IFOAM EXTENSION

WHAT IS THAT

The IOAS (International Organic Accreditation Services) is an internationally applicable standard developed by IFOAM – Organics International, the world federation of organic organizations and movements.

The Standard is based on the IFOAM Principles of Organic Agriculture:

• Ecology
• Health
• Justice
• Treatment.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE IFOAM STANDARD

Organic agriculture consists of a global approach based on a set of processes resulting in:

• sustainable ecosystem
• safe food
• good nutrition
• animal welfare
• social justice

For this reason, organic production is more than a simple production system that includes or excludes certain production factors.

IFOAM – Organics International defines organic agriculture as “ a production system that supports the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It is based on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than on the use of production factors with harmful effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science for the benefit of the shared environment and in order to promote fair relationships and quality of life for all involved ”.

The IFOAM Standard covers the general organic management areas:

• plant production
• animal production (including beekeeping
• aquaculture
• spontaneous collection
• transformation and manipulation
• the labelling
• social justice

Furthermore, the IFOAM Standard includes a validation process for technical means for organic farming.
The IFOAM standard complements all other relevant legal requirements including European regulations and national standards for organic farming.

ADVANTAGES

The IFOAM Standard is designed to be used by companies that want to be certified according to an internationally recognized and respected standard, enhancing the commitment and consistency with the IFOAM principles of Organic Agriculture, respecting more stringent requirements than those of the law on:

• Biodiversity
• Animal Welfare
• Social Justice

On this last point, in addition to respect for labor standards and workers' rights, activities that make a positive social and cultural contribution beyond legal obligations are valued in contexts such as:

• Education and training
• Research and innovation
• Support to the wider community and to the local community
• Strengthening rural development

Fee information is available upon request.