From February 11 to 14, 2025, the German-Chinese Agricultural Center (DCZ) participated in BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food. The event provided an excellent platform for professional exchange between German and Chinese stakeholders in the organic sector.
Bilateral meeting between BMEL and CCAA
A highlight of the event was the bilateral meeting between the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and the China Certification and Accreditation Association (CCAA), organized by the DCZ and BMEL (Department 712b). The aim was to discuss challenges arising from differing organic certification standards and to explore opportunities for closer collaboration. Representatives from certification bodies, associations, and accreditation authorities from both countries exchanged insights on the technical requirements for certification, as well as the import and export of organic products.
During the meeting, Johanna Stumpner (AöL e.V.) presented key trends in the German organic sector, while Astrid Wachenfeld (BLE) offered insights into the complex certification and import processes of the European Union and Germany. XIAO Xingji, Senior Advisor at the Organic Food Development and Certification Center of China (OFDC), provided an overview of the organic sector in China. It became clear that European organic products enjoy particularly high consumer trust in China.
Visits to the Naturland booth and China pavilion
Following the meeting, the Chinese delegation visited the Naturland booth, where Ann-Kathrin Trappenfeld presented Naturland’s activities in China. A tour of the China Pavilion showcased the diversity of Chinese organic products, including soybeans (primarily for animal feed), grains, tea, and “superfoods” like goji berries and mushroom-based dietary supplements.
We look forward to the next opportunity for exchange at BIOFACH China, taking place from June 11 to 13 in Shanghai.
