The EU Organic Day was declared in 2021. This day is intended to reflect on the challenges and opportunities associated with organic farming and inform the public about the benefits of switching to this form of food production. The event was also attended by Minister Mateja Čalušić, who pointed out that organic agriculture needs to be supported more holistically, especially in terms of market development and people’s greater awareness of the positive things that organic food production brings.
Numerous professional lectures and dedications were staged at the venue. The first of the presentations discussed providing organic food in public institutions. The meeting was also attended by Minister Mateja Čalušić, who stressed: “Food in public institutions is of great importance for the development of children and has a great potential that must be harnessed. Cooperation with public agricultural institutes can represent a market opportunity. It can also help local communities develop in a more sustainable direction.”
The participants emphasised that many good practices are already being implemented at the local level, but it is necessary to expand them more by connecting stakeholders. The presentation also resulted in concrete proposals for a better exchange of good practices and improving coordination between public institutions and local providers. They outlined that it is crucial to connect organic farms in order to facilitate delivery to public institutions. They added that the government could further support the goal of producing and including more local organic food in public institutions by reducing the value-added tax on such food.
The event also debuted a video about a Slovenian family’s annual plan to reduce food waste entitled Respect food, respect the planet – throw away less. In Slovenia, each of us throws away an average of 72 kg of food annually. The Ministry is actively implementing a strategy to reduce food waste in the supply chain. At the event, the minister emphasised: “Successful implementation and communication of the strategy and action plan for less food waste in the food supply chain is one of the key priorities of our ministry, as we believe that less food waste at the individual and community level makes a decisive contribution to a green sustainable transformation.”
Visitors could visit the organic market in the outdoor area, where organic farms presented their products. Organic flours, cereals, teas, herbs, wine, pasta, honey, meat and dairy products were available. Guests could also try various vegan organic dishes. They had the chance to learn about farming, European funds and the reduction of food waste on the ecological learning trail.
The event culminated with a culinary event hosted by Luka Jezeršek and two contestants of the 10th season of the Slovenian Masterchef show, Luka Pangos and Jure Pavlič. The winners of a prize game could join the three chefs in preparing organic buckwheat carp. The ecological day ended with the recording of the Underdog podcast. The guest was the winner of the 10th season of Masterchef Luka Pangos.
Learn more about events at the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre here.
