Organic agriculture is a production system that relies on ecosystem management rather than the flow of external agricultural inputs. It considers potential environmental and social impacts by eliminating the use of synthetic inputs and replacing them with site-specific management practices that maintain and increase long-term soil fertility, employment opportunities and mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Organic agriculture is practiced worldwide by 1.2 million producers in 141 countries, with production of organically grown food continuing to steadily increase by 15 per cent per year. While most of the organic markets are in developed countries, developing countries are becoming important suppliers as organic practices are particularly suited for the conditions of their farmers, especially smallholders living in rain-fed areas. Farmers in resource-constrained countries traditionally use few external inputs but many of the environmental, social and economic benefits of organic management, which translate into ecological intensification, are hampered by a lack of appropriate agro-ecological knowledge. Given the future scenarios challenging the agricultural sector such as crippling food demand, climate shock and water scarcity, additional research capacity is needed in order to realise the full benefits of organic agriculture and respond to the needs of farmers and consumers. Though there is evidence of a movement toward international collaboration in organic research, such as initiation of transnational research projects and exercises to identify research priorities for organic agriculture, efforts are struggling due to a lack of resources. Thus, the proposed centre would enhance organic research for and in developing countries.