IFOAM – Organics International and NISARD sign formal agreement to host Organic World Congress 2027
Negros Occidental, Philippines, 29 May 2026 – IFOAM – Organics International has formalised the agreement with the province of Negros Occidental to host the 22nd Organic World Congress (OWC) and the General Assembly on the Philippine island in 2027.
The agreement was signed by Eugenio Jose Lacson, Governor of Negros Occidental, Marco Schlüter, Vice President of IFOAM – Organics International, and Edgardo Uychiat, President of Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (NISARD). This official signing ratifies the decision made by the global membership during the 2024 General Assembly in Chiayi, Taiwan, where Negros Occidental won the bid to host the 2027 edition.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Marco Schlüter, Vice President of IFOAM – Organics International, stated:
“Bringing the OWC to Negros Island will place this region under the global spotlight. It will create new opportunities for the local community and grassroot movements, while fostering consumer awareness around the vital benefits of organic farming.”
From left to right: Eugenio Jose Lacson, Governor of Negros Occidental, Marco Schlüter, Vice President of IFOAM – Organics International, and Edgardo Uychiat, President of Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (NISARD) and World Board Member
A Global Platform for the Organic Movement
Established in 1977, the OWC is the long-standing flagship event of IFOAM – Organics International. As the world’s largest gathering of the organic movement, this triannual congress plays a critical role in shaping the future of organic agriculture and global food systems. By uniting organic farmers, scientists, researchers, and policymakers, the OWC serves as a platform to cultivate the future of organic agriculture and sustainable farming.
The 2027 host destination, Negros Occidental, is a province on Negros Island located in the central region of the Philippine archipelago. Home to a population of over 2.6 million residents, the island boasts a rich heritage of ecological stewardship, including the world’s longest-running annual organic farmers’ festival and a proven track record of advocacy for biodiversity conservation.
Co-hosting the event is NISARD, a dedicated foundation established in 2005 to foster organic agriculture and healthy food production across Negros Island. Spanning organic promotion, resource conservation, and the protection of critically endangered local flora and fauna, NISARD has been an active and valued member of IFOAM – Organics International for more than two decades.
Edgardo Uychiat, President of NISARD, highlighted the local economic and cultural impact of the upcoming congress:
“Provinces and farmers’ organisations practicing organic farming across the region will serve as the major suppliers of all food and beverages during this five-day event. We are incredibly proud to organise this global congress alongside our annual organic farmer festival, allowing us to honour our local producers on an international stage.”
Archive: The Philippines becomes the host of the OWC 2027
With the formal agreement successfully secured, IFOAM – Organics International and NISARD will spend the coming months defining the logistical and thematic milestones for the congress; stakeholders and enthusiasts are invited to subscribe to the official newsletter for the latest OWC updates.