It will be difficult for the new eco-event to reach 200,000 visitors – but it can do something different.

Over 25 years ago, the Organic Association invented Eco Day, where organic cows ran on grass precisely at 12 noon at various organic farms across the country. In the best years, there were up to 200,000 visitors and coverage in both national and regional media. The event was sold to the Dairy Association two years ago, and then the question arose: what should be the successor to Eco Day? A new concept took shape within the Organic Association: Eco-Food Day, where people can come together for communal meals and be served organic dishes nationwide. On September 24th, the cafeteria at Randers Regional Hospital hosted an Eco-Food Day. Head chef Mona Carøe, who is also the chairperson of the Committee for Professional Kitchens in the Organic Association, believes that the event is a good successor. In her opinion, it is a "quality event" that, with its presence and community spirit, can do something entirely different from Eco Day. “I was talking to an older couple I didn’t know. It was so touching to hear their story. They told me that they only buy organic – and when they can’t get organic meat, they don’t buy it,” Mona Carøe explains. The couple also told her that they try to talk to acquaintances who say they can’t afford organic products. “There, they oppose them and suggest trying to use the whole raw material to be able to afford more organic,” she says, mentioning that she invited the couple to bring their friends if the hospital hosts a similar event again. “Even though I personally want to inspire others, it was very moving for me to hear about their approach.” Could potentially attract more members The event in Randers was so far the 17th Eco-Food Day supported by the Organic Association, and there are still more events on the association’s calendar to attend. “If we as an organization can gain ten new members each time, it would really make a difference. It might not reach as broad an audience as Eco Day did – but back then, the organization was not allowed to recruit members due to project rules,” explains Mona Carøe. She says it’s wonderful to see cows grazing on grass, and that Eco Day has always been popular among families with children and the media. But on the other hand, the large event did not bring new members to the organization. “I believe instead that the good debate and the community around good meals and organic food at our Eco-Food Days can do that. There is much more quality, and even though fewer people participate, it’s a strong brand for the organization,” Mona Carøe concludes.