ABOUT US

 A 501(C)3 non-profit organization devoted to the promotion and establishment of iTal as a conscious code of discipline.

The iTal-certified seal is owned, trademarked, and issued by the IRIE Foundation, an organization that was founded as an educational charity to protect and propagate the integrity of iTal as a conscious lifestyle. 

As a registered educational charity, we aim to increase understanding and awareness of iTal livity and vegetarianism. We give talks and workshops to schools, colleges, and community groups. We research and compile a monthly newsletter updating and informing the masses about the latest current events about the iTal vegetarian world. We work constructively with businesses and community groups to develop effective methods and habits to live a greener life. We develop and implement new standards by which iTal is perceived, understood, and embraced.

Our goal is to make iTal a part of everyone's awareness, on a more practical level.

The IRIE Foundation is the only organization in the world, and the first of its kind, to promote iTal as a bonafide approval certification seal. The iTal symbol is the only legally registered trademark for iTal accreditation and is used only upon approval by the IRIE Foundation, for those businesses that meet the iTal criteria.

It is safe to say that, iTal as a diet has its code of etiquette and flavor all its own, but as a principle, it is in a category by itself and should be recognized as such.

It is, therefore, the mission of the IRIE Foundation to define, refine, establish, and protect the principles and discipline of iTal, as it is our responsibility. Subsequently “iTal certified” was conceived and developed as a legal and legitimate iTal certification seal to promote and protect its integrity. The seal can and should be used by those companies that adhere to the principles of iTal as per the guidelines and provide a product or service that meets the criteria. A certified iTal product assures the customers that, they are supporting an earth-friendly business with a conscience while consuming quality. The principles are upheld by quarterly checks and balances and are implemented by trained and qualified reps or agents of “iTal certified”. All types of businesses will be able to take advantage of the iTal certification but the agricultural, restaurant, packaged food, and body care industries will be the primary users.

In the theology of Rastafari, the human carnivorous appetite stems out of a fallen nature steeped in the unconsciousness of self and environment. In contrast, the iTalist knowledge of self empowers them in educating themselves about herbs and botanicals and their benefits therein. Subsequently, the connection between self and environment forbids the killing of fellow animals to be used as food. The intelligent choice of creating minimal impact on the environment by eating consciously herbs, nuts, fruits, grains, legumes, roots, and vegetables has been the age-old tradition of the Rastafarians. This botanical root, according to Rastas, is the iTal consciousness of the pre-fallen nature and a state that we must return to in order to live a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.

 Chapter 1.

Organization, Functions and Membership

Article 1: Nature

Article 2: Structure

(a). The assembly of the IRIE Foundation

(b). The Board of Directors

Elected by members as trustees to govern the foundation. There are seven member quorum and up to thirteen trustees that form the council. The trustees are unpaid and meet up about nine times a year to focus on strategy development and direction, key policies, and economic management. Members may submit motions related to policies.

There are seven full-time paid staff that are managed by the chief executive, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations and works closely with the council to ensure an effective exchange of information between staff and council.

The foundation is founded by membership fees, donations, sale of merchandise, t-shirts, caps, mugs, etc., grants, legacies, and gifts.

(c). The Technical Secretariat.

Article 3: Objectives and Functions