IFOAM – Organics International Welcomes Ruling of US District Court to Uphold Grower Group Certification
IFOAM – Organics International is pleased to learn the recent ruling of the US District Court against a pending legal challenge to organic “grower group” certification. This decision is welcomed by the organic stakeholders in the US, including organic nonprofits, companies, certifiers and grocers who support USDA’s grower group certification.
Today, the court took an important step to protect organic market access for some of the world’s smallest farmers. To grow organic and address pressing global challenges, organic certification must remain viable for farms of all sizes.
Co-CEO, Organic Trade Association
IFOAM - Organics International reaffirms group certification as a vital tool for ensuring millions of organic farmers around the world access to global markets whilst ensuring the robust integrity of the products produced. We also reassure the key role group certidication plays in supporting organic farming and providing organic market access for millions of honest, hard-working smallholder farmers that care for the land and provide ecological benefits.
IFOAM – Organics International recognises the crucial importance of robust governance of ICS. The oversight process for grower groups is different to the process for individual farmers. An appropriate level of rigour must be maintained in both approaches.
Now is the time for organic farmers worldwide to unite in a common cause.
President, IFOAM - Organics International
Moving forward, IFOAM – Organics International will continue to strive for a balanced organic sector that respects diversity of farming contexts and market needs worldwide. We will also work to support smallholder farmers and educate against widespread misunderstanding about the role and function of grower group certifications.
Read our full statement on the litigation.
Learn more about our work on grower group certification and training here.