To mark EU Organic Day 2026 on September 23, the European Commission announced the winners of the fifth EU Organic Awards in Brussels. Danish organic farmer and Chairman of the Organic Section at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Hans Erik Jørgensen, took home the Best Male Organic Farmer Award, which was presented to him by IFOAM’s President Dora Drexler.*

He is one of 25 organic pig producers in Denmark. 
Hans Erik Jørgensen has been running a 350-hectare mixed organic farm with pigs, cattle, laying hens and crops, on the island on Funen with his wife Kirsten Rasmussen for the past 19 years. Combining high welfare with soil-health-focused practices, including pasture-based pig production, diverse crop rotations and reduced tillage, Risbjerg Farm contributes to more than 50 research and development projects, sharing knowledge and promoting sustainable farming. He has 250 free-range sows and 6000 finishers. 

“To know that our work is being noticed is simply wonderful and a great recognition,” he said. “It’s a real pat on the back to know that influential people in Brussels also see the value of our efforts to ensure standards of animal welfare, our focus on soil health, our diverse crop rotation and all the other things we work hard to get right every day at Risbjerg.” 

Across Europe

More than 120 applications were received this year from across the EU, with 21 candidates shortlisted from 12 countries. The winner of the Europe’s best female organic farmer was Kay O’Sullivan from Ireland whose award was presented by Søren Søndergaard, Chairman of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council and Copa Vice-President.

“Each of this year’s winners offers a different example of how organic farming can respond to the challenges facing European agriculture….The future of organic farming should be built around those who practise it, giving farmers the tools, market opportunities and regulatory certainty they need to remain resilient and competitive while continuing to deliver on the ambitions of organic production. Copa-Cogeca is proud to once again celebrate those efforts through the EU Organic Awards,” said Søren Søndergaard.  

The Danish organic pig 

In Denmark organic sows farrow in huts in the field. Nests are made from straw and the sow remains with her piglets until they are at least seven weeks old. In summer, sows must have access to wallows where they can roll in the mud to cool themselves. When the piglets are weaned, they are transferred to housing units, where they have plenty of space, ample straw and access to an outdoor run. Organic finishers must have more than three times as much space in their pens as legislation requires. Pigs must have organic feed, which is good for their digestion and keeps them occupied. Tail docking and teeth clipping are not allowed. 

(*IFOAM is an acronym for International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements. Now known officially as IFOAM – Organics International.)