1st Organic World Café of the IFOAM Organic Trade Forum (OTF)
	February 24, 2005 1st Organic World Café of the IFOAM Organic Trade Forum (OTF)
	Nuremberg, February 24th - Organic company leaders met at the first ‘Organic World Café’ in Nuremberg 23 February 2005 – in a new communication arena for the world community of organic business. They shared experiences and developed creative new initiatives on organic growth all over the world. The meeting took place at the eve of BioFach, the world’s leading organic food fair with above 2,000 exhibitors and 30,000 business visitors.
	The Organic Trade Forum is an interest group of traders and processors, who recently formed an IFOAM body to express their views, develop strategies and lobby for the interests along the supply chain of organic products. “We look forward to strengthening the great work of IFOAM by partnering and collaborating with the organic business community through the Organic World Café”, said Maria Gardfjell, OTF chairperson. Keynote speakers were OTF Board members embarking on some of the key topics discussed in the organic business world: Mukesh Varma, India                Opportunities for Small scale Farmers Mark Retzloff, USA, Market trends in the US Organic Industry Carol Haest, Belgium, Success in Organics needs conviction and skills Maria Gardfjell, Sweden, Code of ethics for Organic Trade The discussions of more than 80 business people from the organic world were facilitated by Conrad Thimm, OTF Board member from Germany. It became clear that funding and participation in effective trade communication forums are essential for the Organic Industry and the organic growth. New tools and ideas were discussed during the meeting and will be carried forward during BioFach at the IFOAM booth (hall 1, booth 338) in working groups and in a discussion of the Code of Ethics at the BioFach Congress on Saturday, 11 am at room Mailand. Renowned Swedish chef Sander Johansson presented organic delicacies and drinks from all over the world at the Organic Café, which were enjoyed with delight. More information: Maria Gardfjell, IFOAM Organic Trade Forum, +46 706421542  IFOAM Organic Trade initiatives are: ·   develop organic trade, ·   improve communication ·   encourage ethical business practices, ·   attract more member partners to IFOAM     by developing trade member benefits         within IFOAM and ·   establish a forum for further discussions. More details about the Organic Trade Forum (OTF) 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). IFOAM Press Release, responsible Bernward Geier
	© IFOAM - International Federation of Organic Agriculture