Working Groups
⁃ Genetic engineering – Policy and advocacy to address impacts of genetic engineering on organic seeds, including currently widespread GMOs and of those from new genomic techniques (NGTs)
⁃ Farmers rights – Policy and advocacy to protect farmers rights to save and trade seed
⁃ Network building – Fostering networks to connect seed stewards, seed professionals, and seed advocates internationally
⁃ Market development – Supporting the economic success of organic seed businesses and the seed stakeholders they serve.
⁃ Learning and succession – Expanding access to seed knowledge, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Some Recent Activities…
- September 2024 – IFOAM Seeds Platform signs onto petition by Zambian farmers to defend seed sovereignty and oppose UPOV-related efforts to deprive farmers’ right to seed.
- January 2024 – IFOAM Seeds Platform comments to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed rule to deregulate 5 categories of genetic engineering (docket APHIS-2023-0022-0001)
- June 2023 – IFOAM Seeds Platform releases version 1 of the Global Safety & Risk Assessment Protocol for New Genomic Technologies
- July 2022 – IFOAM Seeds Platform’s response and instructions regarding the recent EU Commission consultation survey on new genomic techniques (NGTS)
- 7th September 2021 – OWC Preconference Seed Ambassadors, Rennes: Next Steps to strengthen international seed network and engage with other seed ambassadors