Save the date: The next General Assembly of the IFOAM Seeds Platform will take place virtually worldwide on Wednesday 14 December 2022
Needed: greater diversity and larger supply of high-quality, regionally adapted planting materials for organic producers all over the globe.
Building these genetic resources and assuring their survival is an existential imperative for the organic sector.
It will take all of us to be successful, the whole organic value chain and food system working together.
Our Objectives:
-
Increase the use of organically multiplied seeds in organic farming globally
-
Select breeding practices for organic agriculture that have environmental and societal benefit
-
Widen options, revitalize breeding methods underutilized in conventional agriculture
-
Assure access, create a model for intellectual property rights in organic agriculture
-
Safeguard integrity of plant varieties against genetic contamination (GMOs, NGTs)
Our Network
The Seeds Platform is evolving and inclusive. We blend experience and wisdom with new ideas. We encourage young leaders to step forward!
Formally approved as a Self-organized Structure of IFOAM – Organics International on June 1st 2015, the Seeds Platform is governed by an established set of official procedures. Its Steering Committee is actively seeking new members, and currently includes:
Riccardo Bocci – Rete Semi Rurali
Véronique Chable - INRAE
Lim Li Ching – Third World Nertwork
Bernd Horneburg – University of Kassel
Monika Messmer - FiBL
Gebhard Rossmanith – Bingenheimer Saatgut
Michael Sligh – RAFI-USA
Join the platform – please use the Sign-Up Form below. Tell your friends and colleagues.
For more information and to join our mailing list, contact
David Gould, Secretary - info@seeds.ifoam.bio
Internships
There are a number of institutions willing to host internships in organic plant breeding, organic seed production, and agrobiodiversity, as well as a roster of mentors for new seed breeders and entrepeneurs. Download the list of institutions here. This list is growing. Please check with us for updates and to share your interest and inquiries.
Recent Activity
- IFOAM Seeds Platform’s response and instructions regarding the recent EU Commission consultation survey on new genomic techniques (NGTS) – July 2022
- OWC Preconference Seed Ambassadors, Rennes, 7th September 2021:
Next Steps to strengthen international seed network and engage with other seed ambassadors
Key References