|
|
 |
Revision of the IFOAM Basic Standards (IBS) |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regular Revision of the IBS
The IFOAM Basic Standards (IBS) are seen as a work in progress
to contribute to the continued development and adoption of
organic practices throughout the world. So as to continuously improve
them, the IBS are subject to periodic revision. The SC undertakes
regular revisions of the IBS after approval of a revision plan by IFOAM's
World Board.
Draft revisions (normally two drafts) of the IFOAM Basic Standards
are circulated to the membership and other key stakeholders
for consideration and comment. The SC reviews the comments on a draft
and takes due consideration of the suggestions when preparing the
next draft. The final draft is circulated to the membership with a
two-month deadline for making motions for final changes. If motions are
received then
"contact groups," comprised of the Motion Maker, the Standards
Committee
and the Norms Management Committee, are employed with the aim to
resolve
the motion. If a resolution cannot be reached, the motions go out to
the membership for a vote. The final draft is amended accordingly and
sent for another vote by the membership. If the required number
of votes are not cast, then IFOAM's World Board makes the decision on
the motions and/or revision draft. After successfully concluding the
revision of the 2002 IBS in September 2005 now the 2005 IBS are in
force.
The Policy and Procedure for the Revision of the IFOAM Basic Standards (Policy 20) can be downloaded from the OGS-Policies Library.
New Work Items
Revisions of the IBS may also be initiated
by IFOAM members according to a Policy for New Work Items. The Policy for New Work Items (Policy 47) can be downloaded from the OGS-Policies Library.
Ultimately, the membership is asked to vote whether or not to
begin the requested revision. If the membership votes to commence with
the revision the process as described above will be applied.
Inputs in Organic Agriculture
Currently,
there are three positive lists of inputs that are allowed for use in
organic agriculture. Interested parties can request IFOAM to add
substances to these lists. The SC will assess if a requested input is
appropriate for organic agriculture. If the SC comes to a positive
conclusion the substance will be subjected to the normal revision
process of the IBS as outlined above. The respective policy for the
revision of the input lists (Policy 60) can be downloaded from
the OGS Policies Library.
For further information about past and ongoing evaluations of inputs please refer to the Standards Committee section of this website.
Revision of the 2002 IFOAM Basic Standards
The revision of the 2002 IFOAM Basic Standards was concluded
with decision of the IFOAM General Assembly in September 2005 to ratify
the World Board approval of the "Final Revision Draft of the IFOAM Basic
Standards (IBS), Version: 20th May 2005". The documents below, as
prepared during the revision of the 2002 IBS, give a practical example
of a regular standards revision process.
Ballot on the "Final Revision Draft of the IFOAM Basic Standards (IBS), Version: 20th
May 2005" Ballot Closed
Instructions for Vote on Final Revision Draft of the IBS, Version: 20th May 2005
Final Revision Draft of the IBS, Version: 20th May 2005
Overview of changes in The Final Revision Draft of the IBS, Version: 20th May 2005, resulting from motions
Ballot on the Motions on the Final Revision Draft of the 2002 IBS - Ballot Closed
Summary of Results of the Motions Ballot
Motions Ballot Paper and Voting Instructions
Motions on the Final Revision Draft
Final Draft of the 2002 IBS - Stakeholder Consultation Closed
Invitation to make motions on the Final Revision Draft of the IBS
Final Revision Draft of the IBS
SC commentary to comments on the 2nd Revision Draft of the IBS
Second Revision Draft of the 2002 IBS - Stakeholder Consultation Closed
2nd Revision Draft of the IBS (including SC commentary to comments and invitation to comment)
Summary of comments on 1st Revision Draft of the IBS
First Revision Draft of the 2002 IBS - Stakeholder Consultation Closed
First Revision Draft of the IBS and invitation to comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
