Motion 8 – Organic Scientific Expert Panel
⚑ SIMPLE MAJORITY — no statutes change required at this stage, as the World Board may establish advisory committees under § 8 of the current statutes

Motion text.

The General Assembly of IFOAM – Organics International directs the World Board to establish an Organic Scientific Expert Panel. The purpose of the Panel is to advise and support the World Board, the Council, and the organisation as a whole with independent scientific knowledge and expertise relevant to organic agriculture, food systems, and related natural, formal, social, and applied sciences. The Panel shall provide scientific grounding for IFOAM’s advocacy positions and content work. The World Board shall define the Panel’s composition, mandate, and working procedures within six months of adoption of this motion and shall report to the next regular General Assembly. The Panel will be appointed by the World Board. This motion should be implemented within the term of the next World Board.

Rationale:

IFOAM plays a leading global role in advocating for science-based recognition of organic agriculture. A dedicated Expert Panel, independent of any specific Thematic Group or Regional Body, strengthens the credibility of IFOAM’s policy positions by ensuring they are grounded in current scientific evidence. The Panel complements rather than replaces the Thematic Groups by providing a dedicated, independent scientific interface to the World Board and Council.