Organic textile standards set

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) held its annual conference from 16 - 21 November in Buenos Aires.  An important point in the proceedings was the adoption by the General Assembly of the IFOAM Organic Textile Processing Standards and their integration into the IFOAM Basic Standards. Development of the Textile Standards began in 1996 under the supervision of the IFOAM Standards Committee. They cover raw materials, processing of raw materials into yarns, fabrics, consumer products, mixed products and labelling. 
    The IFOAM Basic Standards have provided a basis for national regulations on organic agriculture world-wide. As with the Organic Agriculture and Food Processing Standards, these textile standards can be used as a basis for the development of more stringent standards by certifying bodies and will contribute to greater recognition and harmonisation of standards internationally.

12th IFOAM Scientific Conference and General Assembly, proceedings from: Okozentrum Imsbach, D-6636, Thorley-Theley, Germany, Fax, +49 6853 30110.  

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No.42, December 1998, page 8]