|
|
 |
The International Social and Environmental Labeling Alliance (ISEAL) |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
IFOAM is a member of the International Social and Environmental
Labeling Alliance (ISEAL). Through ISEAL membership, IFOAM promotes and
supports private systems for labeling of ecological and socially
sustainable methods of production, which includes organic agriculture.
ISEAL members share a common desire to bring about positive social and
environmental change. They attempt to do so by providing consumers with
the opportunity to choose products that ensure a healthier environment
and better social and economic conditions for producers and their
communities. The organizations are committed to achieving this goal
through the implementation of international standard setting,
certification and accreditation systems that comply with
internationally accepted criteria; that do not act as technical
barriers to trade; and that focus on best social and environmental
production practices.
ISEAL members focus on sustainable agriculture, fisheries, forestry,
and aquarium collection, and fair trade and humane labor standards. The
members have a number of characteristics in common that differentiate
them from other standard-setting and accreditation organizations.
Foremost among these is that they all have their origins in the private
sector; they each developed as an initiative of producer groups and
advocacy organizations in collaboration with the business sector. In
addition, they are all characterized by a concern for human rights,
sustainable livelihoods and environmental health. These organizations
have developed their own global standards and promote voluntary third
party independent certification to ensure compliance with these
standards for a wide range of products. In all cases certification
standards are based on the process or production methods used in the
development or harvesting of products, rather than on characteristics
of the end product itself.
The organizations that are currently participating in ISEAL include:
- Rainforest Alliance
- Fairtrade Labelling Organisations (FLO)
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
- International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)
- International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS)
- Marine Aquarium Council (MAC)
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Social Accountability International (SAI)
For more information about ISEAL, go to the ISEAL website: www.isealalliance.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
