5th IFOAM International Conference on Trade in Organic Products The Future Agenda for Organic Trade 24 - 27 September 1997 Christ Church College, Oxford, United Kingdom
News: july 15 | IFOAM homepage Conferences |
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‘The Future Agenda for Organic Trade' - the 5th IFOAM Conference on International Trade in Organic Products, to be held in Oxford 24-27 September - will be the world's most important food trade conference in 1997. The conference - which marks the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements' 25th birthday and is sponsored by leading UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's and HIPP, The largest organic producer in the world - offers delegates international networking opportunities, the chance to get up-to-date on issues and trends, learn from industry leaders, participate in leading debates & influence world policy in this dynamic sector. There are enormous current and future opportunities and challenges in the organic sector for producers, food manufacturers, retailers, buyers and policy makers. The market for organic food is increasing by more than 21 % a year in the UK alone, and in countries such as Denmark and Austria sales of organic food are likely to overtake sales of conventional food within 10-15 years. In the UK 70 % of the organic food consumed is imported, and while the race is on to develop supply to meet demand, multinationals such as Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Heinz are actively marketing organic food products. Conference sessions include current markets and future trends, organic trade as the model for sustainable world trade, fair trade - integrating the social agenda, food quality and safety issues, making global organic standards work, and the role of governments in developing organic trade. Speakers include senior government ministers from key countries, leading NGOs, WTO and FAO senior representatives, leading organic food traders, key multinationals and food companies. The conference will also feature support from EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler and HRH Prince Charles. The conference, hosted by the UK Soil Association, will be held at the historic Christ Church College in Oxford, with accommodation available either onsite in historic student rooms, or at hotels nearby. To register your interest, and to receive a registration pack, contact: IFOAM Conference Co-ordinator Tanyia Maxted-Frost Mouse Lane, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3DG, England. Tel: (+44) 01903 812200. Fax: (+44) 01903 879052 E-mail: ifoamconf@naturalproducts.co.uk |