AIAB

The Italian Association for Organic Farming (AIAB) was officially established in 1988; it gathers about 15,000 members (farmers, processors, experts, researchers and consumers). It is organized by regional chapters (15) coordinated by a federal office located in Rome. AIAB promotes organic farming as a model of rural development. During the 1990s AIAB increased its collaboration with governmental agencies and research institutions. AIAB has been involved in many national and E.U. projects on research (FP6, FP7, Horizon 2020), training, promotion and information in the organic farming sector. AIAB staff participates in ministerial committees on organic farming and in IFOAM regional groups and committees where they have the task to represent Italian organic farmers and consumers. AIAB publishes a bi-monthly magazine (Bioagricultura, 16,000 subscribers) concerning vulgarization and innovation transfer activity, a weekly newsletter (B@N, 8000 subscribers), several technical leaflets and books and has an updated website ( www.aiab.it , 4000 single visits per day); it organizes field days, workshops and seminars.