The 3rd International conference will focus on organic farming and the benefits it provides to the region of Central/Eastern European and Central Asian countries, and its interactions with rural development, nature conservation, ecotourism and biodiversity. 

Why this conference?
In the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus agriculture plays an important role. Most of the inhabitants live in rural areas. Huge farms contrast with small scale subsistence farming. Some of the best soils worldwide are located in the region, but also areas of heavily degraded agricultural land. The countries have to cope with effects of intensive use of agrochemicals, soil salinity, desertification and water scarcity.

The aim of the conference series which started in Ukraine in 2008 with focus on organic policy and action plans, proceeded in Georgia in 2009 with emphasis on organic production and which will continue in Kazakhstan in 2010, is to further the development of the organic sector in the region.

It is organic agriculture that offers the most sustainable solution for developing the agricultural sector and provides food security with least negative impacts on the environment. Organic farming offers solutions for sound rural development. It provides healthy food, maintains and creates jobs. High quality organic foods are market openers for both national and international markets. This is especially viable for rural areas disadvantaged by policy, technology and globalisation.

The conference 2010 moves into a field in which organic is emerging as a solution. It will present practical and scientific knowledge and discuss interrelations between agro-ecosystems, biodiversity, food security and rural development in order to pave the ground for developing the organic sector further and to inspire decision makers, farmers and specialists with innovative ideas and solutions for sustain-able agriculture.

Conference objectives:
-    Presenting practical and scientific knowledge
-    Exchange of experiences among stakeholders
-    Broadening participants’ understanding of interrelations of organic agriculture and nature conservation, biodiversity, rural development and eco-tourism
-    Promoting the importance of intact agro-ecosystems

Conference outcomes:
-    Furthering organic production and development of the organic sector
-    Contribution to sustainable development in the region
-    Enhancing livelihoods of farmers and rural communities
-    Spreading knowledge about organic agricultural practices

Target groups:
International stakeholders in particular from Central and Eastern European, and Asian countries:
-    environmental and rural development NGOs, university members, regional and national government officials, farmers’ and consumers associations
-    Organic experts like certifiers, consultants, market experts
-    (Organic) farmers, processors and traders
-    Other parties with interest in the topics of the conference

Programme topics:
- How can organic agriculture and nature conservation goals complement each other?
- How can biodiversity be used sustainably within organic systems?
- What does organic farming contribute to rural development?
- What means ecotourism and how does organic agriculture support it?

The conference will be held in English and Russian language with simultaneous translation. National and international speakers, public and private, are invited to present their perspectives and experiences during the two days conference with plenary and parallel sessions.

Following the conference, participants are invited to join a two days excursion.

Organizers of the conference are:
- Foundation for Integration of Ecological Culture (FIEC) - Kazakhstan
- Agro Eco - Louis Bolk Institute - The Netherlands
- Organic Federation of Ukraine - Ukraine
- Organic Services GmbH - Germany.

The conference is supported by the European Commission and IFOAM.

For further information, please contact

Susanne Krause
Phone: +49 89 820759 05
Email: s.krause@organic-services.com
http://www.conference.organiccenter.kz