The 20th IFOAM General Assembly in South Korea was held 3-5 October. Andre Leu was elected as the new President, and the two Vice Presidents are Gabriella Soto and Roberto Ugas.

Katherine di Matteo stepped down as the IFOAM President. Six of the incumbent World Board members stood for re-election, but it was only the two Vice Presidents André Leu and Roberto Ugas that made it to the new board, with an overwhelming support. This means that there are eight out of ten new Board members.

There were no decisions for any particular re-orientation of IFOAM in the General Assembly. Issues relating to Organic Guarantee System were not brought to the agenda by the Board. There was a member motion from France for limitations of growing greenhouse crops out of soil, which was amended in agreement with the World Board. The motion passed which means that IFOAM has to develop more detailed standards for greenhouse production.

The Assembly voted against proposals to introduce a gender quota in the board as well as a proposal to introduce staggered 6-years terms. A motion to increase the prominence of regional groups in IFOAM was approved. A decision was made to oppose “speculative” systems for carbon payments for agriculture.  Next IFOAM General Assembly will be held in 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Gunnar Rundgren

The General Assembly was held in Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea from October 3rd to October 5th, 2011. Read more on IFOAM's website.