Organic Exchange.org

Día Mundial del Comercio Justo.

2010-05-04T09:10:00Z

Convocatoria viernes 7 de mayo a las 12

en Libertad 948, CABA

Este día se celebra en más de 70 países con cientos de eventos para promover el Comercio Justo como una alternativa para combatir la pobreza y el cambio climático.

El Comercio Justo tiene en cuenta valores éticos y medioambientales frente a los criterios exclusivamente económicos del comercio tradicional. Uno de sus objetivos principales es que los trabajadores y productores más pobres obtengan un pago justo que les permita llevar una vida digna.

En Buenos Aires, celebraremos en la plaza Libertad y brindaremos información para generar conciencia acerca de la importancia del Comercio Justo y el Consumo Responsable.

En la Argentina existen organizaciones sin fines de lucro y cooperativas que aplican este tipo de comercio, que necesitan un consumidor responsable para sustentarse. El consumidor responsable es aquel que demanda y valora la calidad social y ética de los productos. Los consumidores podemos establecer relaciones comerciales más equitativas si valoramos no sólo el precio de los productos sino también las condiciones sociales y ecológicas en que se han elaborado.

Sobre la WFTO

La Organización Mundial de Comercio Justo (WFTO, sus siglas en inglés) es la representación internacional de más de 350 organizaciones comprometidas con el Comercio Justo, que congregan a 110 millones de campesinos, artesanos, vendedores y colaboradores voluntarios en todo el mundo.

Para mayor información visite www.wfto.com

¿Qué es el Comercio Justo?

El Comercio Justo es una relación de intercambio comercial que busca una mayor equidad y se basa en el diálogo, la transparencia y el respeto. Contribuye al desarrollo sostenible ofreciendo mejores condiciones comerciales y asegurando los derechos de los pequeños productores y trabajadores marginados.

Resalta la necesidad de un cambio en las reglas y prácticas del comercio convencional, dando prioridad a la gente.

El Movimiento de Comercio Justo comparte la visión de un mundo en el que la justicia y el desarrollo sostenible están en el corazón de las estructuras y prácticas del comercio. El comercio puede ser una herramienta fundamental para generar trabajo decente y condiciones de vida dignas, y lograr el desarrollo completo del potencial humano de los pequeños productores.

Convocatoria viernes 7 de mayo - 12 hs - Libertad 948, Buenos Aires.

Agradecemos su difusión.

Invitan:

Arte de Pueblos www.artedepueblos.org.ar

Arte y Esperanza www.arteyesperanza.com.ar

Cáritas Merlo merlomoreno@caritas.org.ar

El Andamio Social elandamiosocial@gmail.com

Fundación Silataj www.fundacionsilataj.org.ar

Fundación Niwok www.artedepueblos.org.ar/niwok

Mercado de la Estepa www.mercadodelaestepa.com.ar

Nuestras Huellas www.nuestrashuellas.org.ar

Otro mercado al Sur www.otromercado.org.ar

Sabe la tierra www.sabelatierra.com

Espacio Nacional de Economía Social y Solidaria

Comerciojustoenargentina.blogspot.com

Peru Moda

2010-04-15T13:34:00Z

Perú Moda se realiza en una nueva edición. Esta vez la invitación es del 28 al 30 de Abril. Prendas de excelente calidad realizadas en fibras naturales de algodón y alpaca serán presentadas por diez empresas peruanas con prácticas de Comercio Justo.
Las diez empresas peruanas del sector textil confecciones de Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Junín y Ayacucho, fueron seleccionadas de un total de 68 que vienen participando en este importante programa que se viene desarrollando con la finalidad de incorporar en sus respectivas organizaciones practicas de Comercio Justo, con las cuales podrán ampliar sus redes de negocios y contribuir con el desarrollo y sostenibilidad de la cadena productiva menos favorecida.
También es importante señalar que Perú es el mayor productor de algodón orgánico de Latino América, durante la exhibición estarán presentes las empresas y manufacturas Peruanas que confeccionan prendas con algodón orgánico, incluidos el algodón de color.
Para mayor información visita http://www.perumoda.com/ES/index.aspx

Encuentro de la Red Textil Iberoamericana 3 - 9 de Septiembre. San José Costa Rica.

2010-04-12T08:20:00Z

Del 3 al 9 de septiembre se celebra en San José, la capital de Costa Rica el Primer Encuentro de la Red Textil Iberoamericana bajo el lema de Creación Textil: Tradición sostenible e innovación responsable.

Este evento se realizará en cooperación con el Centro Cultural de España, el Instituto Cultural de México, la Fundación Omar Dengo, la Universidad Veritas, la Casa de Cultura “José Figueres Ferrer” del Banco Popular y la Universidad Nacional, se complacen en convocar a todos aquellos interesados en las prácticas de la creación textil y sus promotores, al I Encuentro Internacional de la Red Textil Iberoamericana.
Encuentre la temática de la reunion en contactos en http://www.redtextilia.org/php/detail.php?id_edicion=19&id_nota=220

Ecology Izmir. May 7 and 8.

2010-04-12T08:02:00Z

Ecology Izmir invites organic stakeholders from Eastern European Countries, Central Asia, Near and Middle East, and Africa to Turkey.

Organisations and companies exhibiting at “Ecology Izmir” will mainly come from emerging organic countries such as Ukraine, The Caucasus or Syria, Egypt and Iran. Visitors will be international looking for new supply or for marketing their products in this emerging region.

Turkey must be counted among the pioneer countries of organic production in the world. Already 25 years ago in 1985 export of organic agriculture started with three products. Today about 250 different products are produced and exported by 15.000 producers farming on 170.000 hectares and 250 exporters.

Pararell to the fair on May 7 and 8 “Ecology Izmir” will organize an international conference programme. Experts from practice, manufacturers, universities, authorities and other sectors are invited to speak about trade related issues and topics of interest to exhibitors and visitors.

Fair Contact: demet.karasu@izmirfair.com.tra, atalayman@ecologyizmir.com

T: 90 232 4971237 – 90 532 3371037 – 90 232 4460827

Film about Food Security for Farmers in Kenya.

2010-04-01T08:38:00Z

This is a very simple story of crop diversification for food security and the positive impact this has on the community – including the revival of traditional practices which help balance the effects of cash cropping.
This video shows the area in Kenya where tea is a cash crop and where it dominates the landscape. Crops depleted and market prices fluctuate which makes the community very vulnerable.
50 years ago the indigenous crops were replaced by the tea plantations. As the households grow less food for their oww use, farmers completely rely on the cash they make from tea. Food security has become a perennial problem for the community.
Training has been given by ICE through discussing problems and local solutions in order to let the community take control of their own food security.

More info: www.gaiafoundation.org
Produced by: The Gaia Foundation in collaboration with the institute for Culture and Ecology
Year: 2009
Language: English

See film here:

http://www.thewaterchannel.tv/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=53&video_id=524

Global Organic Cotton Community

2010-03-26T10:58:00Z

The Global Organic Cotton Community was launched in 2009 and disposes of a virtual discussion space where registered members do exchange knowledge and know how about organic cotton.

From March 29 until April 23 we will run an e-discussion about “How to support small brands & designers sourcing organic fabrics?” with the aim to gather relevant information and learn from experiences about sourcing of organic cotton (fabrics). We would be very happy if you contributed with your expert knowledge to enrich this dialogue.

All you have to do is register at www.organiccotton.org (membership is free) and you will receive automatically the invitation to this dialogue next week. Once registered you will also have access to all previous dialogues clicking on: http://dgroups.org/Library.aspx?c=a3abfe5d-13df-4205-8609-ac237883d5e5

Ensuring Organic Cotton Integrity

2010-03-25T16:13:00Z

Summary of the Organic Cotton Community discussion

Integrity is about building and reinforcing trust: both business to business and business to consumer.

However,as long as there is profit to be made, cheating will exist, and we have to put in place measures to be sure that everyone is operating to the same standards.

Although third party certification is indispensable and a powerful tool, it is not enough – industry integrity relies on the actions of the whole supply chain;taking responsibility for their own operations, and having a good knowledge of their supply chains. In addition some contributors mentioned a difference in effectiveness of certification bodies.

Transparency was identified as a key factor, and suggestions were made to achieve it by taking away anonymity in the supply chain through the development of strong and personal B2B relationships and/or to work with a system such as Transparency International. It was also suggested that farmers could even make public their organic farming systems; and that certifiers could publish not only certified companies, but those that were denied certification.

At the farm level, group certification was identified as the solution for the many small-scale farmers in developing countries. But it was also mentioned that standards should be made better understandable for the producers. Thus organic standards applied worldwide are mostly a simple copy of EU or US requirements and neither adapted to the reality of the countries nor available in local languages. This circumstance leads to a missing transparency for producers - the most important precondition for a organic product.

Good extension and trainings and strong Internal Control Systems are essential but costly. Clear guidance would also be needed to integrate this complexity into best practice, regulation and pricing. At present those who do not make these investments do gain a price advantage. Pragmatic measures were also noted, such as increased random and risk-oriented inspections, mandatory testing for the presence of GMO’s or pesticides, greater training of inspectors and a peer-to-peer approach within the entire chain.

‘Reliability’ was discussed too and perceived as only possible in a direct personal or professional relationship. Thus it was suggested to elaborate reports as per country about the pro and cons for each organic cotton producing country including local price definitions.

There are many issues to be addressed regarding organic integrity, and ultimately everyone will have to play a role in making it successful. Discussions such as the one we’ve just had are essential in raising awareness of issue and identifying possible solutions,and we encourage everyone to keep up the dialogue in your professional lives.

Sommaire de ladiscussion de la Communauté du Coton Biologique

au sujet de „comment assurer l’intégrité ducoton biologique?“

(du 7 février au 16 mars 2010)

Feria Organica en Buenos Aires.

2010-03-19T16:16:00Z

Atencion productores organicos.
El dia domingo11 de Abril se realizara una nueva Feria Organica en el Palacio Duhau- Park Hyatt de Buenos Aires.
La misma se realizara en los jardines del hotel, con stands para la exposicion, degustacion y venta de productos organicos. El evento tendra lugar entre las 11 y las 16hs.
Debido a que se llevara a cabo al aire libre, en caso de lluvia, la fecha alternativa sera efectuada el Domingo 18 de Abril.
Convocamos a ustedes a participar de este evento con un stand para promocionar y vender sus productos. Cada stand tendra un costo de $500 para los socios del Mapo, y de $650 para los no socios.
Interesados contactarse con:
Oficina MAPO: (011) 43825562. De Lunes a viernes de 10 a 17hs.
Virginia Gibson: (011) 1561963366 o 47655365 (dejar mensaje en el contestador).

Jornada Agroecologíca en Argentina

2010-03-17T15:06:00Z

El 12 de marzo se llevo a cabo la Jornada de Campo Agroecologica, convocada por el Movimiento Agroecologico Chaqueño Argentino, con apoyo de Coop Agroecologica del Litoral, Escuela de la Familia Agraria Fortaleza Campesina, INTA San Martín, (IPAF NEA e IPAF Pampeana), Asociación Civil Encuentro, Subsecretaria de Agricultura Familiar del Ministerio de Agricultura de la Nación, Ministerio de Produccion y Ambiente de la Provincia del Chaco, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Instituto Agrotecnico Pedro Godo, Centro de Formacion Rural Juan Penco, Otro Mercado al Sur y la CTS.
La convocatoria supero las 300 personas entre productores, tecnicos y funcionarios. Se realizaron visitas a chacras por la mañana, almorzamos todos juntos en Gral San Martin empanadas, sopa paraguaya y jugos naturales de los productores de la zona. Por la tarde se relataron experiencias y hubo talleres de debate y plenario.
Los resultados son alentadores, viendo el crecimiento de este modelo de produccion donde desde lo biodiverso obtenemos alimentos sanos para las familias de productores y sus comunidades, productos comercializables de calidad como el algodon, y salud para las personas y la madre tierra.
Lee mas en cadenatextilsolidaria.blogspot.com/

New Organic business Guide

2010-02-12T14:35:00Z

Please see the below announcement from Helvetas and Louis Bolk Institute. The link to the Guide is included for you to sdownload this.

'Dear all,
over the past 9 months we worked on the ambitious project of elaborating an Organic Business Guide. It is a joint project of Helvetas, Agro Eco Louis Bolk Institute, ICCO and IFOAM, with support from ICCO, SECO, UNEP and SIDA. Numerous people from other organisations also contributed in some way or the other to the book.

We are now happy to present you the result of this work (attached). Print copies will be launched during Biofach at the following occasions, to which you are most welcome:

Tue 16.2.: IFOAM Trade Symposium
Thu 18.2.: Organic Night, receptions at the IFOAM stall (18.00h) and African Pavillion (20.00h)
Fri 19.2.: Organic Africa Symposium (11.00h)

Thereafter, print copies can be ordered from http://shop.ifoam.org/bookstore. The pdf version will also be available for free download from there. We will send you the agreed free copies after Biofach. In case you are at Biofach, please let me know, so that we can hand over the copies there. If we miss each other at Biofach, please pick up your copies from the IFOAM booth.

Maybe when reading the document you find that some aspects could be elaborated further, or additional examples or tools come to your mind that you think should be included? No problem! We also set up an interactive wikibook-version at http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Organic_Business_Guide. You can edit the book there and thus further develop it.

The French edition is in preparation and should be ready by mid March.

Now we need your support in making the book widely known among the target groups. You could for example:

Mention the book at your website, with a link to the IFOAM bookstore and to the wikibook
Inform your network about the book by e-mail or include it in your newsletters
Mention the book in presentations (e.g. using the attached slide)
Distribute copies of the book among the target groups (let us know in case you require additional copies, against shipping costs)

We want to use this occasion to wholeheartedly thank all of you who contributed to this project. A special thanks to ICCO, SECO, UNEP and SIDA for their generous support.
And of course we are looking forward to receiving your feedback!

Best regards,

Frank Eyhorn
Helvetas Organic & Fairtrade Competence Centre

and

Bo van Elzakker
Agro Eco Louis Bolk Institute '

Newsletter Latino America

2009-12-03T13:21:00Z

He aqui nuestra última edicion del año del Boletin Mensual. Para quienes deseen efectuar aportes por favor contactenos antes del 25 de cada mes.

Organic Exchange avanza hacia textiles Sostenibles.
Calendario de Ferias Textiles Organicas de Europa y Estados Unidos.
Mapa Hibrido Global de Productores de Algodon Organico.
Reciclaje y Moda Alternativa en Brasil.
Colorantes Naturales en Brasil.
Conservación de Algodón Nativo de Color en el Peru.
Pasos para una certificación y etiquetado.
Plantas Biocidas: Chamico.
Directorio America Latina 2009.
Biofach América Latina.
Encuentro en Buenos Aires.
Revistas Textiles sobre Moda Ecologica.
New Expo – Peru.

Descarga en version PDF aqui www.newsletter_latinamerica.com

Directorio America Latina 2009

2009-12-01T17:47:00Z

El Directorio contiene datos de 5 paises de Centro y Sud America en donde la produccion de algodon organico se encuentra en expansion.
Accede a los datos mas actualizado de Certificadores, Manufacturas, Cooperativas, Asociacion de Productores u otros participantes de la cadena de produccion.
Adquierelo gratuitamente haciendo click aqui http://www.directorio_2009.com

Calendario de Ferias Textiles 2010

2009-11-25T13:59:00Z

Es fundamental preparar nuestros siguientes pasos para el 2010. Aqui podrás obtener la lista de Exhiciones más importantes de Estados Unidos y Europa en donde podras encontrar todo lo que estes buscando en Textiles Organicos y otros Textiles Sostenibles.
Descarga haciendo clic aqui www.calendario_textil_2010.com

Organic Fashion İzmir Project in Copenhagen.

2009-10-01T14:51:00Z

Dates: October ,27 / 28 2009

Venue: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen , DENMARK

Bilateral Business Meetings : 09.30 – 17.00

OFİ – Organic Fashion İzmir Project will be arranged between 27 / 28 October 2009 for the fist time in Denmark – Copenhagen at Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel with the participation of 25 Turkish companies who produce man , woman, children , baby garments in organic .

The organization will be arranged by Aegean Clothing Manufacturer’s Association (EGSD )

Registration is requested for the Bilateral Business Meetings.

Marketplace of Turkish Suppliers:

AKÇAKAYA GİYİM - B&B TEKSTİL( EKRULİ) - BETA KONFEKSİYON - BİO TEKNİK ORGANİK TEKSTİL - BORA TEKSTİL - DEMİRIŞIK TEKSTİL KONF - DEMOTEKS TEKSTİL - EKOL TEKSTİL - FIRATTEKS TEKSTİL - İZMİR YIKAMA BOYAMA İŞL. TEKS - MAS'S TEKSTİL - MOTOR TEKSTİL - NANTEKS - NARKON TEKSTİL - ÖRÜNLER TEKSTİL – ÖZSİMGE – PARKOTEKS - SEYFELİ - TULİNE TEKSTİL - TYH TEKSTİL A.Ş. - YENİÇERİ TEKSTİL.

For any further information you could contact with

Hürriyet Bulvarı No.3/1 Kat.2 Daire.202 Yusuf Dede İş Merkezi Çankaya-İZMİR/ TURKEY

Tel : (00 90 232) 446 46 93 Fax: (00 90 232) 441 10 43

www.egsd.org.tr info@egsd.org.tr

The role of organic production in the cotton industry

2009-09-08T09:39:00Z

The 68th Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is underway. Speakers during a Roundtable discussion on Sunday the 6th suggested that organic cotton has the potential to provide new ideas that can influence and support wider sustainability drives in the sector. The organic cotton sector continues to grow, albeit more slowly in the global economic slowdown, reaching over 180,000 metric tons of lint in 2008/09.
Organic cotton is one option to meet the challenges of land use, food security and water scarcity. Small growers exposed to variable rainfall and problems from debt produce most organic cotton in India. Many farmers view organic cotton as a risk reduction tool, but the use of fewer purchased inputs involves a tradeoff with productivity. Often the smallest and most resource poor farmers come to organic, and in fact organic works better in marginal or tribal areas. Certification of organic cotton is expensive and in some states of India the government is supporting certification costs. Speakers conveyed a collective message that organic cotton requires technological knowledge.
An essential element of organic cotton production is to have more planning and certainty through partnerships to ensure long-term viability. Organic cotton production, processing, spinning and marketing at the retail level involve a long and complex chain requiring traceability and communication links between producers and consumers. The future of organic cotton production may involve contract farming with direct links to retailers.

(Press releases are available via e-mail. To register for this free service, send your contact information to <publications@icac.org>

The Secretariat of the Committee publishes information related to world cotton production, supply, demand and prices, and provides technical information on cotton production technology. Detailed statistics are found bimonthly in COTTON: Review of the World Situation, $185 per year via email, $225 per year in hard copy. A monthly outlook is available by email for $295 per year. Access to the latest weekly estimates of world cotton supply and use by the Secretariat is available on the Internet for $460 per year. Access Secretariat reports at <www.icac.org

Mid-week

2009-08-26T06:27:00Z

The Wall Street Journal is reporting on the Indian organic cotton sector and its benefits to farmers: online.wsj.com/article/SB125119426057556421.html

The value of organic cotton versus AGOA features in another story about Uganda: allafrica.com/stories/200908241428.html

In the UK, the top 20 Ethical products list sees organic cotton now in: www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2009/aug/24/ethical-consumer-birthday-poll
This report highlights the changing trends in ethical consumption over recent years.

Stories of the week

2009-08-21T13:40:00Z

Some items of interest from the internet this week.

In Uganda, the growing importance of chillies as an organic input and as a cash crop is highlighted in New Vision: allafrica.com/stories/200908200303.html

Next up we have a story on Whole Foods, the US retailer that sells a lot of organic and locally sourced produce: www.alternet.org/environment/141973/is_whole_foods_sustainable_or_just_a_high-priced_hoax_i_took_a_job_there_to_find_out/

We also have news from the Caribbean of efforts to reintroduce commercial Sea Islan cotton - not organic yet, but this may come: www.sknvibes.com/Business/NewsDetails.cfm/10896

In India, there appear to be convergences between organics, food security and industrialists: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/ludhiana/Concern-for-food-security/articleshow/4898891.cms

Rounding off the week

2009-08-14T15:41:00Z

Here's hoping everyone has had a good week. Here in the Farm Team we are working away on various things, preparing for the World Congress on Organic Cotton in Switzerland (www.fashiontosustainability.org) and working on the annual Farm & Fibre Report.

However, we have spyed a few things on the news that are of interest (we hope)...

Hilary Clinton's visit to Africa has sparked more than a few mistranslated remarks. It has also led to mention of organic cotton in West Africa on the Reuters Blog, inside a wider discussion on Africa, cotton and trade: blogs.reuters.com/africanews/2009/08/11/can-us-trade-help-africa/

I also spotted an Organic Farmers Handbook on line, of which a sample is available for review. If anyone knows this or has time to review, please let me know what you think: www.scribd.com/doc/17432948/The-Organic-Farmers-Business-Handbook-Book-Preview

If you are interested in the relationship between celebrities and organic cotton, then Julia Roberts has apparently been seen wearing some. It might even be yours! www.ecorazzi.com/2009/08/12/the-green-picture-julia-roberts-spotted-wearing-organic-loyale/

On a much more serious note, it's interesting to see organic cotton prices now being talked about in conventional media alongside conventional cotton prices. This article covers offer and demand in China. Worth watching: news.alibaba.com/article/detail/textiles/100153539-1-china-cotton-market-daily-%252811.html

Finally, Uganda and the future of cotton are in the news: www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=68&art_id=nw20090812115630593C246378

Regards

The Farm Team

Feria Proyectos Ambientales en Lima.

2009-08-11T14:25:00Z

El Parque de la Familia, ubicado en el distrito de San Borja en Lima, será la sede de la VI Feria de Proyectos Ambientales promovida por el Programa de Pequeñas Donaciones del Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial del PNUD, y el Ministerio del Ambiente. La inauguracion sera el viernes 14 de agosto a las 10:30 am.

La principal novedad de esta VI exposicion-venta de Proyectos Ambientales es la presentacion de 50 proyectos ejecutados directamente por las comunidades locales que vienen trabajando en la transformacion de sus recursos naturales, promoviendo la conservacion del ambiente. Los expositores provienen de regiones como Ancash, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huánuco, Huancavelica, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Moquegua, Piura, Puno, Tumbes y Lima.

En esta feria, donde seran los propios beneficiarios quienes presentarán sus experiencias exitosas, los asistentes podran adquirir artesanía y productos ecologicos elaborados por los beneficiarios de los proyectos. Entre los productos destacan: miel de abeja organica, algarrobina; finas prendas de vestir tejidas a mano, tanto de alpaca raza suri como de algodón nativo de colores; cremas y pomadas a base de plantas medicinales; muebles de junco y articulos de madera, entre otros.

La feria estará abierta desde el viernes 14 hasta el domingo 16 de agosto en el horario de 9 am. a 6pm. Para mayor información se puede comunicar al telefono: 215-6969 anexo 3021. O escribir al correo electrónico: jhulino.sotomayor@pnud.org.pe

Parque de la Familia, located in the district of San Borja, Lima, will host the VI Environmental Projects Fair sponsored by Small Grants

Program of the Global Environment Facility of UNDP and the Ministry of Environment. The opening will be Friday, August 14 at 10:30 am

A few items of possible interest

2009-08-11T12:39:00Z

IIED have a page devoted to legal tools for citizen empowerment in West Africa, including some relating to land ownership and rights which are relevant for smallholder organic cotton farmers. This page is at www.iied.org/legaltools and has links to case studies and reports.

This story from the Scotsman (http://business.scotsman.com/retail/Retail-boost-for-Mull-weavers.5536635.jp) talks about a mill for organic wool started by two sheep farmers - proof that farmers can trade up!

Finally, we have a few perspectives here on the use of DDT in Northern Uganda. http://www.theworld.org/2009/08/07/ddt-use-provokes-political-battle-in-uganda/comment-page-1/