Published: 11 February 2026PIB / DD News / IBEF / ANIEconomy
India Named 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026, World's Leading Organic Trade Fair in Nuremberg, Germany
India was designated the 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026 — the world's leading trade fair for organic products — held from February 10 to 13, 2026, at Nuremberg, Germany. The honour came 14 years after India last held this distinction, reflecting the country's rapid strides in organic farming and export.
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) set up the India Country Pavilion spanning 1,074 square metres, featuring 67 co-exhibitors including exporters of organic products, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, organic laboratories, state government bodies, and commodity boards. Exhibitors from more than 20 States and Union Territories participated, showcasing organic rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils.
The designation is significant as it coincides with the recently concluded EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, opening new markets for Indian organic exporters in Europe. India is among the world's top producers of certified organic products, with significant organic farming activity in Rajasthan — particularly spices (coriander, fenugreek, cumin), pulses, and oilseeds — positioning the state as a key beneficiary of expanded EU organic market access.
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Q: Examine the significance of India being named 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026 for the country's organic exports and Rajasthan's agricultural economy.
Answer (50 words):
India was named 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026 (February 10–13, Nuremberg)—its first such honour in 14 years. APEDA's 1,074 sq m pavilion hosted 67 co-exhibitors from over 20 States and Union Territories, coinciding with EU-India FTA. Rajasthan's certified organic spices (coriander, fenugreek, cumin), pulses and oilseeds gain expanded European-market access.
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Frequently asked questions
What honour did India receive at BIOFACH 2026 and why is it significant?
India was named 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026, held February 10–13 in Nuremberg, Germany. This was India's first such honour in 14 years at the world's leading organic trade fair, signalling India's growing stature as a major player in global organic food markets.
What is APEDA and what role did it play at BIOFACH 2026?
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) functions under India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry and promotes agricultural exports. At BIOFACH 2026, APEDA set up a 1,074 sq m pavilion featuring 67 exhibitors from more than 20 Indian states to showcase India's organic produce.
How does India's recognition at BIOFACH 2026 relate to EU-India trade negotiations?
India's 'Country of the Year' recognition at BIOFACH 2026 coincided with ongoing EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The honour highlighted India's organic export potential and could strengthen India's position in trade talks with the European Union, its largest trading partner bloc.
What is India's position in the global organic farming sector?
India is among the world's largest producers of organic produce and has one of the highest numbers of organic farmers globally. India has over 3.7 million certified organic farmers and exports organic products worth over $1 billion annually, with key products including spices, tea, rice, and pulses.
What is BIOFACH and when was it established?
BIOFACH is the world's leading international trade fair for organic food, held annually in Nuremberg, Germany. It serves as a global platform for organic producers, traders, and policymakers to showcase products and set industry standards. India's participation at BIOFACH reflects its ambitions to expand organic food exports to Europe.
