Over 1000 farmers, especially farmers in the Baltic region, have received training in organic agriculture practices through a program funded by the TaiwanBusiness-European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Technical Cooperation Fund. Taiwanese grants through the TaiwanBusiness-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund are directed towards sustainable resource management, intelligent transportation systems, the information technology-related knowledge economy, and advisory programs for smaller businesses.

The global organic wine market is expected to grow from US$8.6 billion in 2021 to US$21.1 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% during the forecast period 2022-2030, according to a report from The Brainy Insights. Red organic wine represented about 55% of the market with a market value of around US$4.45 billion in 2021. With a market share of around 30.6% in 2021, Europe was the largest global organic wine market.

In newly updated regulations from Japan’s  Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), companies importing products to Japan must now assign a well-trained and knowledgable person to ensure the receipt, storage and packing of organic products maintains all organic requirements. In addition, the Organic Japanese Agriculture Standards (JAS) label on products must now meet specified size parameters and be attached on a conspicuous location on every organic product. 

After a series of unresolved noncompliances at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), the National Organic Program issued a Notice of Noncompliance and Proposed Suspension in February for the TDA’s accreditation as an organic certifier. TDA’s appeal was rejected in August, but they continue to provide some organic certification services until the case is fully resolved. If the suspension moves forward, TDA would only be eligible to request reinstatement after it completes a one-year suspension of organic certification services. See the NOP’s August appeal decision. 

Increased supply, organic farm transition support in nearby countries, and higher energy costs are leading to reduced sales for at least one Belgian farmer, despite an excellent harvest of organic apples and pears this season.

Ukraine prohibited the cultivation of GMO crops since 2007, and is considering updating its regulations, due in part to an underground trade in GMO products. The 2007 law lacked a control mechanism and contains inconsistencies, said the agriculture ministry. They have not yet determined if the regulations would be stricter or less strict.

Demand for cage-free eggs in Chain is expected to increase by 1.8 billion eggs annually, thanks in part to commitments from retailers and food brands to go cage-free. The China Animal Health and Food Safety Alliances and the China Chain Store and Franchise Association have formal standards for the cage-free designation. A 2021 survey found that 75% of Chinese consumers would prefer to purchase form brands that use cage-free eggs.

Germany’s Federal Cabinet adopted the draft ACT on Animal Husbandry Labelling, which was introduced in June, moving the country one step closer to mandatory labels describing how animals were raised. The first labels will be for fresh pork products, with other species and products to follow. Labels will differentiate between five production scenarios: Indoor housing, indoors with space, indoors with fresh air, outdoor runs/free range, and organic. 

The Act will go to parliament for approval.

With the hope that yields will increase in the face of the worst drought in 40 years, Kenya has lifted a ban on cultivating and importing GMO corn. In November 2012, the country prohibited the open cultivation and importing of food crops and animal feed produced through biotech innovations, but approved use of a GMO cotton resistant to African bollworm in 2019.