TOC's Director of Science Programs, Dr. Amber Sciligo, PhD, will lead ISOFAR workshop that explores organic research needs on a global scale

The 2022 IFOAM – Goesan International Organic Expo + Industry Fair will take place from September 30th to October 16th 2022 in Goesan, South Korea.  The International Society of Organic Farming Research (ISOFAR), as a global and independent network of Organic Farming scientists is organizing the scientific workshops at the IFOAM Organic conference - who is celebrating their 50th anniversary with the Expo – from October 1-3, 2022. 

The ISOFAR workshops will focus on scientific discussion for future needs to develop organic agriculture to be a global option to tackle future challenges in food production and consumption. Workshops will provide decision makers and scientists the opportunity to design healthy food systems with the support of scientific recommendations. Participating scientists will contribute to conceptional discussion of organic agriculture of the future: environmentally sound, efficient and enough, healthy and affordable food for everyone on the earth. The results of the workshops will be peer-reviewed and published in the journal Organic Agriculture after the event.

Dr. Sciligo's workshop will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss how organic research can help the industry overcome challenges at a global scale. Despite the increase in demand, the organic system continues to face a variety of challenges that constrain its growth. To meet goals to improve organic yields, research addressing climate change mitigation as well as adaption to climate change is critical. The development of equitable, accessible agricultural technology developed with organic needs in mind will also be key to tackling challenges association with weeds, pests, soil fertility and water management, as well as delivering food from the farm to the table. While many organic research gaps have been identified, a collective mapping of the greatest needs from around the world will identify the research most critical for organic to fulfill its potential.