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OrganicFQHActivitiesWorkshopsFQH at Biofach 2026

FQH at BIOFACH 2026

Members of the Organic Food Quality and Health (FQH) network gathered at BIOFACH 2026 in Nuremberg, one of the leading international events for the organic sector. Across several sessions and meetings, the FQH community shared research, exchanged ideas, and explored future collaborations around sustainable food systems.

FQH General Assembly 2026 at BIOFACH

The FQH network gathered for its annual General Assembly, held during BIOFACH 2026 in Room Helsinki at NCC Ost. The meeting provided an opportunity for members to reconnect in person, reflect on recent activities, and discuss priorities for the year ahead.

Members reviewed FQH activities in 2025, including the monthly seminar series and participation in international events such as IUNS-ICN 2025 and BIOFACH 2025. Ongoing research projects and potential collaborations were also presented by members.

The meeting concluded with discussion of strategic priorities and the approved budget for 2026, helping guide the association's work in the coming year.

Many Thanks to the FQH chairwoman, Prof. Dr. Carola Strassner and all members who contributed to the discussions.

A woman is standing at a lectern.
FQH Chairwoman: Prof.Dr. Carola Strassner at the FQH General Assembly. BIOFACH 2026.
A woman is standing at a lectern.
Dr. Marja Van Vliet at the FQH general assembly. BIOFACH 2026.
People are sitting in rows at tables, listening to a talk.
FQH Members at the FQH General Assembly. BIOFACH 2026.

GOFSO at BIOFACH 2026 – A Shared Vision for Organic Food Systems

At the BIOFACH Science Forum, FQH hosted the session Bold Vision: A Global Network of Observatories for Organic Food Systems. The discussion advanced the emerging concept of a Global Organic Food Systems Observatories (GOFSO) – a coordinated international initiative to monitor organic food systems as living laboratories for sustainable food system transformation.

Presentations were structured around the GOFSO core domains:

  • Ecological Sustainability – Prof. Dr. Ewa Rembialkowska
  • Socio-economic Wellbeing – Dr. Marja van Vliet
  • Health & Nutrition – Prof. Dr. Susanne Gjedsted Bugel
  • Governance & Participation – Jostein Hertwig
  • Community Health & FQH Link – Dr. Machteld Huber

Together, the speakers highlighted how coordinated, long-term monitoring across these domains can strengthen organic food systems' contribution to the Great Food Transformation. The exchange with participants underscored the value of international collaboration, shared indicators, and a globally grounded observatory network.

Interested in contributing to or partnering with the GOFSO initiative? We welcome further conversation – contact us at www.fqhresearch.org

Prof.Dr. Carola Strassner Introducing the GOFSO Initiative
FQH Chairwoman: Prof.Dr. Carola Strassner Introducing the GOFSO Initiative. BIOFACH 2026.
Participants during the GOFSO initiative presentation.
Cross-section of participants during the GOFSO initiative presentation. BIOFACH 2026.
Prof. Dr. Ewa Rembialkowska delivering her session on the GOFSO initiative.
Prof. Dr. Ewa Rembialkowska delivering her session on the GOFSO initiative. BIOFACH 2026.
Dr. Marja Van Vliet delivering her session on the GOFSO initiative.
Dr. Marja Van Vliet delivering her session on the GOFSO initiative. BIOFACH 2026.
Jostein Hertwig and Dr. Machteld Hubert during presentations of the GOFSO Initiative.
Jostein Hertwig and Dr. Machteld Hubert during presentations of the GOFSO Initiative. BIOFACH 2026.
Participants engaging after presentations.
Participants engaging after presentations of the GOFSO initiative. BIOFACH 2026.
Participants share their thoughts and questions following the GOFSO initiative presentations
Participants share their thoughts and questions following the GOFSO initiative presentations. BIOFACH 2026.
Participants engaging during the GOFSO initiative presentation.
Participants engaging during the GOFSO initiative presentation. BIOFACH 2026.

Young Organic Researchers: From PhDs to Professions – What Happens to Organic? BIOFACH 2026

FQH also hosted a session featuring presentations by Lisa M. Rahier, Rita Góralska-Walczak, and Lea Matthiessen, moderated by Dr. Lilliana Stefanovic.

In addition to sharing their research, the speakers reflected on their professional journeys within the organic sector. The discussion explored how working in organic agriculture often shapes not only research directions but also broader perspectives on sustainability, collaboration, and food systems.

The session concluded with a discussion on the GOFSO initiative, where participants shared ideas on how the network could continue to develop and support research collaboration in organic food systems. Thank you to all who joined – we look forward to continuing these conversations within the FQH community.

Dr. Lilliana Stefanovic introducing the Young Organic Researchers.
Dr. Lilliana Stefanovic introducing the Young Organic Researchers: From PhDs to Professions – What Happens to Organic? Session. BIOFACH 2026.
Lisa Rahier delivering her presentation.
Lisa Rahier delivering her presentation at the Young Organic Researchers Session. BIOFACH 2026.
Rita Góralska-Walczak delivering her presentatio.
Rita Góralska-Walczak delivering her presentation at the Young Organic Researchers Session. BIOFACH 2026.
Lea Matthiessen delivering her presentation.
Lea Matthiessen delivering her presentation at the Young Organic Researchers Session. BIOFACH 2026.
Participants listening attentively as Young Organic Researchers share their perspectives.
Cross-section of participants listening attentively as Young Organic Researchers share their perspectives. BIOFACH 2026.
Speakers at the Young Organic Researchers Session.
Speakers at the Young Organic Researchers Session. BIOFACH 2026.
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