EU's Environmental Policy Framework

In a recent development, Bio Austria, the leading organic farming association in Austria, has levelled several accusations against Naturland, their counterpart in the organic market. The claims include disadvantaging Bio Austria members in competition and hindering competitors, particularly in the organic sector.

The accusations come after speculation about the origin of Naturland's millet, which was allegedly not organic, and was sourced from China. This incident prompted Franz Waldenberger, the president of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, to make the accusation.

The Upper Austrian Chamber of Agriculture believes that Naturland's competition is increasingly calling into question the previously closed stance of the Austrian organic sector in the market and in interest politics. This sentiment is shared by Bio Austria chairwoman, Barbara Riegler, who has sent a complaint letter to Naturland president Hubert Heigl, detailing the alleged market abuse.

The letter suggests that Bio Austria may file a complaint with the Federal Competition Authority (BWB) due to Naturland's "selective opening of the sales system for Ja!Naturlich and Zurück zum Ursprung". However, no complaint has been officially filed yet.

Naturland, on the other hand, is marketing organic products from Austrian farmers who are not part of Bio Austria and exclusively supply the supermarkets Billa or Hofer. This has been a point of contention, as Bio Austria has no access to the trade marks of these supermarkets.

Despite the accusations, Naturland has confirmed the existence of the letter but Bio Austria is not making any public statements. The feud between the two organisations continues, with high-level internal discussions taking place within Bio Austria.

Naturland, however, remains open to a constructive exchange with Bio Austria and has offered further talks. They are also interested in the membership of ecological businesses in Austria, as long as they meet the requirements for ecological practices according to the Naturland guidelines.

Recently, AMA Marketing has recognized the Naturland certification, allowing Naturland businesses to sell processed raw materials such as milk and meat under the AMA Biosiegel without incurring additional control costs or bureaucracy.

Franz Waldenberger has accused Naturland of prioritizing "business interests over the interests of Austrian organic farmers". The tensions between the two organisations continue to escalate, with no specific competition lawsuit filed by Bio Austria against Naturland yet. The search results do not contain information about the name of the authority where Bio Austria allegedly filed a lawsuit against Naturland. Naturland, for its part, has declined to comment on this to the Wochenblatt.

As the situation unfolds, both organisations remain committed to their respective missions in the organic market, and the future of their relationship remains uncertain.