IFOAM – Organics International: statistical analysis of organic standards, certification, the organic market and policy

Abstract

This article examines the role of IFOAM – Organics International in the global organic agriculture system, its approaches to organic standards and certification mechanisms, the global organic market, and public policy. The study draws on statistical data published in 2026 by IFOAM – Organics International and FiBL, as well as materials related to the IFOAM Organic Guarantee System (OGS), the IFOAM Family of Standards, COROS, accreditation, and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS). According to the data for the end of 2024, the global area of organically managed agricultural land reached 98.9 million hectares, the number of organic producers amounted to 4.8 million, and retail sales of organic food and beverages totalled EUR 145.0 billion. These figures indicate that the organic sector has evolved beyond an environmental movement into an economic system closely interconnected with international trade, certification, investment, and public policy. The article also discusses the practical significance of IFOAM mechanisms for small-scale producers, exporters, and developing countries.