Nano-technology in organic production?

Nano-technology refers to an uprising field of technology dealing with matter on the atomic and molecular scale. Nano-particles are particles with a size range of 1 to 100 nm (1 nm = 1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter). Nano-particles have several applications related to organic farming: packaging of food, coating of surfaces, processing aids, pesticides, veterinary medicine, treatment of textiles, ingredients for cosmetics (sunscreens). Nano-technology is poorly defined and even more poorly regulated at the moment. It offers new prospects in several areas, but it also carries risks.
The organic sector has not yet decided whether nano-particles should be allowed or prohibited, and if allowed, under what conditions. This page summarizes some of the discussions on nano-technology in organic production.

Discussion meeting at BioFach 2008

• Programme (.pdf)
• Introduction (.pdf)
• Soil Association (.pdf)
• Schweisfurth Foundation (.pdf)
• InfoXgen: nanotechnology in organic cosmetics is covered by Richtlinien für von Austria Bio Garantie zertifizierte Bio-Kosmetik (.pdf)
• FiBL’s position (.pdf)
• Demeter international: a position paper is currently in preparation and will be approved by the board in June 2008.
• Demeter Germany
• European Environmental Bureau: a position paper is currently in preparation.
• Bio Suisse: a position paper is currently in preparation.

IFOAM World Congress 2008

Discussions on nano-technology will be continued at the IFOAM World Congress 2008 in Modena on Friday, 20 June. Details will be posted here later.

BÖLW Fachtag: Nanotechnologie in der Lebensmittelwirtschaft: Risiken und potenzielle Nutzen

27 June 2008, NABU Bundesgeschäftsstelle, Berlin. Programme (.pdf)

Links and documents relating to this topic

• FiBL discussion paper on the use of nanotechnologies in organic production (in German (.pdf)/ in English (.pdf))
• OECD: Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials
• Nanotechnology Homepage of the European Commission
• European Nanotechnology Gateway
• US EPA: Nanotechnology
• Swiss Federal Office for Public Health: Nanotechnologie (in German)