International Trade Fair – Millets & Organics
Decades of Dedication to Organic Agriculture and Agribusiness
The International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture, ICCOA, celebrated its 20th foundation day on May 6, 2024, at the prestigious Radisson Blu, Atria in Bengaluru. This momentous occasion marked two decades of ICCOA’s unwavering commitment to fostering knowledge and learning in the field of organic agriculture and agribusiness. The event served as a reflection on the organization’s remarkable journey towards sustainable organic agriculture in India. Esteemed dignitaries from across the globe, including the Board of Directors, stakeholders, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate ICCOA’s incredible journey.
The day’s proceedings commenced with the 46th Annual General Body (AGB) meeting followed by the election of the Board of Directors. Post-election, a meeting of the new Board and executive committee was held to deliberate on strategic matters which aimed at shaping the future trajectory of ICCOA.
The panelists included Ms. Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM – Organics Asia, South Korea; Mr. Ashok Dalwai, CEO of National Rainfed and Area Authority (NRAA) Delhi, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare,GOI; Mr. Ramesh L Harve, Founding Member of ICCOA, Bengaluru; Ms. Namerta Sharma, Team Lead, GIZ, Bengaluru; Mr. Sandeep Bhargava, Founder and Director, OneCert International, Jaipur; and Mr. Tanay Joshi, Country Coordinator & Research Manager- India & Tanzania, FiBL, Switzerland.
Expert panelists delved into the current landscape of the organic sector, highlighting the rising production costs and the challenges posed by inflation, particularly in marketing. They shed light on the perspectives of certification bodies, detailing the hurdles they face
Snapshots of the felicitation at the event
ICCOA’s staff members Performance
Glimpses of the cultural evening
Felicitation to the Executive Director of ICCOA, Mr. Manoj Kumar Menon
Throughout the celebration, the underlying message resonated loud and clear, the commitment to uphold the principles of organic agriculture, driving positive change, and shaping a more sustainable and equitable world. As a pioneering force in the organic agriculture sector, ICCOA remains dedicated to building capacity, facilitating market linkages, and driving positive change for the betterment of farmers and the environment.
Overall, 220 participants participated in the event, making it a huge success. The 20th-year celebration served as a testament to ICCOA’s enduring legacy and its continued relevance in shaping the future of organic agriculture in India and beyond. As it embarks on the next phase of its journey, ICCOA stands poised to further its mission of fostering sustainable organic agricultural practices and ensuring a brighter, more resilient future for generations to come.
