In Memory of Richard Barták

IFOAM -  Organics International is saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Barták, the doyen of Czech organic farming.

Richard dedicated many years of hard work and passion into promoting organic farming. He helped guide many on the pathway of truly sustainable farming.  In particular, he played a leading role in the development of the organic movement in Central and Eastern Europe.

At the Bioacademy 2009,  the Czech Minister of Agriculture, Jakub Šebesta, gave him an award in acknowledgement of his work and effort in the establishment and development of organic farming in the Czech Republic, especially for his professional input in the field of support programmes and international cooperation.

The PRO-BIO Association of Organic Farmers which traditionally awards the “Best Organic Farmer of the Year", named the award the Barták Cup in honor of the contribution he made to organic farming.

We express our sympathy to his family and friends. He will be missed.