ISOFAR and TIPI are joining forces to develop an ambitious Science Track for the 2027 Organic World Congress, connecting scientific research with the needs and experiences of farmers and practitioners.
Strengthening collaboration for organic agriculture research
ISOFAR and TIPI (Technology Innovation Platform of IFOAM – Organics International) are strengthening their collaboration in preparation for the 2027 Organic World Congress (OWC 2027), to be held in the Philippines.
Following an initial joint meeting on 2 October 2026, a second meeting was held on 6 November, bringing together ISOFAR Board members, Raymond Auerbach, President of TIPI, and Amber Sciligo, member of the IFOAM World Board. These exchanges reflect the shared commitment to developing a strong and ambitious scientific programme for OWC 2027.
A joint Science Track: connecting research and practice
The collaboration aims to make the OWC 2027 Science Track an important international platform for advancing research in organic food and farming systems and agroecology.
The two organisations bring complementary strengths to this initiative. ISOFAR contributes its scientific expertise, research networks and commitment to scientific quality, while TIPI brings the perspectives of farmers, practitioners and stakeholders, as well as experience in developing research priorities and innovation agendas.
The joint approach seeks to strengthen connections between research questions emerging from the field and robust scientific evidence.
A diverse programme with concrete outcomes
The proposed Science Track will combine several complementary formats, including:
- Original research papers and state-of-the-art scientific contributions;
- Keynote presentations highlighting major scientific advances and knowledge gaps;
- Interactive panels and workshops addressing key challenges in organic agriculture;
- A Research Marketplace offering opportunities for researchers, particularly young and early-career scientists, to present and discuss their work;
- A pre-conference component focusing on continental and regional organic agriculture research agendas.
A key expected outcome is a joint ISOFAR–TIPI research agenda statement identifying important research priorities and opportunities for future collaboration.
Through this partnership, ISOFAR and TIPI aim to strengthen the scientific dimension of the Organic World Congress and foster closer cooperation between researchers, farmers and other stakeholders, contributing to the future development of organic agriculture worldwide.
Author: Prof. Khaled Sassi, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT), Tunisia; ISOFAR Board Member