The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) is a global organization at the forefront of promoting organic agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Every three years, IFOAM hosts its World Congress, a major event bringing together leaders, experts, and practitioners from across the organic and sustainability sectors. The 2024 IFOAM World Congress, held in Taiwan this past November, served as a critical platform for sharing innovations, fostering connections, and driving collaboration in the organic movement.
As new members of IFOAM, WWOOF – a global network dedicated to connecting visitors with organic farms to promote cultural exchange and sustainable living – represented by the Federation of WWOOF Organizations (FoWO) – participated in the event. FoWO’s involvement underscored its growing role within the international organic community and its commitment to advancing the principles of sustainable agriculture worldwide.
Representation Matters
Chemi Peña, Coordinator at WWOOF Spain and a Director within FoWO, had the honor of attending the 2024 IFOAM World Congress in Taiwan this past November. This event brought together global leaders, experts, and practitioners in the organic agriculture and sustainability sectors. Held every three years, this gathering serves as a pivotal moment for sharing innovations, forging connections, and driving collaborative efforts in the organic movement.
Peña’s participation marked a milestone for WWOOF and the Federation of WWOOF Organizations (FoWO), as it represented a growing recognition of the organization’s role within the global organic community. FoWO joined IFOAM in July 2024 with the intention of being more and more active in the organic movement worldwide.
Reflecting on the experience Peña shared, “It was a privilege and a fantastic experience to attend the IFOAM 2024 World Congress… diving directly into the very core of IFOAM’s operations.”
The congress offered a platform for WWOOF to build visibility, network with key stakeholders, and explore potential collaborations. Meaningful conversations with participants from over 100 countries brought WWOOF’s mission to the forefront.
“Some attendees expressed surprise, saying, ‘I knew about WWOOF, but it’s the first time I saw someone representing it,’” Peña recounted. This highlights the importance of having a physical presence at such events, moving beyond emails and online exchanges to foster genuine connections.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The event not only highlighted IFOAM’s extensive ecosystem of initiatives but also underscored the alignment between FoWO and IFOAM’s missions. Peña observed, “FoWO and IFOAM are complementary organizations where both can learn from and support each other at various levels.”
By networking with attendees from South America, Asia, Africa, and beyond, Peña introduced WWOOF to new audiences and shared contact information that could spark future collaborations. This outreach aligns with WWOOF’s commitment to fostering global connections in organic farming.
Looking Ahead
Peña’s attendance not only elevated WWOOF’s visibility but also opened new doors for partnerships and ensured the organization continues to play a vital role in the global push for sustainable, organic agriculture.
Be part of the global organic movement!
Whether you’re looking to volunteer, connect with organic farms, or support sustainable agriculture, WWOOF offers opportunities to make a difference. Visit wwoof.net to learn more and join the community today.
