We represent local farmers to protect ourselves from corporate food and unsustainable development
The Inter-Continental Network of Organic Farmer Organisations connects farmer groups to global platforms, ensuring the needs and rights of local farmers are guaranteed and protected. We take the skills, knowledge and networks of farmers in different countries to coordinate strategies that ensure food security for current and future generations. Efforts by Organic Farmers Organisations to set up their own professional union have taken root over many years, as seen in successive INOFO general assemblies : Italy 2008, Korea 2011, Istanbul 2014 & Delhi 2017. We now have our autonomous, self-organised infrastructure within which we consult and cooperate on matters of common concern and can speak in any forum with a legitimate voice.
Organising For Farmers
INOFO’s initial objectives were limited to setting up an effective infrastructure of delegates and conveners who are mandated from the grassroots upwards, by which organic farmer organisations keep in touch with each other at all levels, via the Convener’s Council, at an intercontinental level. This minimal infrastructure belongs specifically and exclusively to organic farmer organisations.
Every 3 years, local and national organisations send delegates to the INOFO General Assembly (GA), which is held in a different location each time. Here, the GA sets the organisational and thematic agenda for the next term. From there, we elect new conveners who administer the intercontinental network, and set priorities for the future of the organisation.
Our Board
Shamika Mone – President
Shamika Mone is a researcher turned organic farmer and entrepreneur originally from Maharashtra. She does organic farming on 4 Acres leased farm land where she grows traditional rice varieties and vegetables.
Stephen Hazelman – Global Secretary
Stephen Hazelman Is currently the Organic Systems Extension Officer for the Pacific Organic & Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) housed at the Pacific Community in Suva Fiji and he has been associated with POETCom since its founding.
Thales Mendonça – Global Relationship Manager
Thales Mendonça is a technical consultant in agroforestry production, mushroom cultivation in logs, processing and commercialization, and topics related to organic agriculture.
Hans Bartelme – Global Treasurer
Hans Bartelme, is a Biodynamic family farmer from Rheinau, Germany who manages a mixed farm of 50 Ha, 2,500 laying hens, 16 fattening pigs and own Pasta Production with direct marketing from weekly markets and farm store.
Daniel Wanjama – Vice President
Daniel Wanjama grew up in rural Kenya with his family practising subsistence farming. He noted the increased use of hybrid seeds, fertilizers and pesticides were neither improving farmers’ income nor enabling small-scale farmers to feed themselves with safe and sufficient food.
Jennifer Taylor – Joint Secretary
Dr. Jennifer Taylor is the Vice President of IFOAM North America and an organic farmer in rural Georgia. She is an advocate for underserved small farm populations, indigenous farmers, black farmers, farmers of colour and their communities.
Contact Us
Connect with farmers in your own region and language via our OFO forums. Simply register an account with us and become a member to get access to discussions, Discord servers, and Telegram group chats with farmers in your neighbourhood!