IFOAM and its Organic Movements

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) regards any system that is based on the Principles of Organic Agriculture and uses organic methods, as ‘Organic Agriculture’ and any farmer practicing such a system as an ‘organic farmer’. This includes numerous forms of certified and non-certified Organic Agriculture. Guarantee Systems may be for instance third party certification, including group certification, as well as participatory guarantee systems.

Since 1972, IFOAM occupies an unimpeded position as the only international umbrella organization of the organic world, i.e. all stakeholders contributing to the organic vision. This allows IFOAM to unite, lead and assist the organic movement.

Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)

The world is turning healthy. Yes, you heard that right. Isn’t that so good to hear? Eating healthy, going green, turning brown- all these phrases ring a bell in our heads. Can you imagine your skin glowing, no pimples, and hair soft and healthy? Wheeep, sounds awesome, right? THEN BUY ORGANIC!!!!!!

There is more than one reason why the organic movement is gaining its importance in the modern era. The first and foremost reason could be the letdown created by the conventional agriculture – undiscerning usage of chemicals causing air, water and soil pollution, health menaces, increase in pest and disease incidence, loss of crop diversity, untenable productivity and so on. On the other hand, lure towards organic foods started slowly by the health conscious urban community, which is visible among other section of our society. In addition, more number of farmers is showing inclination towards organic farming owing to remarkable efforts being taken up by both government and non-government organizations. All these happenings during the recent years helped in opening new walks for organic foods in the domestic as well as in international markets. General opinion among the consumers is that organic foods are nutritious, tasty, long shelf life and safe. In order to protect the demand and interests of the consumers the process of certification has become inescapable for organic consumer goods including organic foods, cosmetics, medicines, fabrics, etc. Already such initiatives are operating and there are different mechanisms, systems and agencies for certification of organic goods. PGS is one of these systems being initiated in different parts of the world, especially for small organic farmers who can produce organic foods for domestic market. In India PGS is being initiated by different organizations through OFAI and during 2011 PGS has seen launched by the Government of India, heralding its official recognition.