Traineeprogramm Ökologische Land- und Lebensmittelwirtschaft

The journey of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) began in 1973, born from the vision of a collective of Swiss organic farmers and scientists. In an era when the organic movement was in its nascent stages, these pioneers sought to establish a dedicated foundation to champion the growth of organic farming. Their goal was to create an independent entity focused on providing practical knowledge and research-backed advice to farmers looking to transition away from conventional agricultural methods. What started as a modest initiative, the 'Swiss Foundation for the Promotion of Organic Agriculture', has since blossomed into one of the world's foremost institutions in the field of organic agriculture. The initial vision, as articulated in a 1973 document, was for a small, organically growing research group of about seven individuals. This humble beginning laid the groundwork for a remarkable expansion over the subsequent decades.

From its first base in Oberwil, near Basel, FiBL embarked on its mission to support farmers through dedicated research projects, advisory services, and educational programs. A key focus from the outset was fostering collaboration between producers and consumers to build a more sustainable and transparent food system. A significant milestone came in 1981 with the co-founding of the Association of Swiss Organic Farming Organizations, which later became Bio Suisse, a leading organic certification body. This move was instrumental in establishing clear guidelines for organic farming in Switzerland. The institute's influence grew, and in 1997, FiBL relocated its headquarters to Frick, Aargau, a move that accommodated its expanding team of scientists and advisors. The turn of the millennium saw FiBL organizing the second IFOAM World Scientific Congress, a major event that attracted over 2,000 participants and solidified its international reputation. Today, the FiBL Group has a significant European presence with institutes in Germany, Austria, France, and a representative office in Brussels, collectively employing over 400 people and continuing its legacy of driving innovation in sustainable agriculture worldwide.