What's up at OFAI

• About OFAI

  The Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) is the country's only organization of grassroots organic farmers. Since Indian agriculture continues to remain a source of livelihood for mostly small farmers and peasants, OFAI membership reflects this ground reality as well.

  OFAI is also committed to active involvement of women farmers in the decision-making structures of the association. Such involvement is mandatory and reflected in the organisation's bye-laws.

  The association - which is registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act - was formed three years ago. Its memorandum of association was written and approved after a wide consultation with organic farmers.

  The primary objective of the association is to promote organic farming within the country and to take all such means that are available to achieve this purpose. OFAI's labeling scheme is meant to provide an assurance of guarantee of organically grown produce exclusively for domestic consumers. The organisation has rejected, at the outset, any preoccupation with organic farming for export purposes.

  Unlike other organic farm certification systems, OFAI farm certification is done through the agency of trained organic farmers themselves. OFAI does not accept farm inspectors who do not themselves practice organic agriculture.

  As OFAI farming is based on natural principles, it is firmly opposed to the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture and will actively campaign against such agriculture.

  The ultimate objective of the association is to produce poison-free food for Indian consumers and to achieve this by maintaining the living fertility of Indian soils.