Biobes

EU Legislative Interests

Biobes sh.p.k engages with EU legislation and policies relevant to the production, certification, and export of organic and wild-collected medicinal and aromatic plants. The key EU policies and legislative frameworks targeted include: Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, especially regarding sustainable wild collection and ecosystem conservation EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and organic value chains FairWild Standard (voluntary, EU-supported), ensuring sustainable and fair wild harvesting practices EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), facilitating preferential trade access for Albanian exports REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, where applicable, for exports of essential oils or botanical extracts classified under chemical substances Biobes aligns its operations with these policies to ensure compliance, environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and improved access to the European market.

Communication Activities

Biobes sh.p.k regularly carries out communication and promotional activities to raise awareness about organic production, sustainable wild collection of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), and compliance with EU policies. Activities include: Participation in international trade fairs, such as BIOFACH in Germany, where the company promotes its organic-certified products and its alignment with EU standards Training sessions and workshops for farmers and wild collectors on the implementation of EU Organic Regulation, NOP, and FairWild certification requirements Publication of informational materials and digital content highlighting sustainable practices and international standards for MAPs, shared through social media and with international partners Local awareness campaigns on biodiversity protection, sustainable land management, and the importance of natural resource conservation in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and Green Deal objectives Collaboration with international organizations focused on rural development, bioeconomy, and ethical certification, to strengthen alignment with EU legal and trade frameworks These activities support Biobes’ compliance with the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, while enhancing the company’s credibility in EU markets.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

Biobes sh.p.k is a member of the following organizations and networks that align with its mission to promote sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and organic production: Albanian Organic Agriculture Association (AOAA) – A national association representing stakeholders in organic agriculture in Albania, working to promote organic farming practices and certification. FairWild Foundation – A global network supporting the sustainable harvesting and fair trade of wild plants, with Biobes being a certified member for wild-harvested medicinal and aromatic plants. European Federation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (EFMAP) – A European network focused on sustainable cultivation, harvesting, and trade of medicinal and aromatic plants. European Organic Certifiers Council (EOCC) – A European body responsible for the standardization and certification of organic products across the EU, which Biobes adheres to for its organic certification processes. EU Rural Development Network (EENRD) – A platform promoting rural development policies across the EU, which Biobes engages with to improve rural development and agricultural practices.

Organisation Members

Biobes sh.p.k works with a range of local and international partners to ensure the sustainability of its activities in wild plant collection, organic agriculture, and export. The following are some of the key members and affiliated entities of Biobes: Local Farmers and Wild Collectors – Biobes collaborates with a network of local farmers and wild collectors in Albania who supply medicinal and aromatic plants. These individuals are part of Biobes' direct supply chain and contribute to the sustainable sourcing of raw materials. Albanian Organic Agriculture Association (AOAA) – An organization promoting the interests of organic farmers in Albania. Biobes is affiliated with this association to support organic farming practices. FairWild Network – Biobes is a certified member of the FairWild certification program, working alongside other companies globally to promote the sustainable trade of wild plants. National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Albania (NCCIA) – Biobes is an active member, participating in events and discussions that advocate for improved trade practices and export opportunities for SMEs in Albania. European Federation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (EFMAP) – Biobes is affiliated with this European network which advocates for sustainable practices in the cultivation and trading of medicinal plants across the continent.

Additional Information

These costs include expenses related to participation in EU-supported platforms and initiatives (e.g., EU Organic Agriculture Platform), certification fees for organic and FairWild standards, activities related to sustainable farming practices, outreach and promotional campaigns to raise awareness about EU policies, and administrative costs associated with compliance to EU regulations.