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Publications

Please find below a list of ITF Publications.

Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture
Volume 6
Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture.
1/1/2009. UNCTAD/ FAO/ IFOAM: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2009/1 Type: Book

This sixth and last volume in our publication series features the final results of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF). The ITF worked from 2003 to 2008 in search of solutions to trade barriers created by worldwide proliferation of organic standards and technical regulations. This volume summarizes both the work of the ITF and results achieved. Notable in this volume are a Summary Report, which comprehensively reviews the ITF’s work over six years, and two practical Tools, which were developed to improve the efficiency of trade flows through equivalence of organic standards and recognition of organic certification worldwide.

Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture
Volume 5
Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture.
7/1/2008. UNCTAD/ FAO/ IFOAM: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2008/3 Type: Book

This volume presents the discussion papers, draft tools and the Report from the Seventh Meeting of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF), held in Bali, Indonesia, in December 2007.

At this meeting, the participants considered three discussion papers:
- Potential Negative Effects of Equivalence Agreements
- Cooperation in Conformity Assessment for Certification Decisions and Import Approvals
- Overview of Group Certification

Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture
Volume 4
Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture.
6/13/2008. UNCTAD/ FAO/ IFOAM: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2007/14 Type: Book

This volume presents the discussion papers, Communiqué and Report of the Sixth ITF meeting in 2006, including international requirements for organic certification bodies, common objectives of organic standard systems, consumer issues and guidance to developing countries on best practices. Also included is the Report of an ITF workshop held specifically for experts involved in organic certification and accreditation, which was held on the occasion of the Sixth Meeting.

Strategy on Solutions for Harmonizing International Regulation of Organic Agriculture
Volume 3
Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture.
3/23/2007. UNCTAD/ FAO/ IFOAM: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2007/1 Type: Book

This is the third volume of background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF). Organized by FAO, IFOAM and UNCTAD, the ITF is seeking solutions to international trade challenges that have arisen as a result of the numerous public and private standards and regulations for organic products that now prevail worldwide.
This volume presents the four discussion papers and the Report of the Fifth ITF meeting, including experiences and situations in organic regulation, common regulatory objectives, requirements for certification bodies and cooperation between conformity assessment bodies.

Strategy on Solutions for Harmonizing International Regulation of Organic Agriculture
Volume 2
Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture.
11/1/2006. UNCTAD/ FAO/ IFOAM: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2005/15 Type: Book

This volume represents a further step in the development of proposals on harmonization of the regulation of production and trade in products from organic agriculture. It was commissioned by the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF), which was established by IFOAM, FAO and UNCTAD in February 2003. The main paper in this volume aims to summarise:
- the current situation
- the problems experienced, and
- the harmonization tools available

Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture Volume 1 Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture.
1/1/2004. Joy Michaud, Els Wynen and Diane Bowen: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2005/4 ISBN 3-934055-47-8 Type: Book

Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture, Volume 1, presents the first results of the International Task Force (ITF) on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture. This volume features the first four background papers that describe the current situation in organic regulation and trade, and offer some models that could apply to potential solutions. A Terms of Reference of the ITF and reports of the first two task force meetings are also included. Spanish translation of the executive summaries of the articles of Volume 1 appears at bottom of this web page

The Organic Guarantee System. The need and strategy for harmonisation and equivalence.
1/1/2003. Christina Westermayer and Bernward Geier: ISBN 3-934-055-23-0 Type: Book

The „Organic Guarantee System“ is a comprehensive publication for all stakeholders in the various fields connected with organic guarantee systems. Based on the Conference on International Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture held in 2002 by IFOAM, UNCTAD, and FAO, it includes contributions from the original Conference Reader as well as a considerable amount of new material from presentations made at the conference. The publication covers and reflects developments in the fields of Standards, Regulations, and Guidelines; Inspection, Certification and Accreditation; and Markets, Trade and Development.

Spanish version Spanish translation of the executive summaries of the articles of Volume 1

		Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture Volume 6 Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture. 1/1/2009. UNCTAD/ FAO/ IFOAM: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2009/1 Type: Book This sixth and last volume in our publication series features the final results of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF). The ITF worked from 2003 to 2008 in search of solutions to trade barriers created by worldwide proliferation of organic standards and technical regulations. This volume summarizes both the work of the ITF and results achieved. Notable in this volume are a Summary Report, which comprehensively reviews the ITF’s work over six years, and two practical Tools, which were developed to improve the efficiency of trade flows through equivalence of organic standards and recognition of organic certification worldwide.

		Strategy on Solutions for Harmonizing International Regulation of Organic Agriculture Volume 3 Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture. 3/23/2007. UNCTAD/ FAO/ IFOAM: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2007/1 Type: Book This is the third volume of background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF). Organized by FAO, IFOAM and UNCTAD, the ITF is seeking solutions to international trade challenges that have arisen as a result of the numerous public and private standards and regulations for organic products that now prevail worldwide. This volume presents the four discussion papers and the Report of the Fifth ITF meeting, including experiences and situations in organic regulation, common regulatory objectives, requirements for certification bodies and cooperation between conformity assessment bodies.

		Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture Volume 1 Background papers of the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture. 1/1/2004. Joy Michaud, Els Wynen and Diane Bowen: UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2005/4 ISBN 3-934055-47-8 Type: Book Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture, Volume 1, presents the first results of the International Task Force (ITF) on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture. This volume features the first four background papers that describe the current situation in organic regulation and trade, and offer some models that could apply to potential solutions. A Terms of Reference of the ITF and reports of the first two task force meetings are also included. Spanish translation of the executive summaries of the articles of Volume 1 appears at bottom of this web page

		The Organic Guarantee System. The need and strategy for harmonisation and equivalence. 1/1/2003. Christina Westermayer and Bernward Geier: ISBN 3-934-055-23-0 Type: Book The „Organic Guarantee System“ is a comprehensive publication for all stakeholders in the various fields connected with organic guarantee systems. Based on the Conference on International Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture held in 2002 by IFOAM, UNCTAD, and FAO, it includes contributions from the original Conference Reader as well as a considerable amount of new material from presentations made at the conference. The publication covers and reflects developments in the fields of Standards, Regulations, and Guidelines; Inspection, Certification and Accreditation; and Markets, Trade and Development.