The Research Institutes of Organic Agriculture FiBL are state-independent civil society institutions or non-profit enterprises operating as foundations or associations in various European countries. Although legally independent in each case, they see themselves as part of the FiBL Group, which works in close partnership. The FiBL Group is united by the goal of continuously developing organic agriculture along the entire value chain of the food system -through research, knowledge transfer and advisory services, practice-oriented projects and public relations work. Together with partners from the field, other research and advisory institutions, public bodies and non-governmental organisations in Europe and other continents, projects work to secure nutrition and conserve the natural basis of life worldwide through organic farming and a sustainable food system. The six FiBLs are dedicated to responsibility for people, animals and the environment, as well as internal and external transparency and participation. They see respect for staff, cooperation partners and people, as well as democratic decision-making, as cornerstones for successful and globally recognised work.
The FiBL Group currently comprises FiBL Switzerland (founded in 1973), FiBL Germany (2001), FiBL Austria (2004), ÖMKi (Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) (2011), FiBL France (2017) and FiBL Europe (2017), which is jointly supported by the five national institutes.
