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The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) announces new Executive Director |
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August 19, 2005
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) announces new Executive Director |
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Bonn, August 19th - The World Board of IFOAM is pleased to announce the appointment of Angela B. Caudle as Executive Director. Ms. Caudle will take over the position from Gerald A. Herrmann, the current IFOAM Executive Director and Vice President, to coincide with the 15th IFOAM Organic World Congress. |
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Ms. Caudle is the first woman to lead the organization since its
founding 33 years ago. She has been active in both the US and
international organic industry, furthering the scope and acceptance of
organics. Her practical experience includes living and working in
Europe, Asia, and Latin America. She has consistently focused on the
value of developing beneficial partnerships and new avenues for
organics while maintaining the core principles and values. Ms. Caudle
has previously managed US-based Quality Certification Services through
impressive growth and expansion and has served as its Director since
2002.
“Angela’s US experience, combined with her knowledge of four languages
and strong managerial skills, make her uniquely qualified to lead a
diverse organic world into a future full of opportunities,” offers
Gunnar Rundgren, IFOAM President.
Gerald A. Herrmann notes “serving as the Executive Director for this
past year has been both a challenge and a pleasure. One of my key
activities during this time was managing the search for a new Executive
Director, and I am satisfied that Ms. Caudle is the right person for
the job.”
At its July meeting in Bonn, Germany, the World Board unanimously
approved the appointment of Ms. Caudle. She will be based at the IFOAM
headquarters in Bonn, Germany as of September 15, 2005, and will be
attending the 15th IFOAM Organic World Congress and General Assembly in
Adelaide. She looks forward to interacting with many of the members and
supporting institutions, stating, “I strongly believe that an active
membership is the key to IFOAM’s success and I intend to ensure open
channels for discourse around the current and developing issues in
organics.”
Ms. Caudle recognizes the significance of strengthening international
partnerships for the continuous and robust growth of the organic
sector. “Increasingly, international networks, the United Nations and
intergovernmental agencies are recognizing the importance of organic
agriculture for achieving social and environmental sustainability. By
creating and expanding such institutional partnerships, IFOAM will be
in a position to further the development of organic agriculture
worldwide, particularly in developing countries.”
Currently, the North American market for organic products is the
world’s largest and growing fast. Ms. Caudle sees its increased
involvement in the global organic movement as a high priority.
“Clearly, a robust and united organic sector is a prerequisite to
achieve the mission of IFOAM. Just over 7% of IFOAM’s membership comes
from North America. Encouraging the participation of the North American
organic sector in IFOAM will significantly vitalize and empower the
movement as a whole.”
On research and communicating the benefits of organic agriculture, Ms.
Caudle asserts “study after study confirms the benefits of organic
farming for both people and the environment. Better coordination of
research and the effective dissemination of results to the consumer
will fill the knowledge gap and help organic to capture more mainstream
markets.”
More details can be found on IFOAM’s web page www.ifoam.org.
Further information can be requested from the IFOAM Head Office
(Charles-de-Gaulle-Str. 5, 53113 Bonn, Germany, phone +49-228-92650-10).
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IFOAM Press Release, responsible Gerald A. Herrmann
Contact: Neil Sorensen |
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