The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), founded in 1973, links interdisciplinary research to the rapid transfer of knowledge from research to agricultural practice, drawing on advisory work, training and conferences. FiBL has offices in Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland, as well as a representative office in Brussels. It also undertakes numerous projects and initiatives in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

FiBL has long lasting experience in collecting and publishing data on organic agriculture. Since 2000, it has developed a network of some 200 experts from more than 180 countries, all of whom contribute to data collection. Every year, FiBL and IFOAM – Organics International jointly publish The World of Organic Agriculture, which documents recent developments in the field worldwide. Since 2014, FiBL has also been active in the collection of data on sustainability standards.

Contribution to this report: Data collection, processing, validation, and visualization; authors of chapter 1, 2 and 4.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank with the mission to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resources and fair economies. Through research, analysis and knowledge sharing, IISD identifies and champions sustainable solutions that support sound policymaking. Established in 1990, the institute has offices in Canada, Switzerland and the United States, and its work affects economies, communities, ecosystems and lives in nearly 100 countries. Numerous governments, United Nations agencies, foundations, the private sector and individuals fund its projects.

IISD has been assessing the characteristics, performance and market trends of voluntary sustainability standards via the State of Sustainability Initiatives (SSI) project since 2008. The SSI advances sustainable and inclusive value chains by providing credible and solutions-oriented research, dialogue and strategic advice for decision-makers about voluntary sustainability standards and other supportive initiatives.

In addition to conducting strategic research and analysis on sustainability standards, IISD continues to make important contributions to sustainable consumption, production and trade through other initiatives implemented within the Economic Law Programme.

Contribution to this report: Authors of Chapter 3.