IFOAM

IFOAM, originally the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, is a global non-profit federation that unites national organic farming associations and individual supporters to advance organic agriculture worldwide. It serves as an umbrella organization for the global organic movement, coordinating standards, advocacy, education, and capacity building across regions. In recent years it has been rebranded as IFOAM Organics International to reflect its global reach.

Founded in 1972, IFOAM has grown into a leading platform for collaboration among farmers, researchers, educators, and policymakers. Its mission is to lead, defend, and unite the organic movement by promoting agroecological farming, soil health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and humane treatment of animals, with the goal of sustainable food systems.

Structure and governance: The federation operates through a General Assembly, a Council, and a Secretariat. Members include national organic associations and individual supporters, organized regionally in networks across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Working groups and commissions focus on standards, policy, certification, and knowledge exchange.

Activities: IFOAM develops and advocates for international organic standards and certification frameworks, and supports harmonization where possible. It engages with governments and international bodies—such as the FAO, the United Nations, and regional authorities—to influence policy. It provides capacity building, training, research dissemination, and convenes events and conferences to share best practices and foster collaboration.