About INOFO
The Inter-Continental Network of Organic Farmer Organisations
The Inter-Continental Network of Organic Farmer Organisations (INOFO) is a global nexus that connects farmer groups to international platforms. This organization's primary objective is to ensure that the needs and rights of local farmers are both acknowledged and safeguarded. Using the varied skills, knowledge, and networks of farmers across numerous countries, INOFO orchestrates strategies that ensure food security for both the present and future generations.
Evolution of the Organic Farmers Organisations
Over the years, Organic Farmers Organisations have made persistent efforts to establish their own professional union. This evolution is evident through the successive INOFO general assemblies that have taken place globally, starting with Italy in 2008, followed by Korea in 2011, Istanbul in 2014, Delhi in 2017 and most recently the 2024 Virtual Global GA.
Achieving Autonomy and Influence
Through these continuous endeavors, we have now succeeded in creating an autonomous, self-organised infrastructure. Within this framework, we carry out consultations and collaborations on issues of mutual interest. This autonomy has enabled us to represent ourselves in any forum with a legitimate voice, thereby elevating our influence and reach.
Our Board
The board of INOFO, the International Organic Farmers Organization, is an extraordinary assembly of passionate and dedicated individuals united in their commitment to champion the rights of organic farmers worldwide. Operating under the guidance and framework of the INOFO Council of Convenors, the Board plays a key role in aligning strategic actions and fostering collaboration across INOFO's diverse network of organic farmers. As an instrumental arm of the Council, the Board ensures that all initiatives and decisions uphold the collective vision and priorities established by the Council.
INOFO Council of Convenors
The INOFO Council of Convenors plays a pivotal role in the organization by electing office bearers, advising the Executive Committee, overseeing the implementation of General Assembly decisions, managing INOFO activities, shortlisting motions for the General Assembly, making decisions between assemblies, and approving new members.
Asia Convenors
Shamika Mone
South Asia Convenor
Shamika Mone, a prominent advocate for organic farming in India, represents the Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI). She promotes sustainable practices that protect biodiversity, support smallholder farmers, and empower rural women. Her efforts focus on farmer education, community-based farming, and fostering an inclusive agricultural system across Southern Asia to build resilient communities.
Virginia Nzareno
Eastern Asia Convenor
Virginia Nzareno, representing MASIPAG Philippines, is committed to promoting farmers' rights and sustainable, farmer-led agricultural development. Her work focuses on environmental sustainability, food sovereignty, seed preservation, organic practices, and empowering communities through participatory farming. As INOFO's Eastern Asia Convenor, Virginia leverages her grassroots advocacy experience to strengthen agricultural resilience and sustainability in the region.
Bibong Widyarti
South East Asia Convenor
Bibong Widyarti D., from Indonesia, is a dedicated leader in Southeast Asia’s organic farming movement. Through Rumah Organik, she advocates for agroecological practices that support environmental health and food security. As the Southeast Asia Convenor, Bibong focuses on strengthening farmer networks, fostering knowledge sharing, and promoting organic agriculture to empower farmers and safeguard natural resources.
Europe Convenors
Clara Behr
Europe Convenor
Clara Behr, head of Policy and Public Relations at the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International in Germany, is a prominent advocate for biodynamic agriculture. With expertise in ecological farming, she promotes organic practices and advances policies supporting farmers and biodiversity. As the Central Europe Convenor, Clara aims to unite farmers around sustainable practices and highlight organic agriculture's role in combating climate change and preserving natural resources.
Emilio Buonomo
Europe Convenor
Emilio Buonomo represents Bio-Distretto Cilento, a leading organization in Italy promoting organic farming and rural development. A committed advocate for sustainable food systems, he focuses on local food networks and community-driven initiatives to support farmers’ livelihoods. As the Southern Europe Convenor, Emilio will use his expertise to strengthen organic farming networks, advance agroecology, and champion food sovereignty in the region.
Aina Calafat
Europe Convenor
Aina Rogers, with the Sociedad Española de Agricultura Ecológica y Agroecología (SEAE) in Spain, brings extensive expertise in organic farming and agroecology. A passionate advocate for sustainable farming, she focuses on practices that enhance resilience, food security, and social equity. As the Southwestern Europe Convenor, Aina will foster collaboration among organic farmers, promote fair trade, and support the transition to sustainable agriculture in the region.
Africa Convenors
Wanjama Daniel
East Africa Convenor
Daniel Wanjama, representing Seed Savers Network Kenya, is a dedicated advocate for seed sovereignty and food security in Eastern Africa. He has spearheaded efforts to preserve indigenous seed varieties and empower farmers to sustain their own seed systems. With a strong focus on biodiversity and sustainability, Daniel ensures smallholder farmers access locally adapted, organic seeds. As Eastern Africa's representative on the INOFO Global Council, he brings his expertise and commitment to protecting farmers' rights and promoting resilient agricultural practices.
Raoudath Bouaima
West Africa Convenor
Raoudath Bouraima, from Benin, is a prominent advocate for sustainable agriculture and organic farming in Western Africa. Through Les Jardins de l’Espoir, she has advanced community-driven organic systems focused on resilience and food security. A strong proponent of women’s involvement in agriculture, Raoudath champions initiatives that empower rural communities and protect the environment. As Western Africa's representative, she strives to amplify farmers' voices and promote organic agriculture across the region.
Charles Mubanga
Southern Africa Convenor
Charles K. Mubanga, representing the Mpongwe Bulima Cooperative in Zambia, is a committed advocate for sustainable farming and cooperative development. With extensive experience, he drives change by improving livelihoods and promoting ecological practices. As the Southern Africa Convenor, Charles will focus on strengthening cooperative systems and amplifying smallholder farmers’ voices in policy-making.
Latin America Convenors
Alfredo Añasco
Latin America Convenor
Alfredo Añasco, from Colombia's Red de Mercados Agroecológicos Campesinos del Valle del Cauca, is a dedicated advocate for agroecological markets and cooperative farming. He works to improve market access for small farmers and promote fair trade practices that uplift local communities. As a Latin America representative, Alfredo brings his expertise in cooperative development to INOFO, aiming to strengthen connections and advance sustainable food systems across the region.
Julitza M Nieves
Central America and Caribbean Convenor
Julitza M. Nieves, representing the Alianza por la Agricultura in Puerto Rico, is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean. She champions community empowerment, food sovereignty, and climate resilience through initiatives supporting local food systems and organic farming. As the Central America & Caribbean Convenor, Julitza will empower smallholder farmers, promote agroecological practices, and foster regional collaboration to share knowledge and resources.
Thales Mendonça
South America Convenor
Thales B. Mendonça, a member of the Associação para o Desenvolvimento da Agroecologia (AOPA) in Brazil, is a dedicated leader in agroecology. Passionate about empowering rural communities and protecting the environment, he focuses on sustainable farming practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, and food security. As Latin America's representative, Thales aims to strengthen organic farmer networks and advocate for policies that support smallholder farmers and promote organic agriculture.
North America Convenors
Jennifer Taylor
United States of America
Dr. Jennifer Taylor, an associate professor at Florida A&M University, specializes in sustainable agriculture and small farm programs. She chairs the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board Material Committee and serves on multiple advisory boards, including the Cornucopia Institute and USFSA. Through her work, she provides education and technical support for organic and sustainable farming systems.
Oceania Pasifika Convenors
Jama’l Talagi
Niue- Pacifika Convenor
Jama’l Talagi, a leading member of the Niue Organic Farmers Association, is a pioneering advocate for organic agriculture in Niue. She promotes sustainable farming practices that integrate traditional knowledge and protect the island’s biodiversity. Through education and capacity-building, Jama’l empowers local farmers and strengthens organic farming in Niue. As a convenor, she will amplify Niuean farmers’ voices, advocate for organic-friendly policies, and foster regional collaboration across Oceania Pasifika.
Floris Niu
Samoa- Pacifika Convener
Floris Niu, founder of Ms. Sunshine Organic Farms in Samoa, is a dedicated advocate for organic farming and agroecology. Her work focuses on sustainable land management, climate resilience, and promoting organic produce locally and internationally. Committed to preserving Samoan agricultural traditions while embracing innovation, Floris aims, as a convenor, to strengthen organic farmer networks across Samoa and the Pacific, foster knowledge exchange, and advocate for supportive agricultural policies.
Elizabeth Pickering
Fiji/ Australia Convenor
Elizabeth Pickering, founder of Marama Vanilla Fiji, is a champion of sustainable vanilla farming and women’s empowerment in agriculture. Based in Fiji and Australia, she advocates for organic practices, fair trade, and community development. Through training and support, Elizabeth has enhanced women farmers' skills and economic opportunities. As a convenor, she will use her expertise to support organic farmers and strengthen networks across Oceania Pasifika.
INOFO Global Secretariat
The Intercontinental Network of Organic Farmer Organizations (INOFO) Global Secretariat serves as the operational hub for INOFO’s activities worldwide. Working under the guidance and supervision of the INOFO Global Council of Convenors, the Secretariat is tasked with implementing the Council’s decisions and strategic direction to support organic farmer organizations globally. The INOFO Global Secretariat ensures seamless communication and collaboration among regional convenors, farmer organizations, and other stakeholders. Guided by the INOFO Global Council of Convenors, the Secretariat translates the Council’s strategic vision into action
Meet The Team
Julie N. Matovu
