CABI organizes Review and Validation Workshop for Organic Standards and Framework of Accreditation for Pakistan

• Islamabad: (PR&P, PARC) CABI International, an international inter-governmental non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing livelihoods through the application of scientific expertise in agriculture and environmental problem-solving, convened a significant workshop in Islamabad on July 2-3, 2024. The workshop, titled “Review and Validation of Organic Agriculture Standards and Framework Accreditation for Pakistan,” brought together a diverse group of representatives from various organizations including MNFS&R, PARC, PNAC, PSQCA, academia, BCI, testing laboratories, NGOs, textile industries, OCA, WWF, Lok Sanjh Foundation, Control Union, GCL, and Fair Trade.

The primary objective of the workshop was to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and boost the organic agriculture sector in Pakistan by raising awareness and advocating for the necessary standards for accreditation and certification. The workshop yielded several key outcomes, including an enhanced understanding of the current landscape and potential of organic agriculture in Pakistan, the establishment of a supportive stakeholder network dedicated to advancing organic agriculture, consensus on revised organic agriculture standards, and an assessment of the feasibility and applicability of the accreditation framework.

Dr. Babar E. Bajwa, CABI’s Senior Regional Director Asia, underscored the critical need for a well-defined and actionable plan to implement the accreditation process at the national level. CABI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of organic agriculture in Pakistan and expressed its eagerness to continue collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the revised standards and accreditation framework.

Vice President of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, Dr. Yousaf Zafar stated that the government is actively engaged in the promotion of organic cotton. An organic policy is currently in progress and is anticipated to be finalized within the coming months. This policy is expected to facilitate the establishment of domestic regulations and standards in this regard.