Danish organic farmer named Europe's best

Europe's best male organic farmer lives on Funen. This is the opinion of a jury composed of members from the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, which has just named Hans Erik Jørgensen, an organic farmer and chairman of the Organic Section in Agriculture & Food, as Best Organic Farmer 2026. The award is given annually to a farmer (one woman and one man) who has developed an innovative, sustainable, and inspiring project. Hans Erik Jørgensen runs Risbjerg Farm in Haarby with his wife Kirsten Rasmussen, and he is very honored by the award, according to Agriculture & Food in a press release. "Knowing that our work is being noticed is just wonderful and a huge recognition. It’s a pat on the shoulder that influential people in Brussels also see the value in our efforts for high animal welfare, our focus on soil health, diverse crop rotation, and all the other things we strive to do daily at Risbjerg," says Hans Erik Jørgensen. He was presented with the award by IFOAM President Dora Drexler at the EU Organic Awards Ceremony 2026, organized by, among others, the European Commission, Copa and Cogeca, and IFOAM. Beautiful and well-deserved recognition Michael Kjerkegaard, chairman of the Organic Association, congratulated Hans Erik Jørgensen on the EU prize via a post on Facebook: "Congratulations to Hans Erik Jørgensen – Europe's best organic farmer! This is a great and well-deserved recognition of Hans Erik, Kirsten, and the entire team at Risbjerg," writes Michael Kjerkegaard, who looks forward to continuing the collaboration for organic work with the Funen award winner. "Hans Erik and I represent our respective organizations, we have a good cooperation, and many new challenges are coming in the coming years, but I am confident that the collaboration will endure. One thing is certain: when Danish organic farming is honored as one of the best in Europe, it must be celebrated," writes Michael Kjerkegaard.