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.

The latest data show continued global expansion of organic agriculture, with 98.9 million hectares under organic management and 4.8 million producers worldwide

While growth has stabilised in some regions, policy initiatives and research collaboration—particularly in agroecology and food systems transformation—are intensifying across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

These developments underline the increasing strategic relevance of organic and agroecological approaches within global food systems debates and international research cooperation.

Certified production under voluntary sustainability standards now covers almost 10% of the global harvested area for key crops, confirming a decade-long growth trend. The 2025 edition of The State of Sustainable Markets, published by FiBL, ITC, and IISD with support from SECO, highlights strong expansion in cotton, cocoa, soybeans, oil palm, and sugarcane, while underlining the continued global importance of organic agriculture as the largest sustainability standard worldwide.