Shillong, November 29 : The Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and IFOAM–Organics Asia, is hosting the 1st Northeast India Organic Week from 28 November to 1 December 2025 in Shillong.
The event brings together two major international initiatives; the APEDA Buyer–Seller Meet and the 4th IFOAM World Organic Youth Summit on a single platform. This edition features participation from delegates, importers, and organic sector representatives from 13 countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and others, positioning Meghalaya as an emerging centre for global organic trade and youth-led agricultural innovation.
This dual convergence will mark a historic gathering, bringing together international organic pioneers, youth leaders, and policymakers to facilitate the generational dialogue on sustainable agriculture.
APEDA has been a long-standing partner in strengthening Meghalaya’s organic value chain. Through close collaboration with the state government, APEDA has helped Meghalaya’s high-value organic and natural produce such as ginger, turmeric, fresh fruits, and niche spices enter new and emerging markets in the Middle East. These efforts have enabled stronger market linkages, higher value realisation for farmers, and enhanced visibility for the state’s organic products. This year marks APEDA’s second Buyer-Seller Meet in Meghalaya, reflecting the growing confidence of international markets in the region’s organic potential.
The Meet will host international buyers and importers from Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and several other countries, offering producers, FPOs, cooperatives, and enterprises from the Northeast direct exposure to global buyers and new commercial opportunities.
The event commenced on 28 November 2025 with a curated field visit for international dignitaries to Mawphu, a village in the Shella Bholaganj subdivision of East Khasi Hills. The delegation visited the GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin orchards, interacted with farmers, and observed traditional and organic cultivation practices that define the region’s citrus heritage. The dignitaries also visited key tourist locations in Sohra, gaining an immersive understanding of Meghalaya’s landscapes, agro-ecological richness, and community-led farming systems that underpin its organic identity.
The 4th IFOAM World Organic Youth Summit will be held under the theme “Global Organic Youth Meet Organic Pioneers- Opportunities for Networking and Action”, aimed at bridging the gap between experts, established leaders, and the next generation of agro-ecological leaders.
This year’s summit in Shillong is strategically designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and pass the torch from ‘Organic Pioneers’ – leaders in different backgrounds from government, to farming and international organisations, to the next-gen champions, passionate about sustainable practices and lifestyles.
Distinguished speakers and key figures scheduled to attend the event include Jennifer Chang, Executive Director of IFOAM-Organics Asia; C.K. "Bablu" Ganguly, Founder of Timbaktu Collective and One World Award Gold Prize recipient; and Brendan Hoare, CEO of Buy Pure NZ. A highlight of the program will be a special address by renowned environmental activist Dr. Vandana Shiva, Founder of Navdanya, who will speak on the critical role of youth in organic agriculture.
Technical sessions will cover critical themes such as the 8th Revision of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), organic certification and labelling requirements, emerging market trends, and export opportunities.
Running parallel to youth forums, the event will also feature a Buyer-Seller Meet, facilitated by APEDA. The high-impact initiative will connect producers, farmer organisations (FPOs), and cooperatives from Northeast India with international buyers from Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, New Zealand, and Indonesia, and to facilitate the export of high-value produce opening new opportunities and avenues for easing high-value trade. This also marks APEDA’s second Buyer-Seller Meet in Meghalaya, reflecting the growing confidence of international markets in the region.
The summit aims to institutionalize the role of youth in the organic sector. By blending the innovation of young advocates with the experience of veterans, the event seeks to drive practical solutions for market access and climate resilience. The gathering will conclude with the adoption of the 4th World Organic Youth Summit Declaration, outlining a roadmap for future action and collaboration within the global organic community.
By hosting the 4th IFOAM World Organic Youth Summit, Meghalaya positions itself as the vibrant convergence point for the global organic community, welcoming a diverse delegation of young leaders, pioneers, researchers, and policymakers from Asia, Europe, Oceania, and beyond. Through these collaborative discussions on food systems and policy advocacy, Meghalaya is not just a venue but an active catalyst in strengthening global youth networks and driving the future of the organic movement.
