Close Collaboration Between TIPI and IFOAM Asia: A Step Forward in Organic Innovation at several events in September 2023

The Technology Innovation Platform of IFOAM - Organics International (TIPI) has been actively fostering a strong collaboration with IFOAM Asia, particularly since their participation in various activities, meetings, and multilateral negotiations at the IFOAM-Goesan International Organic Expo 2022. This collaboration was further strengthened in September 2023, when a TIPI delegation attended several organic events in China.

The delegation included Prof. Dr. Raymond Auerbach, TIPI President, South Africa; Dr. Mahesh Chander, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, India; Prof. Dr. Gerold Rahmann, Thünen Institute, Germany; Dr. MohammadReza Rezapanah, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO) and Centre of Excellence for Organic Agriculture & National Agricultural Water and Soil Research Center (CEOA&NAWSRC), Association of Iranian Plant Protection Scientific Societies (AIPPSS), Iran (TIPI Vice-president); Dr. Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center, USA.

These events served as a platform for discussing and reinforcing relationships among leaders in organic research, aiming to encourage collaboration that supports accelerated technology, innovation, and industry advancement. International guests were treated to excursions that provided insights into the organic supply chain in China, visits to successful organic farms, and opportunities to build relationships through various cultural activities, such as visiting the mountains bordering Mongolia and racing to the top of the sand dunes in the Ulan Buh Desert.

The TIPI delegation participated in four speaking engagements during their two-week journey through China, presenting the mission of TIPI and exploring the establishment of umbrella workshops to boost regional organic 3.0 initiatives in the near future.

Key events and activities:

Pre-conference Presentation by Dr. Amber Sciligo
Date: September 2, 2023
Venue: Department of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agriculture University, West Campus, Beijing
Topic: "Benefits of Organic and Importance of Communicating Organic Research Results to Consumers"
Audience: 40 students and faculty members
1st International Conference on Organic Agriculture in Deserts and Drylands:
Dates: September 4-6, 2023
Location: Bayannur, Inner Mongolia
Participants: Approximately 150 attendees from 12 countries
Co-hosts: IFOAM Asia, China Shengmu Organic Milk Limited
International Symposium on Organic Agriculture Innovation Research:
Date: September 9, 2023
Location: The Organic Recycling Research Institute of the China Agricultural University, Suzhou
Participants: 10 international and 40 national attendees
TIPI Council Meeting:
Date: September 10, 2023
Location: Xichong County (including virtual attendance by TIPI council members Hossein, Shaik Tanveer, and Helga Willer)
4th Xichong Asia Organic Industrial Innovation Summit:
Dates: September 11-13, 2023
Location: Xichong County, Sichuan Province
Participants: About 300 international and national attendees
Hosts: Mayor of Xichong County, co-organized by IFOAM Asia

The events highlighted the importance of nurturing the relationships built during these interactions and expanding the international network of organic scientists to collectively advance impactful research benefiting the global organic sector.

The TIPI delegation expressed deep gratitude to the event organizers and supporters, with special thanks to Hossein, Shaik Tanveer, a council member of TIPI and IFOAM Asia; Jennifer Chang, Executive Director of IFOAM Asia; and Feng Li, Director of the IFOAM Asia office in China, for facilitating such effective collaborations and discussions.

The collaboration between TIPI and IFOAM Asia marks a significant step forward in the field of organic innovation. The events in China not only fostered international relationships but also paved the way for future advancements in organic research and industry growth. The ongoing cooperation between these organizations promises to yield substantial benefits for the global organic community.

Author: Dr. MohammadReza Rezapanah

More information

Contact

MohammadReza Rezapanah, TIPI Vive president, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP)

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