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ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IS MORE THAN A WAY OF PRODUCING
FOOD: IT'S A WAY OF LIFE

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.

********************************************************
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. 
*****************************************
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
