Guidelines for public support to organic agriculture
These guidelines have been prepared by IFOAM-Organics International as part of the Global Policy Toolkit on Public Support to Organic Agriculture. It makes political sense to support organic agriculture, as it contributes in many ways to the welfare of society and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is also an infant economic sector with strong consumer demand and market potential. Recognizing this, governments in all parts of the world have initiated public policies and programs to support the organic sector. Such political support may be a result of different political strategies and goals, such as tapping into export markets, or addressing the issue of externalities in agriculture. Designing organic support policies that will most effectively address those political goals and be adapted to the situation of each country is a complex undertaking. These guidelines aim to assist policy makers and advocates in their choice of appropriate policy measures.