General Assembly of International Foundation for Organic Agriculture (IFOAM) adopted the Principles of Organic Agriculture and during March 2008 the World Board approved the following definition:

"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved."

(From IFOAM website:http://www.ifoam.org/organic_facts/doa/index.html. Retrieved June 12, 2008)

IFOAM is the worldwide umbrella organization for the organic movement, uniting more than 750 member organizations in 108 countries.

IFOAM actively participates in international agricultural and environmental negotiations with the United Nations and multilateral institutions to further the interests of the organic agricultural movement worldwide. IFOAM is uniquely recognized for taking on this important role. The introduction of the Principles of Organic Agriculture and the recognition of IFOAM by international institutions is of enormous importance for the further development of organic agriculture.

The Organic Guarantee System (OGS)

IFOAM provides a market guarantee for integrity of organic claims. The Organic Guarantee System (OGS) unites the organic world through a common system of standards, verification and market identity. It fosters equivalence among participating IFOAM accredited certifiers, paving the way for more orderly and reliable trade whilst acknowledging consumer trust in the organic ‘brand’.

From the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) website: http://www.ifoam.org/about_ifoam/principles/index.html June 08,2008.