About ICROFS
ICROFS - Who We Are and What We Do
The International Centre for Research in Organic Food Systems (ICROFS) initiates, coordinates and disseminates high-quality strategic and applied research. Our aim is to further develop a sustainable, market-driven and competitive organic sector in Denmark. This research creates the foundation for business-oriented and practical knowledge that supports future growth and credibility. ICROFS’ activities are driven by the sector’s needs for knowledge and new methods. We involve farmers, advisors and companies in research and development projects, ensuring a short path between new knowledge and its implementation in practice. An important task for ICROFS is to disseminate new research-based knowledge to farmers, advisors, businesses, other stakeholders and the broader society.
Applied Research at the National Level
ICROFS coordinates the Danish research programme Organic RDD, funded by GUDP (Green Development and Demonstration Programme, under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries). The programme covers a broad spectrum, from research on improved methods in primary production to consumer studies aimed at enhancing market opportunities. Additionally, ICROFS is involved in projects funded by private foundations, such as the Foundation for Organic Agriculture.
International Activities
ICROFS participates in EU research programmes and coordinates the transnational research programme CORE Organic for organic food and farming. This collaboration is supported by the EU Commission, with individual research projects funded by national ministries.
ICROFS also contributes to various EU projects, such as the Horizon project OrganicTargets4EU, which supports the goal of managing 25% of EU agricultural land organically and significantly increasing organic aquaculture by 2030 and the two partnerships AGROECOLOGY and FutureFoodS. Furthermore, we frequently handle communication and dissemination in other EU projects.
Communication and Dissemination
ICROFS communicates research-based knowledge and facilitates exchanges and dialogues crucial for the development of the organic sector. We publish a wide range of communication materials, both online and in print.
Our articles, analyses, reports, books and brochures can be found at icrofs.dk.
We also organise and participate in workshops, conferences and other events to strengthen networks between organic research communities and stakeholders at the political level and in the industry.
Organisation and History
Since 1996, ICROFS has contributed to developing the Danish organic sector by coordinating research and disseminating its results to organic farmers, food companies and other stakeholders. The centre was established by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries in June 2008, replacing the former Research Centre for Organic Farming (FØJO), established in 1996. The ICROFS board represents the agricultural industry, the food sector, consumers and researchers, setting the direction and goals for ICROFS’ work.
Our activities are carried out by a secretariat staffed with a centre director, project coordinators and research communicators.
