A new partnership between Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the Obala Agricultural Institute (IAO) in Cameroon marks a significant step in strengthening agricultural research and training in Central Africa. Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the support of Swiss and Cameroonian authorities, the collaboration aims to advance agroecology, education, and innovation across food systems. Together with partners such as Agroscope, the initiative will support applied research, academic exchange, and the development of an agroecology platform, contributing to long-term capacity building and sustainable agricultural development in the region.

A new synthesis by Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) highlights 16 years of research from the SysCom project in India, comparing organic and conventional cotton systems. The findings show that organic cotton can achieve up to 82–93 percent of conventional yields while delivering significant environmental and socio-economic benefits, including improved soil health, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods. The study also emphasizes the importance of true cost accounting and continued research to support the transition toward sustainable agricultural systems in developing countries.

A project led by Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) examines the potential of dynamic agroforestry (DAF) systems as a sustainable alternative to cocoa monocultures. Focusing on case studies in Ecuador and Ghana, the project analyzes adoption patterns, economic viability, and key barriers faced by smallholder farmers. By assessing cost-benefit outcomes and sector dynamics, the initiative aims to generate evidence to support policy, investment, and programming decisions. Funded by the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa (SWISSCO) and Coop Switzerland, the project contributes to advancing resilient and environmentally sustainable cocoa value chains.

FiBL has launched a new project to develop simple tools for monitoring soil health in cocoa production systems. The initiative aims to identify practical soil health indicators that farmers and advisers can use directly in the field, supporting more sustainable cocoa farming. An initial online workshop brought together international experts to discuss indicators and measurement approaches, with further workshops planned to refine the framework.

FiBL and IFOAM – Organics International have released the 2026 edition of The World of Organic Agriculture, providing updated global data on organic land (98.9 million hectares), producers (4.8 million), retail sales (145 billion euros), and policy developments worldwide.

The report highlights growing policy support for agroecology and organic agriculture, transnational research collaboration, and implementation challenges across regions.

The publication offers an evidence base on global trends, policy frameworks, and research networks relevant to sustainable food systems and international agricultural research partnerships.