Report and Conclusions of the IFOAM Conference in New Zealand
During the second week of December a record-setting 800 participants
from 60 countries came together in Christchurch, New Zealand for the 10th
International Scientific Conference of IFOAM (International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movements). The conference was organized locally and
with excellence under the coordination of IFOAM World Board Member Bob
Crowder, in cooperation with the Centre for Continuing Education at Lincoln
University.
During the conference the latest facts and findings of organic agriculture
were exchanged, and strategies for the future development of organic
agriculture were discussed and developed. The conference showed clearly
that not only in the host country New Zealand but in many countries all over
the world organic agriculture has reached a remarkable stage of
development and recognition. The conference was a clear indicator that
organic farming is on its way out of marginal, niche production and this not
only in the so-called industrialized countries in the North, but also in the
southern hemisphere.
After a very spiritual welcome ceremony in the Maori tradition IFOAM's
President Thomas B. Harding (USA) opened the conference in
Christchurch's City Hall.
Following the holistic approach of organic agriculture, many themes and
aspects far beyond organic agricultural production were covered at the
conference. The presentations and debates centered around questions of
conversion, economic comparison to conventional agriculture, animal
husbandry, landscaping, marketing and product guarantee (certification).
A number of conference presentations showed clearly the difficulties of
reconciling the demands of self-sufficiency and globala trade. It will remain
an ongoing challenge for the movement to ensure that these two competing
needs are balanced and that free trade is replaced by fair trade. With regard
to recent developments in the field of genetic engineering, a number of
speakers elaborated sound arguments for why this technology has no place
in organic agriculture. They emphasized that this new threat requires our
continued attention and opposition.
Mr. Denis Marshall, New Zealand's Minister of Land Resources and Associate
Minister of Agriculture, indicated a strong and increasing commitment to
organic agriculture. Well received was a supportive and inspiring message
from his Royal Highness, The
Prince of Wales. In the first keynote speech Mr. Peter Ellyard from Australia
looked in a thought provoking way at relevant aspects of creating a
sustainable society. Definitely a highlight of the conference was the
presentation from Right Livelihood Award Laureate ("alternative Nobel
prize") Vandana Shiva from India, who showed in her special and excellent
way the links beod Award Laureate ("alternative Nobel prize") Vandana
Shivaodod Award Laureate ("alternative Nobel prize") Vandana Shiva from
Inod Award Laureate ("alternative Nobel prize") Vandana Shiva from India,
who showed in her special and excellent way the links beod Award Laureate
("alternative Nobel prize") Vandana Shiva from India, who showed in her
special and excellent way the links beod Award Laureate ("alternative Nobel
prize") Vandana Shiva from India, who showed in her special aodod Award
Laureate ("alternay tours in Australia and New Zealand gave participants a
good opportunity to learn more about environmental issues and the
contribution of organic agriculture in the region, with countless
opportunities for exchange on the very practical level of organic farming.
The conference presentations are already available and can be ordered
according to the major themes and topics of the conference. For further
details please contact: Center for Continuing Education, P.O. Box 84, Lincoln
University, New Zealand, fax: +64-3-325 3840.
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The IFOAM General Assembly
Right after the conference the 13th IFOAM General Assembly took place and
brought together once again the majority of IFOAM's membership, which set
the framework for the organization's future activities. Among the main
topics dealt with and decided upon were an intensive revision of the IFOAM
Basic Standards and the official launching of the IFOAM Accreditation
Programme announcing the first IFOAM accredited certifictaion
organizations. The efforts will continue and even be intensified to develop
further the regional decentralization of the federation's activities.
The newly elected IFOAM World Board of Directors will be headed by
President Herve La Prairie (France), Linda Bullard (USA) as Vice-President
and Coen van Beuningen (The Netherlands) as Treasurer. Also elected to the
Board were Rainer B~chi (Switzerland), Bob Crowder (New Zealand), Ranjith
De Silva (Sri Lanka), John Wanjau Njoroge (Kenya), and Ursula Soltysiak
(Poland).
Delegates from Denmark invited participants to attend the 11th IFOAM
Scientific Conference taking place mid-August, 1996 in Copenhagen. The
General Assembly also decided to hold the 1998 IFOAM Conference in
Argentina.
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This text is also available in German, French and Spanish. The
message from Prince Charles and black and white pictures for publication
can be requested from the General Secretariat.
IFOAM - International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
General Secretariat
D-66636 Tholey-Theley
Germany
Fone: +49-6853-5190
Fax: +49-6853-30110
E-Mail: IFOAM-SECRETARY@OLN.COMLINK.APC.ORG