Sustainability in agriculture is an unsolved challenge despite growing evidence of the need for a paradigm shift towards new production systems that put ecological resources, rural societies, cultural expressions, public social welfare and the economic viability of smallholder family farming in the foreground. Organic Agriculture offers solutions that can contribute to sustainable development in rural areas.
IFOAM – Organics International believes that agriculture - done differently – can be part of the solution. Organic agriculture – a dynamic and continuously developing farming system based on the science of agro-ecology – is a forerunner of truly sustainable agriculture and offers practical solutions to address major global challenges.
It has about 800 affiliates in nearly 120 countries and also acts as a Global Action Network with numerous allies. Its values are based on the four principles of health, ecology, fairness and care.
IFOAM – Organics International leads change – organically. The three departments work on:
a) Enhancing knowledge, skills and attitudes of producers and value chain actors (Capacity Development department);
b) Stimulating demand for sustainable products by raising awareness; and
c) Advocacy for a policy environment that is conducive to truly sustainable production and
consumption.