Current Positions:

• Director of Kate's Organics Limited
• Board Member - Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN)

Highlights:

• Top Under 40 Women Kenya
• Continental Lifetime Achiever Award (2018/19) - CEO Global Pan African Awards 
• Kenya Excellence Beverage Awards 2019 - Most preferred Green Tea – Kate’s Organics Green Tea, Most preferred Healthy Drink - Kate’s Organics Every Day Detox Tea, Most Preferred Natural Anti Oxidant Drink -  Kate’s Organics Aloe Vera Juice

Personal Statement

“My passion for nutrition, health and wellness, in other words ‘Healthy Living‘ started in my childhood. I was an obese child, and the challenges and humiliation that comes with your peers looking down on you over the years became a blessing in disguise, which eventually led me to my journey of promoting healthy living. I am a Clinical Nutritionist and a Colon Hydrotherapist, a career I pursued with the intention of helping myself and for the fact that I was very passionate about it. 

Advising on the adoption of healthier lifestyles goes hand in hand with eating clean, healthy food, and this saw me start a nutrition consultancy & colon irrigation clinic as well  as Kate’s Organics Limited, a response to the growing need to provide a broad range of solutions to improve human health and well-being, the promotion of organic production and the consumption and promotion of a healthy lifestyle across Kenyan society. Kate’s Organics works with organic certified smallholder farmers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The company portfolio consists of an organic range of products.

Over the years, this has given me an opportunity to deeply get involved in the organic world through the interaction with the various stakeholders, increased  knowledge, acquired experience, in Kenya, Africa and beyond. It has given me a platform to meet and interact with various players in this field.  I have also had the privilege to work closely with organic farmers, especially those that grow the produce for us and since Kate's Organics works with widows and single mothers, it has enabled us to support, mentor and provide a livelihood for them and others. In addition, I have been elected to various boards, headed Agribusiness Business Groups, won both local and international awards, written books, and mentored many amongst other things.  

I recently founded an NGO called Organic Action Network in Kenya, ORGANIK, as I realized there was a gap in production to meet the overwhelming demand for organic food today. The NGO aims at supporting and creating awareness on organic production and consumption. Its main objective is to catalyse and coordinate transformative action on organic production and consumption in Kenya. I believe my input and contribution through my experience in the organic industry will be of great value. I am open to learn more, get challenged and gain experience as a passion is something that is built in you. It is my desire also, that this position will enable me to empower women and youth in Africa, and when replicated at a regional or global level can lead to more impact of the sector to rural livelihoods. The future is organic!”

Current Positions:

• Manager & Owner of Minotos Organic Farm
• Ex-President of  IFOAM  Agri Bio Mediterraneo (ABM)

Highlights:

• Educational experience for more than 600 hours for organic agriculture, environment, farming systems, entrepreneurship and agriculture, sustainability, agroecology, environmental education, etc.
• Research contribution to the sector with publications in different journals, experimental experience, fieldwork, participation at events, conferences, seminars, workshops
• Consulting experience  for 25 years on sustainability and environmental and social priorities and programs

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

“I was born in Athens, Greece in 1968. I finished studies as an agronomist and I accomplished a specialization in Organic Farming (a postgraduate program) and a PhD on Sustainability.

My will to participate in the World Board of IFOAM - Organics International is based on my vision to disseminate the important role of organic agriculture worldwide and its undoubtful relation with the environment, its conservation, management and protection. The last 25 years I have been strongly involved with the sector as a result of my studies as an agronomist, my work as an organic farmer, my research and my contribution in different levels as fieldwork, experiments & applications, certification, promotion etc. 

My involvement with IFOAM - Organics International started in 2008 when I was elected as President of IFOAM AgriBioMediterraneo for three different periods (2008–2017). This period was a continuous challenge for understanding the importance of the contribution of all of us for the development and the dissemination of the role of organic agriculture as part of the solution to the important problems and dilemmas of our days (climate change/crisis, loss of biodiversity, the uses of land, the landscape, the degradation of important ecosystems,  the steps for achieving social equity and a fair value chain). These challenges remain at the same base and are updated according to our days’ conditions and situation.

The holistic approach for the agricultural sector could offer values for all, related to food, social wellbeing, rural development, consumption, and a new innovative strategic approach and policies. Organic 3.0 constitutes a benchmark for the future of the organic world because it is a multiparametric proposal for covering the different needs and environmental and social priorities. With the adoption of Organic 3.0 at different continents, civilizations will facilitate the embracing of organic agriculture as an opportunity for a sustainable agricultural model based on ecosystems services.

Strong synergies and enhancement of networking could strengthen the promotion of the sector, and as IFOAM - Organics International cover a worldwide policy that could focus and (re)act on all the important environmental issues, related with agriculture, like water, poverty, natural resources, food systems, biodiversity, sustainable rural development, rural communities etc.

IFOAM - Organics International is part of a common vision, because of its approach for environmentally friendly behavior and policy. It is challenging and inspiring to have the opportunity to contribute to the development and the work of IFOAM - Organics International and make the common vision a reality for all. As a result, I am indicating that I will offer the needed hours and work to IFOAM - Organics International if I will be elected.”

Current Positions:

• Executive Director of COLABORA - Let's work together
• Consultancy advocacy & lobbying at the UN level, EU-Commission/Parliament, national governments & ministries
• Activist, journalist and filmmaker

Highlights:

• Author of “Saving seeds from your own organic garden”, editor and co-author of books on organic farming and related subjects
• Documentary film projects (The farmer and his prince with Farmer David Wilson & Prince Charles, Ancient grain for future farms & TV film The Eco rebels from the Himalaya)
• Cooperation activities & experiences include Greenpeace, IUCN, WWF, Rainforest Alliance, Slow Food, Friends of the Earth and IFOAM - Organics International

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

“My activist and professional life in the organic movement is at the core of my heart. I have been a movement person for 45 years, starting as Hippie and Rock’n’Roller in the peace and anti-nuclear movement. “Organic” became and still is center stage in my life.

My first in-depth encounter of organic was as a trainee on one of the oldest biodynamic farms in Germany followed by working and learning on other farms, where my special interest was in cows and dairy farming. I have been living since 33 years on organic farms and since 2002 on our own ‘small’ farm with a focus on horse breeding.

After graduating in agriculture I worked as a non-chemical weed control scientist and lecturer at the University of Kassel / Witzenhausen. My first activities for IFOAM have been in the organizing team for the Organic World Congress 1984. Realizing that I was not born for a life as a scientist and seeing my skills to engage and build movements, in 1986 I  became the General Secretary of IFOAM - Organics International. Consequently, I devoted for almost 18 years my passion and professional life to serve the organic movement worldwide. 

After such a long time as IFOAM Director, I started 2005 with COLABORA - Let's work together, a new professional life. But giving up my leading role in IFOAM, I have not left the Federation. I joined IFOAM and the EU Group and initiated a range of joint projects. The highlight was to be on behalf of IFOAM the lead co-organizer for the United Nations Department of Information International Congress in Bonn. I enjoy being an active IFOAM Ambassador. I actually live Organic 3.0, by connecting IFOAM and organic with other movements like Slow Food or the environmental and the “Economy of Common Good” movements.  

As a Board member I will defend tirelessly our principles and counter attempts to sacrifice our integrity e.g. on the altar of market expansion. If I get elected, I would like to focus on international outreach and lobbying, representation and communication, strategic development and also on every necessary fundraising. I do ask for your vote of confidence not because of my IFOAM merits, but rather for what I'm able and want to give to our federation in the future. This includes my preparedness to serve also on the Executive Board , if I get elected.”

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGm6GmessMI

Current Positions:

• Founding Member of PGS Organic Council, India
• Founding Board Member -  Slow Food India Network
• Current World Board Member – IFOAM - Organics International

Highlights:

• Outstanding Practices in Agroecology 2019 – presented by World Future Council
• Lush Spring Prize 2017 – presented by Ethical Consumer & Lush Cosmetics 
• One World Award 2014 – presented by Rapunzel Naturkost GmbH & IFOAM - Organics International

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

“Having been involved in the field of rural development, working with marginalised communities in India for the past 43 years, and being an Organic farmer myself, I have a deep and empathetic understanding of the plight that the peasants and smallholder family farmers are facing, the world over, today.  

Having been instrumental in the genesis and growth of a number of development institutions, peoples’ organisations and networks for more than four decades, and having been both a promoter and practitioner of organic farming for over three decades, I have gained a range of multifaceted experiences, competencies, and leadership skills, which are essential to be part of a team that leads the global organic movement. 

In 1990, along with my partner, I co-founded the Timbaktu Collective and established a 32-acre agro-forest habitat and intentional community called “Timbaktu”. It is a non-profit which works at the grassroots, with marginalised people in the drought-prone and ecologically challenged Anantapuramu District in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Collective works in 186 villages, partnering with 24,323 families who are members of 14 community-owned and -managed Cooperatives.

Through various thematic programmes, we have been helping to regenerate and revive the local economy, enhance livelihood opportunities, regain food security and food sovereignty, work on large-scale ecological restoration, ensure financial inclusion of women and the rights of children and people with disabilities, as well as promote producer-own business enterprises of smallholder farmers, agricultural labourers, honey hunters and artisans. We also work in promoting the Dharani Farming and Marketing Cooperative, a member of IFOAM - Organics International. It is a successful business enterprise that procures, processes and markets the organic produce of its members under the brand name ‘Timbaktu Organic’. All the members are certified organic as per the peer-based Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) inspired by IFOAM. In October 2019, I initiated a School of Agriculture, on a 100 acre Biodynamic farm, that offers a two-year experiential learning certificate course to young people of our area in Regenerative Agriculture. It is a residential course covering Permaculture, Organic and Biodynamic principles. 

Most importantly, I have profound faith in the value and relevance of organic and life sustaining regenerative agriculture in nourishing our ecosystems, providing healthy food, strengthening the socio-economic status of smallholder family farmers, and promoting equitable and just relationships between farmers, consumers, traders, investors, and public institutions. 

I was elected to the World Board of IFOAM - Organics International in 2017, when the OWC was held in India. It has been a phenomenal learning experience for me and I do think my contribution has been good for the organisation. I am honoured to offer my candidacy for elections to the IFOAM - Organics International World Board for a second term – 2020 to 2023.”

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CLFs-y4GVE

Current Positions:

• Joint owner of SD & SA TULLY ATF MT DEWALLA Trust
• AOM GROUP PTY LTD, Founder/Owner/Director

Highlights:

• One of the founders of the organic beef industry in Australia
• Retiring Co-Chair of the Organic Federation of Australia 
• Ex-member of the Federal Government National Food Plan Advisory Group

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

“I have been an organic farmer for over 20 years and have established, or supported, several successful businesses during that time. Through my company I have supported and co-funded large-scale certification initiatives in Australia, New Zealand, and Vanuatu. My goal has always been to remain the champion for farmers around the world. I believe strongly that this path represents the leading edge for environmental and economic renewal across many landscapes and communities.

The world has changed, and our movement must adapt and step up to the opportunities awaiting it. This will be a period of opportunity, risk, and challenge. As well as ensuring the financial strength of the IFOAM movement, my interest lies in communicating and supporting initiatives at governmental policy level. This will ensure research and development programs across agricultural ministries include organic farming and associated support industries. As a representative from Australia, I am working hard to encourage and support our industry to consider the formation of an Oceania Regional Body.

Most organic land in the Oceania region is in Australia (35.7 million hectares, most of which is extensive grazing land), followed by Samoa (more than 97,000 hectares), and New Zealand (almost 89,000 hectares).

The highest organic shares of all national agricultural land were in Samoa (34.5 percent), followed by Vanuatu (13.7 percent), Fiji (9.7 percent), Australia (8.8 percent), Kiribati (4.7 percent), and Solomon Islands (4.4 percent). Four countries in Oceania have legislation on organic agriculture, and twelve countries have a national standard but no organic legislation.

There are more than 7,500 organic producers across the region and there is more certified organic land in Australia than any other country in the world. Currently, out of the total certified organic agriculture accounts for 70 million hectares globally, with over half of that total in Australia. In the Pacific Islands work on a regional strategy and national plans to lay the foundation of sustainable organic agriculture development in the region is in progress.

Our goals are the following:

• In accordance with Organic 3.0 objectives, elevate the importance of organic farming practices among the mainstream research, development, innovation, and education institutions around the world.

• Increase the participation of government agencies in key regions and regional groupings, with specific reference to Oceania.

• Identify new priority issues and global trends, with opportunities to become more involved with global research activities.

• Demonstrate leadership and encouragement to the global agricultural sector of the benefits of organic to the wider community.

• Provide a focal point for the unification and collaboration of an industry composed of a diverse range of stakeholders distributed across the nation, predominantly in rural areas.

• To highlight Australia’s commitment to the development of the organic industry and the important opportunity for collaboration with the Pacific for the co-benefits of organic."

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0T4nHHG6sg

Current Positions:

• President of Intercontinental Network of Organic Farmer Organisations (INOFO)
• Treasurer and Managing Committee Member, Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI)
• Researcher turned organic farmer and entrepreneur

Highlights:

• Bringing farmers first in all dialogues
• Farmers traditional knowledge and skills strengthen the movement

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

“I am a researcher turned organic farmer and entrepreneur by choice originally from Maharashtra, central state of India. I do organic farming presently on 4 acres (1.6 Ha) of leased farmland, where I grow traditional rice varieties and vegetables with my partner in Kerala, southern state of India. Since 2017, I also started a partnership firm called Naisargic Organic in Kerala, to support organic farmers from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Kerala.

After finishing my postgraduate degree in Biodiversity, I decided to take the less trodden way of exploring biodiversity in agriculture. To better understand agriculture I travelled to Vidharbha region (Wardha district) of Maharashtra, the farmer-suicide prone belt of India and worked there for almost two years. It was back then that I decided to drop my PhD and work for the farmers. In Vidharbha, though I was quite young to address any solutions to the existing problems, I was able to have a strong foundation in my career.

It was after completion of a biodiversity project in Coorg that I was offered a job (2012) in the national movement — The Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI). It is a network of organic farmers and consumers across the country. As an organisation, they work with farmers in different states convincing them to implement organic cultivation practices. Earlier, I worked as the Research Director in the central office in Goa. In June 2018 I was elected Treasurer and Managing Committee member to take the lead to drive the movement of organic farming in India.

Through support from OFAI, I had been traveling across the country documenting seed savers and the diversity of traditional seeds. My work paid off when my documented book, “A Source Book on India’s Organic Seeds”, was officially released by the then Hon’ble Minister Ms. Maneka Gandhi, Department of Women and Child Development in February 2015. This book serves to increase the accessibility and availability of these indigenous organic seeds for the organic farmers in villages as well as cities. 

If elected as a WB member, I will continue to bring the challenges of the marginalised smallholder organic family farmers and the solutions that they offer to the global issues on climate change and land degradation through their enormous think tanks of traditional indigenous knowledge. I would work hard using my skills on networking and advocacy at local to global, to recognise and value their knowledge as equal to any laboratory scientists or professionals in the value chain. I do offer my strong commitment, experience and full support of my organisations INOFO and OFAI.” 

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM9AOAD_e78

Current Positions:

• International Development Manager at Soil Association, UK
• Organic Cotton Ambassador at Textile Exchange
• Chair of IFOAM Organics Europe Interest Group of Organic Processors and Traders
• Member of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) standards committee

Highlights:

• Regularly presents and advocates for the organic movement internationally 
• Strong track record of convening and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders across the globe in order to support and develop the organic movement 
• Experience across a range of organic topics both in relation to principle and practice, including GM, social justice, and regulation

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

“As awareness of the realities of climate change, biodiversity collapse and the need to fix our broken food systems continues to grow, people are more ready than ever to listen to and learn from the perspectives and experiences of the organic movement. Emerging from the Coronavirus crisis presents an opportunity to rethink our food and farming systems, favouring those that share responsibility for risks and rewards and take a holistic approach to agriculture. 

If I am elected to the World Board, I will relish the opportunity to help IFOAM - Organics International connect, highlight and mobilise the wonderful work of our worldwide community to enable the global transition to organic and agroecological principles and practice. This is essential if we’re to meaningfully address the fundamental challenges faced by humanity and the rest of the living world.

I have a lifelong passion for organic agriculture and the principles underpinning it. My experience working for the Soil Association over the past 15 years has given me a broad insight into the different tools and levers that can be used to effectively enable and encourage the development of organic practices. As chair of the IFOAM OE Interest Group of Organic Processors and Traders, I have a strong understanding of both the power and limitations of Regulation to fulfil the organic principles. My experience with IFOAM OE and the Leading Organic Alliance (LOA) has illustrated the potential and need for going beyond regulation and engaging a range of Organic 3.0 tools if we’re to help move the mainstream as well as ensure organic remains at the leading edge. I feel strongly about addressing the Principle of Fairness within organic. Working with IFOAM OE as they realise the ‘Fair Play – Fair Pay’ pillar of the 2030 strategy and being a member of the LOA’s Social Accountability Working Group have given me a good picture of the potential ways that the organic movement can address this foundational principle. 

I’m also a passionate advocate for ensuring the organic movement engages beyond our own sector. Working as part of multi-stakeholder initiatives, I enjoy the challenge of finding common ground without compromising core principles, and I understand the importance of paying attention to the bigger picture as well as the detail. I have knowledge of the organic sector beyond food and strongly advocate for greater engagement with the textile sector, given the significant and widespread impact that textile production has, and the significant benefits that organic brings to the environment and communities, particularly in cotton producing countries. 

I believe that leadership qualities of World Board members should reflect organic principles, not just in terms of underlying beliefs but also in relation to ways of working. Systems and processes that allow meaningful engagement, transparency, constructive challenge and consensus-building are vital for successful leadership and these are qualities that I can bring to the Board. I have direct experience of working within the IFOAM structures and would love the opportunity to enhance and develop the great work already taking place through the three action pillars (supply; demand; policy and guarantee) that underpin the IFOAM OI theory of change.

As a member of the World Board, I will bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to serving IFOAM OI members. My professional experience will enable me to work effectively with my fellow Board members to ensure the strategic priorities are fulfilled. I am confident that my collaborative, positive and inclusive approach will strengthen our work and ensure that we continue to be greater than the sum of our parts.” 

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nToSGJcdsg

Current Positions:

• Global Consultant and Permaculture Practitioner
• CEO VermEcology

Highlights:

• PhD in Soil & Tropical Agroecology
• Research scientist with 250 papers, 500 new species (and three extinctions)
• Published four books

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

"Growing up on mixed farms, I have promoted organics and Permaculture starting from 1980 on Lady Eve Balfour’s Haughley farm up to a 2016 survey of Sir Albert Howard’s Indore site. As a Research Ecologist, I am shocked at the rapid rate of the largely unrecognized global topsoil loss to erosion (brown rivers and dust-storms), pollution (few insects or song-birds) and rapid acidification (no worms nor roots). In my surveys, I find earthworms excluded from agrichemical fields. Extinctions are the greatest threat as these are pernicious and irreversible (I published the extinction of three species and completed IUCN Redlist assay for many other endangered worms). Next is critical topsoil loss and, perhaps surprisingly, the lesser of our problems is the much-discussed/funded climate issue. The cause of most damage in all three cases is bad agriculture. The embarrassingly simple solution for all these issues is with proper 100% organic farming to fix the soil and sequester carbon in humus.

Rapid farmer uptake can be achieved by practices learned as from the two-week Permaculture Design Course, that has many parallels to objectives of Organic 3.0, and that further aims to “teach the teachers” being especially useful for younger farmers as they replace the old-guard of agrichemical farmers. Transition costs can be deferred by de-commissioning defunct or non-essential projects (e.g. Space search for Life on Mars or in deep oceans) and facilities (e.g. many Oceanic institutions or Chemical Agriculture colleges) and by removing harmful subsidies that alone support failed agrichemical farming and detract from organic competitiveness. Anyone anywhere can make compost to use for growing healthy plants.

I wish to apply to IFOAM World Board to help contribute towards the rapid transformations required to put us on the right track and heading in the proper direction. Conceptually “Organic 3.0” has worthy aims. However, the UN’s SDGs framework is, in my opinion, inadequate as they insufficiently support soils that are foundational for any other aspirational goals. Without a solid soil foundation, other SDGs are meaningless and unachievable. 

My strengths contribute to IFOAM - Organics International’s organizational strategies for biodiversity, soil ecology, climate, etc. Specific skills are, as a broad-vision ecologist, my ability to focus on key strategic issues and to provide meaningful, practical and doable solutions for policy or practice. My experience is in polar, temperate and tropical soils in both richer and poorer regions: e.g. UK, EU, US, Asia, and Australasia / Pacific (I have also travelled extensively in west and east Africa, China, India and the Middle East). The ultimate monitor and mediator of healthy soils is a robust earthworms community, which is where my expertise lies, treading in the footsteps of Darwin, Howard, Balfour, Carson, Fukuoka and Mollison who all also appreciated the humble worm. Abundance of earthworms, drawdown of atmospheric carbon (due to the buildup of humus) and fewer cancer or allergy hospitalizations can all be measures of IFOAM - Organics International success.

I have attended and presented talks at local, national and international meetings and webinars including COPs, IUCN and IPCC. To overcome a massive agrichemical lobby, organic supporters need to retain integrity, honesty and purposeful credibility. Organic farming is yet marginalized as a peripheral concern. Mutual benefit may grow from my grand vision for an essential and inevitable INTERNATIONAL SOIL ECOLOGY INSTITUTE to redress embedded indifferent complacency for our precious soils and their essentially irreplaceable soil biota."

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DcTZ7zLOo0

Current Positions:

• Chairman, Indian Society for Certification of Organic Products (ISCOP) &
• Chairman & Managing Trustee Krishnamurthi International Agricultural Development Foundation (KIADEF)

Highlights:

• Author of Organic Agriculture Sustainability

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

"I hail from an agricultural family from a rural background and I possess the nuance of the indigenous as well as modern organic agriculture. I have earned the degrees of B.Sc. (Ag.)., M.Sc.(Ag.)., Ph.D. in Agriculture from the Regional Post-Graduate Centre of the famous Agricultural College, Coimbatore, India and an MBA from New Port University in the USA. I am a Fellow of the Indian Society of Agricultural Chemists; Fellow of the Indian and International Society of Soil Science and Fellow of the Indian Society of Plantation Crops.

I have served as the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Director of Agricultural Extension Education in the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore and the Director of Research of the United Planters’ Association of Valparai, Anamallais in Coimbatore District.

I am the Founder President of the Indian Society for Certification of Organic Products (ISCOP) in 2003, accredited by the APEDA of the Government of India, which has a strong and vibrant team of senior scientists representing all gamut of Agriculture in ISCOP and a large number of operators in the country. ISCOP has certified systems of organic farming, organic inputs, production, processing and trade. I have considerable experience in organic farming and certification. ISCOP has certified organic inputs from Canada and the USA.

I had the privilege to have served as one of the members of the organizing committee for the first World Congress on Organic Certification held in Rome in 2005. I have attended the Organic Conferences organized by IFOAM - Organic International in Turkey, Italy, Seoul, Nuremberg and New Delhi.

I have firm faith in the important four cardinal principles of IFOAM - Organics International: Health, ecology, fairness and care.

I am a healthcare provider since I am a homoeopathist (closely related to the principles of organic agriculture) and an Advanced Pranic Healer and Counsellor of Human Welfare.

I am an Environmentalist and a Pollution-Control Consultant. We advocate for Agroecological Farming.

We are very fair in our certification programs and in dealing with consumers, taking care of the safety and healthy production of organic foods for the consumers and creating consumer awareness about the importance of organic food.

I am quite sure and definite and vouch that I will be able to contribute a lot to IFOAM - Organics International & Organic Agriculture if I am elected as a World Board Member."

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qywyhKHNv5Y

Current Positions:

• Director, Holmbeck EcoConsult, advising leaders in government, business and NGOs around the world on organic policy, market development and strategy

Highlights:

• Director of Organic Denmark for over 20 years, uniting organic farmers, food companies, food professionals and consumers. Lead role in policy for 60 % organic in all public kitchens and market partnerships making Denmark world leader in organic sales, with 30-50 % of the market for many basic foods
• A leading contributing author of seven organic action plans, including The Organic Action Plan for Denmark: Working together for more organics, recipient of silver Future Policy Award for sustainability from the UN (FAO, 2018), Future Policy Council, and IFOAM - Organics International
• Grand Prix winner, One World Award 2021, awarded by IFOAM - Organics International and Rapunzel

Interview Questionnaire:

The interview questionnaire can be viewed here.

Personal Statement

“The organic movement is creating solutions for sustainable farming and communities all over the world. One person, one farm, one community at a time. A unique movement where engaged people can work together for biodiversity, health, climate, fair trade, elimination of poverty, and a host of other sustainability goals—all at the same time. We have made great strides. But there is so much more to do. This is why I am seeking a seat on the IFOAM - Organics International World Board. 

After speaking with IFOAM members from around the world, I see two areas in particular where I will focus my efforts.

• Strengthen our members’ capacity to make change. With a focus on capacity building, training, and sharing best practice, IFOAM can empower our members to drive market development, political policy, education, agenda-setting communication, and membership efforts. I will bring a strong track record of market partnerships developing the world’s highest organic market shares, and concrete political results for organics at the local, national and international level. I also bring decades of hands-on experience with capacity building, project development, and fundraising in a transformative organic NGO, Organic Denmark, as well as experience advising IFOAM members on four continents in political advocacy, strategy, and market development.  

• Position organic farming and agroecology in the global sustainability agenda. IFOAM - Organics International must continue to rise to the heights of global debates, positioning organic farming and agroecology as a solution for climate, food security and biodiversity crises. To this effort I bring decades of results embedding organic farming and food as a central tool in national and international policy for climate, biodiversity, economic development and public procurement. And I bring international advocacy, debate and negotiating experience, going back to a leadership role in the successful campaign for a total EU ban on GMOs in organic production, and for making the first EU Organic Action Plan. 

I will also continue to fight for organic integrity, so we deliver more benefits for people and our planet—watchful of initiatives that undermine organic principles. I support and actively use our ambitious agenda, Organic 3.0. And despite decades of executive leadership, I enjoy a collaborative, supportive advisory role of board work. Drawing on over 20 years as member of the National Advisory Council on Organic Farming and Food (1995-2015), advising Denmark’s Minister for Food and Agriculture.

The work in our remarkably diverse World Board and membership requires a culture of respect and curiosity. To this work, I will bring experience in working with and uniting people across national, religious, racial, and ideological divides, respectfully finding common ground and fighting together for real change. I bring lessons from a decade of effective community organizing in low-income communities in the USA. And from decades of success in Denmark building alliances and drawing strong support to organic farmers and food from trade unions, NGOs for consumers, climate, nature and farming, and from 10 of 11 political parties in the Danish Parliament. Creating a supportive market and advocacy ecosystem allowing organics to thrive. 

Stepping down after 25 years of leadership in Organic Denmark, I will bring political, market, and organizational experience to the World Board, but I also look forward to tuning in closely to members’ needs. As we say in Denmark, “there is a reason why we have been given two ears and just one mouth.” 

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfggE2tehQ0