August 30, 2020
Published in the journal “Agronomy” a study on research and innovation in organic farming in Italy
Promoted by the Italian scientific societies and organizations of the OFF sector (the Italian Association for Organic and Biodynamic Animal Production - Zoo.Bio.Di., the Italian Research Association on Organic Farming - GRAB-IT, the Italian Research Network for Organic Research – RIRAB, and the European Association for Agroecology - Agroecology Europe), the study originates from the main outcomes that emerged during the World Café held in the frame of the Salone Internazionale del biologico e del naturale (SANA Expo) in 2018, where the Italian OFF research community met to build a convergence on scope and modus operandi in the research endeavor. These outcomes were examined in the light of the key features of the research and innovation projects funded in Italy in the last 10 years, respectively by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the regional administrations through the innovation support instruments in the Rural Development Plan programming periods. In the period 2009–2018, 70 research projects for a total funding of 21.081 million € (<0.1% of the value of the sector) were launched, addressing nine different topic areas. Over a similar period (2007–2019), 53 regional innovation projects addressing organic farming were activated for a total budget of 14.299 million € (<10% of the entire available funding). The implementation of interventions in the research and the innovation areas were often scattered in terms of the topics, disciplines, and types of supply chain/network addressed. The relatively high share of multi/interdisciplinary research and innovation projects as well as the acknowledgement of the multi-actor approach as a fundamental step toward co-research and co-innovation were upshots that emerged from the analysis. The outcomes of this study can be used by competent national and the regional authorities to design their future research and innovation policies and interventions.
June 26, 2020
Webinar on Organic Farm Profitability and Biodiversity
The Organic Center will be hosting a free webinar on "Biodiversity and Profitability on Organic Farms - Environmental and Economic Benefits of Organic Practices" on Wednesday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
A growing body of science shows that organic farming supports more biodiversity and can bring in more income than conventional farming, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of using organic practices. What is less understood is how these benefits are affected by the farming landscape around organic operations. Join us to learn more about the study’s findings.
Presenters:
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Associate Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- David W. Crowder, PhD, Associate Professor of Entomology, Washington State University
- Olivia Smith, PhD, Postdoctoral researcher, Entomology Department, University of Georgia
This Webinar will be recorded, so be sure to register now to receive the recording straight to your inbox.
Register Here!
May 12, 2020
Message for ISOFAR members from the board
The ISOFAR board has discussed on the 8th May 2020 the impact of the postponement of the Organic World Congress towards Sept 8-10, 2021 in Rennes for the society. This message is to inform our members about the board recommendations and decisions.
Read more (only for members accessible)
April 24, 2020
Organic World Congress postponed to September 8-10, 2021
In light of recent developments around covid-19, the organizing committee has decided to postpone the Organic World Congress to September 8-10, 2021 (pre-conferences to take place September 6 and 7). We are grateful for the unwavering support from our international, national and local partners and are confident that this is the right decision for all involved.
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March 13, 2020
Understanding origin of phosphonic acid in organic wine: the Italian BIOFOSF-WINE project
The undesired presence of phosphonic acid in organic wines in the EU market generates doubts in consumers and animates the debate among European policy makers. The workshop aims to share preliminary results of Italian BIOFOSF-WINE project on the origin of phosphonic acid contamination in organic wine.
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February 20, 2020
Workshop on creation of Knowledge sub Hub Centre (KCOA) in Nigeria
A one day sensitization workshop was successfully held at Ibadan, Nigeria on February 20, 2020. The aim of the workshop was to sensitize selected stakeholders on the implementation of the Endogenous Knowledge Information Management System.
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January 1, 2020
In memory of William Lockeretz
With sorrow, ISOFAR has received the news about our former board member, Professor Dr. William Lockeretz, that he passed away on December 12, 2019. Willie was his informal name, among his many friends in the worldwide organic movement. He made friends everywhere and could talk to anyone. He was an academic pioneer in organic agriculture in the United States of America, but also globally. He joined the board of ISOFAR at the establishment of this organisation in 2003 and kept his board position until 2011.
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Archived Newsletters
(we compiled all news of the year in newsletters):
