Markus Arbenz, IFOAM’s Executive Director, gave an exclusive interview for Planeta Organico during Green Rio, where he was a speaker:

Markus Arbenz - IFOAM’s Executive Director

Markus Arbenz – Our main message is “mainstreaming  Organic Agriculture as a means of implementation”. Our objective is to have Organic Agriculture mentioned in the Conference outcome document. With participations in countless events during these days we want to accelerate  the uptake of organic agriculture. This should happen through integrating organic approaches into policies and initiatives such as CAADP, CSA, Zero Net Land Degradation, Purchase for Progress, Zero Hunger Programs and global research programs.

Markus Arbenz – We dislike the idea of a centrally dictated one Green Economy. The Organic Movement never relied on single approaches and solutions based on reductionist analyses. By doing so we risk to create new power structures, which may be misused and we risk green-washing, which goes against the deeply needed improvement towards a healthier environment and society. There is not doubt, economy on all levels has to become greener and there is no alternative to sustainable production and consumption. The Organic Movement offers solutions in farming, processing, trade and consumption, which are based not only on natural and genetic diversity, but also on diversity of adaptations to local ecological, social and cultural conditions. So, in short, we object to the risky one Green Economy and advocate for  a diversity of Green Economies.

Markus Arbenz – The initiators of the Green Economy saw Organic Agriculture as a prototype for the Green Economy in the food sector. Shortsightedly,  this may be true, since we provide a lot of environmental and social benefits. But even Organic Agriculture is neither perfect and can be misused if we don’t address the whole system. We understand Organic as a farming system that is developing towards sustainability. We can regulate much of what happens with a single operator, but    sustainability and sustainable development depends also on how the elements work together. For example in 100% organically certified world it would be possible to produce soy in Brazil in big scale and use it as main ingredient of the diet for European Livestock. This is not sustainable, since this would not be an animal friendly way of feeding livestock, there would be a food competition for the local people, big quantities of fossil fuel would be needed for transport and the nutrient cycles couldn’t be closed. So, we have to think holistically to create sustainable systems.

Markus Arbenz – The Organic market, presently at 60 billion US$ will continue to  grow in almost all markets. More and more also in the emerging markets such as Brazil. This will develop a lot of power, since more people will be involved and be part of our vision. The challenge will be to keep organic to one movement in the diversity we need and like to see. It is of utmost importance that we stay credible, means we hold our promises and make sure that we protect ourselves from fraud and other criminal energy. Inside the movement, we have to continue our own development towards true sustainability.

Markus Arbenz – The initiators of this beautiful idea have our full support. It is a very organic idea, which seems very (if not too) visionary for many. It is the nature of organic people, that we have big ambitions, which may not always fully materialize. However, the impact of what we really achieve exceeds any other alternative farming system. Organic is globally known and positive to a vast majority of  people. IFOAM, as only organic umbrella through its member based legitimacy can truly represent the organic people including the consumers (in some countries more than 50% of people) and bring the message of an organic world cup into 120 countries. Precondition is of course that there is substance behind the idea, which convinces also very critical minds and media. Otherwise it will be quickly judged as “Greenwashing” and “cheap marketing trick” and hence counterproductive for the initiators and the organic movement. Since this initiative wants to trigger positive feelings throughout a very divers world, we need to be sensitive and take multicultural perspectives. IFOAM is happy to act as and advisor for inter-cultural interpretation.

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