Objective of the Website

The aim of this Website is to offer information on organic agriculture available at FAO. It also functions as a "road map" whereby users are directed to other relevant websites.

What is Organic Agriculture ?

"Organic agriculture is holistic production management systems which promotes and enhances agroecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity... Organic production systems are based on specific and precise standards of production which aim at achieving optimal agro-ecosystems which are socially, ecologically and economically sustainable. Terms such as "biological" and "ecological" are also used in an effort to describe the organic system more clearly. Requirements for organically produced foods differ from those for other agricultural products in that production procedures are an intrinsic part of the identification and labelling of, and claim for, such products."

From the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods, 1999

Organic agriculture is an increasingly important part of the agriculture sector. Its environmental and economic benefits have captured the attention of many countries. Decreased Government support to agricultural inputs offers an opportunity for the conversion of low-input agricultural systems into more productive organic agricultural systems. Bio-diversification that is brought by organic systems increases agro-ecosystem stability and protects against environmental stress, which in turn improves resilience of farm economies. Consumer demand for organically produced food and fibre products and society's demand for more sustainable development, provide new opportunities for farmers and businesses around the world.

Organic agriculture also presents new challenges for FAO. In particular, Member Nations need advice and information on the potential of organic agriculture to contribute to environmental quality, income generation and food security. Informed decision making on organic agriculture, within the range of sustainable agriculture options, would allow Governments to direct research, extension efforts and tap national and international market opportunities.

Organic agriculture:

raises the productivity of low-input agricultural systems;
provides market opportunities;
offers the opportunity to discover, through traditional knowledge and modern science blending, new and innovative production technologies;
promotes the national and international public debate on sustainability by creating awareness of environmental and social concerns that merit attention.

FAO has the responsibility to give organic agriculture a legitimate place within sustainable agriculture programmes and to assist Member Nations in their efforts to respond to farmer and consumer demand in this sector.

Progress made within the Priority Area for Inter-Disciplinary Action on Organic Agriculture is regularly reported to the Committee on Agriculture.

The FAO's Organic Agriculture Programme over the medium-term (2002-2007) has three main thrusts:

A. Information systems and networking arrangements for production, conservation, processing, labelling and marketing of organic produce.
The objective is to make available reliable, accessible and quality information for informed decision-making in organic agriculture. Selected activities include:

The Website on Organic Agriculture, providing access to information on organic agriculture inside and outside FAO. This facility will be strengthened by the inclusion of databases, E-conferences and topical studies on organic agriculture. Data is generated through various means and made available through multi-media products: posters, books, CD ROMs, websites, etc.
A methodology is being developed for comparing the performance of organic, traditional and conventional farming systems. The methodology will be the basis for future field data collection and analysis of farming systems worldwide.
A methodology for the collection of data from all FAO member countries is being developed, with a view to make available in the future, official statistics on organic agriculture.
Collaborative research mechanisms are being promoted; an example is the working group on Research Methodologies in Organic Farming in Europe.

B. Policy and technical decision-support tools for productive and efficient organic farming systems.
The objective is to enhance organic production and processing, with a particular emphasis on poor and market-marginalised areas, food security and environmental quality. Selected activities include:

Case studies are being commissioned on the contribution of organic agriculture to soil biodiversity and agro-biodiversity in different ecosystems. Results will be submitted to the consideration to the appropriate bodies of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Technical guidelines are being developed for practitioners on organic horticulture production and organic crop conservation and processing. Work is developing on organic pastures (starting in Brazil and Uruguay), organic aquaculture (starting in East Europe) and non-wood forest products.
Alternative research and education approaches are being investigated and developed, including curricula and material for formal and informal training on organic agriculture. Experience in Farmers-Field-Schools will be used to develop farmer-to-farmer research and extension.

C. Studies, technical assistance and policy advice on production, certification and trade of certified organic agriculture products.
The objective is to facilitate access to markets for small holders and exporters from developing countries. Selected activities include:

Inter-governmental collaboration on organic standards, inspection, certification and accreditation, such as the Codex Alimentarius Guidelines on Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods and the draft Codex Guidelines on the Judgement of Technical Regulations Associated with Foods Inspection and Certification Systems.
Evaluation of the diversification potential and market opportunities for organic agriculture commodities.
Analysis of organic production systems in specific contexts and guidance and/or assistance on requirements of production, processing, retailing and consumption of certified organic agriculture products.

FAO's technical assistance to countries includes:

A. "Normative" services include the provision of information on organic production and trade through studies, statistics, networks and discussion for A (see above). FAO seeks to play a catalyst role in international organic trade, policy development and public-private partnerships.

B. "Operational" activities are provided from FAO's own budget or mobilised from governmental, private sector and other non-governmental sources; field projects are formulated and implemented at governments' requests. More specifically:

FAO grants Technical Co-operation Projects (TCPs) of a relatively short duration (maximum two years) and limited resources (not exceeding US$ 400,000), technical inputs of experts, practical training or equipment and supplies. TCPs should complement other sources of assistance and serve as a catalyst for a larger-scale activity. See the TCP guidelines for more information.

In collaboration with its financing partners (namely the World Bank) and under cost-sharing arrangements, FAO assists member governments to assess and formulate investment proposals, and to meet the requirements set by the financing agencies for their approval and implementation.

Top of page