CIM: Who and what is the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement, IFOAM?
Sorensen: IFOAM is the world-wide umbrella organisation of the organic sector. It unites 750 member organisations from 108 countries, representing the full breadth and scope of the industry. The mission is to lead, unite and assist the organic movement in its full diversity.
What are IFOAM’s goals?
IFOAM’s goal is the world-wide adoption of ecologically, socially and economically sound systems that are based on the principles of organic agriculture. We actually have a specific goal. “Uniting the Organic World” is our official motto.
Who came to the 15th Organic World Congress 2005 in Adelaide, and what did they talk about?
More than 1,000 delegates from 72 countries came together for the 15th Organic World Congress to facilitate the gathering and exchange of knowledge about the latest trends in organic agriculture, serving to shape the future of the international organic movement.
What were the results of the Congress?
One of the main results of the 15th Organic World Congress was the Adelaide Declaration, which calls upon governments world-wide to actively endorse and practically support organic agriculture. It also calls on individual governments to allocate budgetary funds for investment into organic agriculture, proportionate to the organic sector’s production in their countries, and to internalise social and environmental costs in the prices of agricultural products and remunerate organic farmers for ecosystem services they provide.
What are the greatest challenges for organising three Congresse every year?
Organising the IFOAM Congresses is a pleasure, but a few challenges remain. Of increasing concern is the difficulty in acquiring visas for participants from developing countries. Additionally, it is IFOAM’s policy to manage conferences in an environmentally sustainable way, including ensuring the recycling of all waste and offering exclusively certified organic catering and food services. IFOAM strives to make each and every conference better and local partners are key to that success.
