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Inspire, Interact, Innovate

Korea

Phillipines

Mexico

India

The Netherlands

Switzerland Thailand

India/ Sri Lanka

BuildingBridges& Taking Action

T he organic pioneers of the early 20th century were instrumental in shaping the Organic Movement, as we know it today. They contributed to the preservation of traditional farming practices which otherwise would have been lost in the rollout of the “Green Revolution”. Undeterred by the often-convincing arguments in favor of chemical-based farming, they remained true to their beliefs in sustainable agriculture and sought new ways of optimizing it.

Now, the world is facing new challenges and a new generation of leaders is needed.

But how can potential leaders acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to secure the future of the organic sector?

Established in 2012, the IFOAM Academy provides training specific to the complexities and intricacies of working in organics. Its Organic Leadership course (OLC) is tailored to the needs of those aspiring to a career in the organic world. Both present and future leaders come together to learn, share experiences, develop innovative strategies, and build like-minded networks.

Are you ready for the leadership challenge?

Our trainers follow a holistic and participatory approach based on theory, action, and reflection. Through tuition, group work, and shared input you will acquire: • Knowledge: theory, facts and figures on Organic

Agriculture. • Expertise: sound, practical insight on leadership

and management competencies. • Know-how: think, act and speak like a leader!

• Management theories and leadership skills. • Advocacy and policy-making.

• Organic Agriculture production.

• Processing, trade and consumption.

• Organic Guarantee Systems (OGS).

The OLC entails a kick-off and closing residential session as well as monthly webinars and assignments where you:

• Actively engage in all residential training sessions.

• Attend monthly webinars consisting of lectures and discussions with subject experts.

• Conceive and create your own personal development plan to lead the organic sector in your region, organization or enterprise with guidance from the lead trainer and peer feedback.

• Perform a public appearance e.g. as a conference speaker or in an interview for the mass media.

In total, the course offers 150 hours of intensive training, 16 days in person in a class of 20-25 participants, and 10 half-day webinars in the same group. Upon successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

You will

learn about

Your Commitment

Whether you are already working in the organic sector or interested in moving in to it, the Organic Leadership Course will prepare you for the tasks that lie ahead and empower you in pushing the world towards true sustainability.

“The greatest benefit of enrolling

in the IFOAM Academy’s Leadership

Course is the network that you will

be connected to - not only during

the training, but for the rest of your

career in the organic world. This

growing group of peers are already

making an impact on the world

of Organic Agriculture, and you

can proudly be part!”

– Konrad Hauptfleisch, IFOAM Academy Manager

You will meet participants from a diversity of backgrounds including:

• Farmers’ organizations or national organic movements.

• Organic producers, processors, traders or retailers.

• Organic certification bodies.

• Consumers’ organizations.

• Organizations campaigning for sustainable rural development.

• Research, extension, education or rural development institutions.

• Government institutions (e.g. ministries of agriculture, development or environment).

• Development agencies.

Upon completion of the course you will be able to:

• Analyze situations holistically and draw conclusions in line with the principles of Organic Agriculture.

• Design strategies and lead both people and organizations in an effective and ethical way.

• Develop organizations and manage projects - this includes planning, fundraising, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

• Build relationships, networks, and cross-sector alliances.

• Master convincing communication inside and outside of your workplace and influence organic advocacy targets.

• Make your value chains more sustainable and competitive.

• Use services from the organic sector, including the IFOAM Organic Guarantee System to develop the organic movement.

• Access research, advise and train.

Building Bridges Taking Action

The IFOAM Academy provides a unique global learning experience. To date we have welcomed participants from all continents to courses in India, Korea, Mexico, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Netherlands, and the Philippines.

Tuition The tuition fee includes training, teaching materials, excursions, board, lodging and internet access (during the residential training), access to the e-learning software; certification and access to the alumni network. It excludes travels to the residential training, participants’ equipment and pocket money. IFOAM may assist candidates in obtaining scholarships.

– Konrad Hauptfleisch, IFOAM Academy Manager

Konrad Hauptfleisch IFOAM’s Academy Manager

| academy@ifoam.bio | www.ifoam.bio/academy |

What participants have to say:

“The Organic Leadership Course inspired me and will guide me in the future. As a young entrepreneur, I am looking forward to putting my newly acquired knowledge and skills in to practice and building a solid, sustainable organic business.”

“I have been involved with R&D activities on organic farming for more than 15 years, yet I have greatly benefited in my work by joining OLC.”

“I have learned a lot about the diversity of the organic sector and strongly reco-mmend the OLC to others working in both academia and the business sector.”

“One of the key things I took from this course was the opportunity to lift my head from my daily work and get a truly international perspective on organic.”

Dr. Mahesh ChanderIndia

Sadereddine BejiTunisia

Kristin Cooper Sweden

Lu BaiChina

Established in 2012 the IFOAM Academy has provided training to scientists, researchers,certifiers, auditors, producers and traders from around the world.

For more details on the IFOAM Academy and information on how to apply for an Organic Leadership Course, please visit: www.ifoam.bio/academy

@IFOAMorganic

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