Work Areas

 

Our Platform gets its most substantive work done through Working Groups

2026 Work Projects include:

• Updating the IFOAM position on breeding and genetic resources – combining previous IFOAM positions, on seeds, GMOs, and breeding techniques; deepening norms for organic breeding (scope may expand scope beyond the plant kingdom);
• Ongoing advocacy to governments, and shared talking points on genetic engineering and farmers’ rights so that farmers, farmers organizations and other like-minded parties can advocate for themselves in their jurisdictions
• Building our multistakeholder Directory to enable the growth and coordination of the network, supported by proactive outreach and connecting participants and curated news feeds;
• Mapping genetic resources and stewardship initiatives through an open-source online data platform, striving to leverage and optimize interoperationality among existing data sources;
• Private-sector campaign highlighting case examples of the benefits of seed-based regional/local food systems and value-chain interdependence;
• Facilitating aligned research on key crops.

 

2025 Working Groups:

• Intellectual Property & Breeders/Farmers’ Rights – Policy and advocacy to protect farmers rights to save and trade seed; viable economies for breeders, entrepreneurs, and seed companies
• Controlling Genetic Engineering – Policy advocacy, messaging, risk assessment, and training to minimize negative impacts of genetic engineering on biodiversity and genetic resources

• Developing a Global Research Agenda – Addressing common global challenges; developing and sharing solutions; succession planning for the next generations of seeds and people

• Deepening Organic Breeding Standards/Guidelines – Defining and improving practices; global guidelines, local/regional contexts

• Trading & Markets – Value chain integration and interdependence; digital platforms; consumer campaigns

 

In addition to global working groups, the Seeds Platform helps develop and facilitate national working groups.

Interested in joining one of our working groups or forming a national one? Contact us! seeds@ifoam.bio