Episode 30: IFOAM Organics International Karen Mapusua - How Can We Build An International Organic Agriculture Movement?

Karen Mapusua is the President of IFOAM Organics International. Founded in 1972, IFOAM Organics International is a membership-based organization working to bring true sustainability to agriculture across the globe. The mission of IFOAM Organics International is to lead change, organically. Its goal is the broad adoption of truly sustainable agriculture, value chains and consumption in line with the principles of organic agriculture. Through its work, it builds capacity to facilitate the transition of farmers to organic agriculture, raises awareness of the need for sustainable production and consumption, and advocates for a policy environment conducive to agro-ecological farming practices and sustainable development. It has over 700 members in over 100 countries. Karen Mapusua is President of IFOAM Organics International and is the Director of the Land Resources Division of the Pacific Community based in Fiji providing scientific and technical support in agricultural development, serving 22 Pacific Island states. She has a background in NGO capacity building and management and has worked in rural development in the Pacific islands region for close to 20 years with a focus on organic agriculture as a path to social and economic development. She co-founded the Pacific Organic & Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) and was extensively involved in developing the Pacific Organic Guarantee Scheme and developing alternative forms of certification that empower farmers. TOPICS EXPLORED 0:00 – 1:36 – Introduction 1:36 – 2:49 – What is the IFOAM Organics International and what type of work does it do? 2:49 – 4:42 – How did you become interested in sustainable food and agriculture? 4:42 – 6:31 – What inspired you to co-found the Pacific Organic & Ethical Trade Community and how did that lead you to the work you do today at IFOAM? 6:31 – 8:00 – Why is organic farming important for people and the environment? 8:00 – 9:41 – Can you tell me more about the IFOAM Regional bodies and the work that they do? 9:41 – 10:51 – Can you tell me more about the IFOAM Organic Ambassadors? 10:51 – 11:59 – What is the Organic Guarantee System and why is it important to clearly define what organic farming is and what it is not? 11:59 – 13:44 – What are some of the challenges related to transitioning to organic practices? 13:44 – 15:05 – What is organic group certification and how can it benefit farmers? 15:05 – 16:46 – What are some of the key outcomes of IFOAM Organics International’s work? 16:46 – 18:37 – What are some of the most inspiring examples of organic farms you have seen around the world? 18:37 – 21:41 – I read that one of Fiji’s islands went 100% organic – how did this come about and what are some of the key things that can be learned so other places can transition to 100% organic? 21:41 – 23:51 – What would you recommend to cities, regions, or countries that would like to set goals related to organic food and agriculture? 23:51 – 25:06 – What are your hopes for the future of the organic movement? 25:06 – 26:20 – Things to share and wrap up IFOAM ORGANICS INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION https://www.ifoam.bio/ RESOURCES Definition of Organic Agriculture: https://www.ifoam.bio/why-organic/organic-landmarks/definition-organic Global Organic Market Overview: https://www.ifoam.bio/global-organic-market-overview IFOAM Family of Standards 2025: https://www.ifoam.bio/ifoam-family-standards-2025 Elevating Truly Regenerative Agriculture – A Statement from the Organic Movement: https://www.ifoam.bio/elevating-truly-regenerative-agriculture-statement-organic The Role of Smallholders in Organic Agriculture: https://www.ifoam.bio/role-smallholders-organic-agriculture Smallholder Group Certification for Organic Production & Processing: https://www.ifoam.bio/smallholder-group-certification-organic-production How Governments Can Recognize and Support Participatory Guarantee Systems: https://www.ifoam.bio/how-governments-can-recognize-and-support-participatory FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet TAGS Food Environment Health Podcast Sustainability Agriculture Organic IFOAM IFOAM Organics International Regenerative Agriculture Regenerative Organic Agriculture Smallholder Farmers