Since 1972, IFOAM has occupied an unchallenged position as the only international umbrella organization of the organic world, uniting an enormous diversity of stakeholders contributing to the organic vision. Day by day we are taking the world a step closer to the mainstream uptake of Organic Agriculture.

How IFOAM operates
At the heart of IFOAM - Organics International are its 800 Affiliates in more than 100 countries. In order to unify, lead and assist this a broad-based constituency in a fair, inclusive and participatory manner, IFOAM - Organics International organizes a General Assembly every three years.

At every General Assembly, a World Board is elected to chart IFOAM's course and to appoint Affiliates to official committees, working groups and task forces on topics like the development of standards or the facilitation of Organic Agriculture in developing countries.

IFOAM member organizations also establish alliances based on regional and sector specific priorities, called Regional Bodies and Sector Platforms, respectively.

What IFOAM does

With offices and networks across the globe, IFOAM ensures that the organic voice is heard on both a regional and global level. The vision is the worldwide adoption of ecologically, socially and economically sound systems that are based on the principles of Organic Agriculture.

IFOAM pursues several courses of action, anchored in five Strategic Pillars, which unite organic stakeholders (Umbrella), advocate long-term social and ecological change (Advocacy), facilitate production and trade (Value Chain), assist organic development (Programs), and train the next generation of leaders (Academy).

Activities

> Organize high profile events where organic stakeholders can share their knowledge and expertise and establish valuable partnerships;​​

> Put Organic Agriculture on the agenda of international decision makers, showcasing its potential to benefit food and livelihood security, battle climate change and preserve biodiversity;

> Implement projects, with global and regional partners, which facilitate conversion to Organic Agriculture, empower local stakeholders and strengthen supply chains as well as help raise consumer awareness;

> Guide you through the increasing complexity of organic standards and regulations, and promote alternatives to certification that are adapted to the diverse needs of organic farmers; and

> Shape the future of the organic sector by training a new generation of leaders through Organic Leadership Courses and other services.