First of all we would like to congratulate you for the “Water and Food Security” draft.
IFOAM appreciates that the inputs and suggestions sent by us were taken into consideration. In fact, the draft includes data, scientific evidences and case studies on the water efficiency in organic farming systems (as for example Hepperly et al 2007, Pimentel et al 2005, Pelletier et al 2008, Scialabba and Muller-Lindenlauf 2010, Verbruggen et al 2010), as well as in other agroeological models (as for example Holt-Gimenez 2002 and Fraser et al 2011).
But we are surprised that the recommendations refer only on “Investing on Agroecology” without any mention on organic agriculture although the references cited. We suggest to change the subtitle to “Investing on agroecological models” and to include into the text also organic definition.
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. (IFOAM General Assembly 2008).
Kind regards,
Cristina Grandi
Chief Food Security Campaigner
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)Cristina Grandi