2022-2024 The Organic Food System Programme Second Report Full Report

Published on March 23, 2025

The Organic Food System Programme (OFSP) is an initiative of the International Research Association for Organic Food Quality and Health (FQH) together with co-leads BERAS International (Building Ecological Regenerative Agriculture and Societies) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements – Organics International (IFOAM-OI). OFSP was endorsed as one of eight Core Initiatives of the Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme – now One Planet - of the United Nations’ 10-Year Framework on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) in February 2017. For the first 5-year period 02-2017 until 02-2022 the OFSP took upon itself eight Deliverables with the active engagement of about eighty partners across five continents. The first OFSP report for the years 2017-2022 has been completed and provided to the SFSP coordinators.

The Organic Food System Programme (OFSP) supports the shift to Sustainable Consumption and Production by using organic food systems as living laboratories for sustainable transformation. As a core initiative under the UN Sustainable Food Systems Programme, OFSP integrates research, policy development, and practical implementation to drive ecological balance, resource efficiency, and healthier dietary choices.

Promoting Sustainable Diets
OFSP fosters sustainable diets by researching and demonstrating the environmental benefits of organic, plant-based eating patterns. Transitioning from conventional to organic diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and land occupation. Such changes not only lessen environmental impacts but also contribute to improved public health outcomes by emphasizing food rich in nutrients and low in chemicals.

Reducing Environmental Impact of Food Production
Organic and regenerative agricultural practices are at the heart of OFSP’s strategy. These practices restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and minimize reliance on synthetic inputs. By storing more carbon in soil and reducing pesticide residues, organic farming systems lower the overall environmental footprint of food production. This approach also highlights the importance of true cost accounting, which considers the hidden environmental and health costs associated with conventional agriculture.

Encouraging Sustainable Consumption Behaviors
OFSP plays a key role in raising consumer awareness and influencing food purchasing habits. Educational initiatives and community-based projects, such as the development of biodistricts, empower consumers to make responsible choices that reduce food waste and promote local, sustainable produce. These efforts are supported by collaborative partnerships among farmers, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders who work together to create resilient food systems.

Enhancing Policy and Global Collaboration
The programme’s multi-stakeholder approach strengthens the dialogue between local initiatives and global sustainability frameworks. By aligning its projects with international strategies and collaborating with diverse partners, OFSP contributes to building policy frameworks that support sustainable production and responsible consumption on a global scale.

By integrating research, education, and policy engagement, OFSP offers a scalable model for sustainable food systems. Its focus on organic practices demonstrates that environmentally sound production methods and sustainable consumption patterns can work hand in hand to benefit both people and the planet.