All Things Organic - International organic conference good opportunity for producers

By Ian Cushon
August 8, 2002

This month Canada will host the largest international conference on organic agriculture. The 14th World Congress, which will be held in Victoria Aug. 21-24, is organized by the Canadian Organic Growers on behalf of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, or IFOAM.

IFOAM is an international umbrella organization with more than 750 member organizations and institutions in 100 countries. Founded in 1972, IFOAM's mandate is to unite, promote and develop organic agriculture around the world. IFOAM is organic agriculture's international voice. IFOAM developed international organic standards that have formed the basis for organic production and processing standards in many countries. It operates an arm's length voluntary accreditation program that will verify that member certification organizations have met the minimum requirements of IFOAM's standard. It is not clear what role IFOAM accreditation will have in the future because many national governments are moving to regulate organic farming.

IFOAM is not well-known to many North Americans involved in organic food production and marketing. Based in Europe, it has often been seen by Americans as a more European influenced organization. This may explain why IFOAM has had less presence and less support in North America. From a political perspective, IFOAM is left of centre on many issues, which is representative of the majority of core organic producers and consumers. Ironically, some prairie organic farmers hold conservative views on economic and social issues that are in contrast to their "green environmentalist" production practices. The theme of the Victoria congress is "cultivating communities." It will primarily focus on the science of organic agriculture production and trade issues, but there will also be presentations and discussion on food security, community development and ethical trade.

IFOAM promotes organic agriculture as a vehicle for social change. I have visited past IFOAM science conferences and highly recommend it to farmers and consumers. This congress will be a good opportunity to hear and meet some of the world's best thinkers and researchers on organic agriculture and food issues. Unfortunately, organizers chose the worst timing possible for many northern hemisphere farmers.This is especially true for prairie organic farmers who will be busy with harvest and would have been the most likely to attend in larger numbers had the timing been better. Because there are few formal opportunities to learn about organic farming, conferences have been important sources of new information and inspiration to many farmers. But in my opinion, sitting for hours and listening is not always the best way to learn. There is often too much information to absorb. Often I find that I need to read the research papers at my own pace. Conference proceedings are usually made available. In my mind the most important aspect of conferences is the opportunity to establish informal contact with participants and presenters. Many times I have learned just as much in the informal small group discussions as I have in the formal conference.

Canadian organic agriculture research is lagging behind efforts elsewhere in the world. This reflects the lower priority organic farming has been given at most Canadian universities. If organic agriculture is to continue developing, it is essential that we develop the science of organic agriculture. I hope this conference will be well attended by the growing number of Canadian scientists interested in or already working in organic agriculture. It is essential that our scientists participate in this important exchange of research and ideas. There will also be opportunities to meet those involved in the business of organic agriculture.

The IFOAM Organic World Exhibition is a trade show held in conjunction with the congress and will be a good place to meet organic processors and marketers. There is also the International Congress on Viticulture and Wine. IFOAM holds its general assembly after the congress to conduct the organization's business. If you want to know more about IFOAM, what it does and how it functions, this is your opportunity. As well, many other organizations and committees use the events as an opportunity to meet. If you are interested in organic food and farming, put Victoria on your calendar.

Ian Cushon
Moose Creek Organic Farm Inc.
P.O. Box 85
Oxbow, Saskatchewan
Canada, S0C 2B0

Tel. 306-483-5034
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