Our Projects
Recent and Upcoming Events
The Veracity Lab Workshop
The Veracity Lab Workshop on “Digital Innovation Throughout the Organic System” successfully concluded on November 13, 2024, bringing together thought leaders and industry experts to discuss the transformative potential of digital solutions for the organic supply chain. Hosted by the AOI, the online workshop emphasized truth, trust, authenticity, and demonstrability in fostering a high-integrity organic future.
Facilitated by Prof. Markus Luczak-Roesch and Brendan Hoare, the event highlighted innovative approaches to enhancing transparency and accountability across every stage of the organic system—from viticulture and winemaking to international shipping and retail.
The findings from the workshop will be shared with a global audience at the Organic World Congress in Taiwan on November 30 and at Biofach in February 2025, further amplifying the conversation around global organic innovation. Additionally, an article has been published in The Organic Standard.
Keynote Speech at the 17th Organic Asia Congress, Handan City, China
Alliance President, Francis Blake, was invited to give the keynote speech at the 7th Organic Asia Congress, held in Handan City, China from 18th to 21st June. Held in conjunction with the IFOAM Organic Industry and Organic Product Market Development Conference and the 6th IFOAM-Organics Asia General Assembly, this gathering brought together over 100 delegates from 22 countries to discuss global organic trade, technological innovations, organic standards and low carbon development.
In his Keynote, entitled “Reaffirmation of Integrity in Organic Standards”, Francis gave his assessment of how current organic standards deliver on the principles of Health (about 8/10), Ecology (9/10), Fairness and Care (5/10 each), but also cautioned about using standards as the only tool for improving integrity – they must correspond with what is viable and achievable for farmers (and others in the supply chain).
Francis identified harmonisation between standards as an ongoing problem, which is now an issue for national and international regulations (whereas it was previously just between private standards). This negatively affects trade, partly because it adds cost and complexity, which in turn increases risks to integrity.
Finally he addressed the issue of policing the standards properly, which is more AOI’s area. Are inspectors and certifiers adequately trained, and do they have the necessary tools for the job (including a mandate to really investigate discrepancies, rather than just issue a non-compliance)? How do certifiers operate in other countries and are they overseen properly? Is there sufficient communication and cooperation between certifiers certifying different parts of the same supply chain? These are all problems identified by IOAS (the Alliance’s parent body) and which the Alliance is aiming to address.
News and Updates
The Alliance partners with the ACA, OTA and Parthavi Organic Vision
The Alliance for Organic Integrity is pleased to welcome the Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA) and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) as new Partners, united in our shared vision to strengthen and uphold the highest standards of organic integrity.
As leaders in the North American organic sector, both ACA and OTA bring their vast expertise to their Partnership with the Alliance, thus enhancing its mission to champion the development of robust organic systems that benefit producers, traders and consumers alike. Francis Blake, President of the Alliance for Organic Integrity:
We are delighted that ACA and OTA have agreed to join with the Alliance as Partners. We look forward to collaborating with them in protecting organic integrity which will ensure a more sustainable future for the organic market.
Scott Rice, Senior Director of the OTA stated:
With a mission to grow and protect organic, the Organic Trade Association is pleased to partner with the Alliance for Organic Integrity. OTA has long been a leader in organic integrity, spearheading reform efforts in the 2018 Farm Bill that authorized USDA’s Strengthening of Organic Enforcement. In representing members across the organic supply chain, we believe regulators, certifiers, inspectors, and organic businesses all have a shared role in protecting the integrity of the organic label and are proud to represent a label with unparalleled trust and authenticity. We look forward to continuing to facilitate this spirit of collaboration and integrity as an Alliance partner.
Representing Parthavi Organic Vision, Swati Sharma , shared her excitement for the partnership:
Driven by a shared vision to harmonize organic regulations and build capacity within the sector through targeted training programs, we, at Parthavi Organic Vision Pvt. Ltd., India, are pleased to announce our partnership with the Alliance for Organic Integrity. Together, we look forward to achieving our goals and advancing the integrity and sustainability of the global organic industry.”
About the ACA: The Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA) is a non-profit membership organization that represents accredited certification agencies worldwide, supporting high-quality organic certification through training, advocacy, and collaboration.
About the OTA: The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based organization in North America that grows and protects organic trade, advocating for policies that foster organic agriculture and advance the integrity of the organic industry.
About Parthavi Organic Vision Pvt. Ltd.:
Based in India, Parthavi Organic Vision Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to harmonizing organic regulations, building capacity in the organic sector, and fostering sustainability through targeted training programs. Its commitment aligns with the Alliance’s mission to advance global organic integrity.
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