must take place with respect of animal welfare if the product contains ingredients of animal origin.
Inspection and certification system: Organic products must undergo an inspection and certification process carried out by authorised certification bodies. These bodies monitor compliance and oversee the entire production chain, from farm to processing and distribution.

Meeting these requirements allows for organic certification to be awarded, which gives consumers confidence that the product meets high standards of organic production.

Source: https://www.pcbc.gov.pl/pl/uslugi/certyfikacja-wyrobow/rolnictwo-ekologiczne

„Farm-to-fork”

The European „farm-to-fork” strategy is about working towards a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system. The strategy was developed in response to the environmental threats posed by increasing industrialisation and the use of increasingly efficient technologies in agricultural production. Loss of soil fertility, water and air pollution and threats to the biodiversity of ecosystems have necessitated radical action to ensure food security in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The overarching goal of the „farm-to-fork” strategy is to ensure that all Europeans have continuous access to sufficient, nutritious, sustainable and healthy food by moving towards sustainable food systems, among other things by:

providing sufficient amounts of inexpensive but wholesome food,
halving the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in agricultural production,
increasing the amount of land for organic farming,
promoting more sustainable food consumption and a change in eating habits,
gradually restoring natural biodiversity,
improving animal welfare,
educating farmers on so-called good agricultural practices - the use of available technologies while respecting the environment.

Did you know that the EU organic product logo…

… was created by combining two symbols: the European flag and a leaf symbolising nature and sustainability,
… was introduced by European Commission Regulation No 271/2010 of 24 March 2010,
… may only be displayed on products that comply with the European Union’s legal provisions on organic farming.

Why is the EU organic logo on the packaging a guarantee that the product is organic?

every farmer, processor, retailer and importer who wishes to label their products with the EU organic logo must act in accordance with European Union legislation;
the establishment of organic crop and livestock production must be preceded by an inspection by an independent organic control body. Only a positive inspection result entitles the holder to be certified as an organic farmer;
in order to guarantee compliance with production rules, all organic food producers are inspected at least once a year.

EU ORGANIC FOOD – GOOD CHOICE reaching the hands of the consumer is the result of controlled production, transport and storage processes, is safe and of high quality.

We have started!

Welcome to the website of the promotional and information campaign “EU ORGANIC FOOD – GOOD CHOICE”. Our association, called POLSKA EKOLOGIA, has been active for seventeen years and brings together producers of food made from organic raw materials. Everything we do is driven by the belief that organic food is more valuable to humans and is produced in a sustainable and environmentally safe way.

We cordially invite you to join us on a journey through the tastes of organic food from the European Union!

We will soon get to know each other better on social media. We will meet at markets, restaurants, retail outlets and even… on the streets.

See you soon!