OMRI ED to Head IFOAM-Organics International World Board

(November 28, 2017) Peggy Miars, Executive Director/CEO for OMRI (the Organic Materials Review Institute) in Eugene, Oregon, was elected president of the IFOAM-Organics International World Board at their General Assembly November 12 in New Delhi, India. Miars has served as a member of the 10-person World Board since 2014, and she was re-elected at the meeting for her second three-year term. She replaced former president Andre Leu of Australia, who stepped down after nine years on the World Board including six years as president. Miars is the fourth American to serve as president in the nonprofit organization’s 45-year history. IFOAM-Organics International is an “umbrella organization” of affiliates from 120 countries that advocate for the universal adoption of organic and sustainable farming methods for the benefit of people and the planet.

According to Miars, “In the short time I have served on the World Board, I have seen us lay some incredible groundwork and create substantial momentum around organics on an international scale. IFOAM is well prepared to lead the organic movement into the future, and I am honored and humbled to help implement the organization’s new strategic plan and many incredible projects that are so essential to international organic growth. IFOAM is the global organic change agent providing a voice for the farmers who grow our food.”

One of the organization’s top priorities is hiring a new Executive Director to replace Markus Arbenz, who has led the organization for the last nine years. A job announcement has been posted with the expectation that a new Executive Director will start in mid-2018. 

As Executive Director/CEO of OMRI since 2010, Miars has been a regular proponent for clear and consistent standards for organic production and material review. OMRI lists input products from around the world for allowed uses in organic production under USDA National Organic Program and Canada Organic Regime regulations. Under Miars’ leadership, OMRI has grown from 1,500 products allowed for organic use to over 5,500 OMRI Listed® products. 

“The signs of growth are everywhere for the organic industry, and we are all experiencing challenges that come with that growth. OMRI is at the forefront of many of these challenges, helping input suppliers understand the international marketplace for organics, and how equivalency arrangements work for certified organic products but not inputs. That is just one example of the complexity that comes with organic standards worldwide. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the conversations and efforts that will shape our global organic future.”

The IFOAM General Assembly takes place every three years, bringing together members of IFOAM-Organics International and its regional groups to discuss current issues and elect organizational leadership. Members voted to hold the 2020 General Assembly in Brittany, France. Projects of IFOAM-Organics International include regional education and market development for organic producers, advocacy for organic standards and methods, and training for future organic leaders. 

Contact: Amy Bradsher, Senior Marketing Director of OMRI
(541) 343-7600 x. 106

Denise Godinho, Communications Manager of IFOAM-Organics International
+49 228 92650 x. 18