The Organic World Congress takes place just once every three years, bringing together farmers, scientists, businesses, certifiers, policy makers and other representatives from across the vibrant spectrum of the global organic movement. It’s an important chance to discuss, debate and agree on pivotal issues for the organic sector, reach common understanding on the big issues we face, and find ways to collaborate effectively to drive the changes that we need to see in global agriculture and the communities that support it.
Regenerative agriculture was inevitably a hot topic in the halls and the meeting rooms of the Congress. The lively discussions and debates culminated in a statement on regenerative agriculture which was recommended to the IFOAM – Organics International General Assembly and overwhelmingly approved by the global membership on December 6th.
The statement addresses some of the key issues and important perspectives that should be considered, as interest and support for regenerative agriculture continues to rise up the public, policy and agricultural agendas. The statement is intended as a starting point and invitation for further discussion on effective pathways for the true transformation of agriculture, with both food for thought and some key suggested actions within it.
Organic movement: elevating truly regenerative agriculture
The statement recognises regenerative principles and practices as being at the heart of organic agriculture and welcomes serious regenerative actors as natural allies that can bring inspiration to improve organic practices and ensure that organic standards, certification, practices and policy are the best guarantee of regenerative approaches and outcomes. However, the statement also recognises the risks of greenwashing and calls out the problematic misuse of the regenerative term in relation to minor adjustments of broadly degenerative approaches, which can lead to the diversion and distraction from approaches with meaningful impact at a time that we need to be acting fast to address the crises of our times.
The statement also reaffirms the value of organic as a platform in the market, in policy and for farmers, recognizing the multiple benefits it delivers, the efficacy of the standards and certification system that underpin it and the commitment to continuous improvement. The statement helps to emphasise that–rather than being separate–the organic sector is at the heart of truly regenerative agriculture and has a hugely important role to play in delivering regenerative ambitions in the world.
Author: Sarah Compson, IFOAM Organics International World Board member
Published in the BIOFACH 2025 Bio Eco Actual Special Edition.
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