Barneveld, The Netherlands, 8th of April 2026. The connection of organic and plant-based food systems was placed firmly in the spotlight at Plant FWD, one of Europe’s largest conferences for plant protein professionals. This focus marks a notable shift in focus compared to previous years.
Paul Holmbeck presented the Danish model of cross-sector collaboration, demonstrating how alliances between plant-based, organic, farming and green NGOs have generated significant policy breakthroughs in Denmark. Including a national Plant-Based Action Plan, a EUR 170 million Plant-Based Food Grant, with 50% of funds directed towards organic plant-based initiatives and plant-rich organic meals in public and private kitchens.
“Organics took a much more central role in the conference than in earlier years. Showing that organic and plant-based movements share high ambitions for systemic food systems change and deliver more impact when working together on climate, food security, health, biodiversity, and new opportunities for farmers”, Paul Holmbeck states.
Elise Bijkerk from BioNederland was on stage with Paul Holmbeck, stating that the Danish collaboration model and the EUR 170 million Plant-based Food Grant has inspired the Dutch initiative of the More Plant Based Action Plan. Elise Bijkert also experienced an increased focus on organics at the congress.
“It was great to see that organic was a central pillar of the conference this year. Because how we grow our plants matters. And in my opinion: Organic makes plant-based better”, Elise Bijkert states.
Danish Plant-Based Diplomacy is sharing lessons learned and supporting collaborations in support of plant-based action plans. Collaboration with organic farm and food organizations across Europe is done in collaboration with IFOAM Organics Europe.
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Paul Holmbeck has a long career in successful advocacy work in the organic movement, including two decades of executive leadership in Organic Denmark and currently a member of the World Board in IFOAM Organics International.
Elise Bijkerk is Market Development Director at BioNederland, a trade association representing producers and traders in the Dutch organic food sector. She has years of experience in food strategy, marketing and innovation in a.o. Arla Foods and Danone across Europe.