Business and biodiversity :: Organic agriculture

There is growing worldwide realization that biodiversity is fundamental to agricultural production and food security, as well as a valuable ingredient of environmental conservation. Yet, predominant patterns of agricultural growth have eroded biodiversity in agroecosystems including plant genetic resources, livestock, insects, and soil organisms. This erosion has caused economic losses, jeopardizing productivity and food security, and leading to broader social costs. Equally alarming is the loss of biodiversity in natural habitats from the expansion of agricultural production to frontier areas.
The conflicts between agriculture and biodiversity are by no means inevitable. With sustainable farming practices and changes in agricultural policies and institutions, they can be overcome. Historical evidence and current observations show that biodiversity maintenance must be integrated with agricultural practices a strategy that can have multiple ecological and socioeconomic benefits, particularly to ensure food security. Practices that conserve and enhance agrobiodiversity are necessary at all levels. The sustainable use of rich biological resources is critical for food production, health, and life-support systems.

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Additional information on biodiversity resources and the role of the national institutions for their management and conservation could be found at BIODIVERSITY IN BULGARIA.

Balkan Biocert

“Balkan Biocert" has been a product of international partnership aimed at answering the need of the Bulgarian organic operators. The project partners FiBL (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Switzerlans), IMO (Institute for Market Ecology, Switzerland) and Bioselena (Foundation for Organic Agriculture, Bulgaria) will provide technical guidance to "Balkan Biocert“ thus ensuring the credibility and the national and international recognition of the new company. The aim is that by the end of 2007 "Balkan Biocert“ as a limited liability company is a financially independent certification agency which certificates are accepted and recognised on the international and national markets.

Web: www.balkanbiocert.com/index.htm

Bio-Bulgaria Cooperative

Bio-Bulgaria C ooperative was founded in 1999 by farmers wishing to work according to the principles of organic fanning, applying them to their family-based, small and medium farms. In April 2001, it was registered as a legal entity with 21 members. Today Bio-Bulgaria have 35 members (and 9 applicants), mainly based in the Central Balkan region of Bulgaria.

Web: www.biobulgaria.com

Organic Agriculture Foundation BIOSELENA

Organic Agriculture Foundation BIOSELENA was established in 1998 with the aim of dissemination and development of organic and sustainable agriculture and preservation of the agro-biodiversity.

Web: www.bioselena.com

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)

IFOAM is a federation of member organizations. Its goal is the worldwide adoption of ecologically, socially and economically sound systems that are based on the principles of Organic Agriculture.

IFOAM provides a market guarantee for integrity of organic claims. The Organic Guarantee System (OGS) unites the organic world through a common system of standards, verification, and market identity. It fosters equivalence among participating IFOAM accredited certifiers, paving the way for more orderly and reliable trade whilst acknowledging consumer trust in the organic brand.

Web: www.ifoam.org

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