The country’s top certified organic producers have joined together to form the Organic Development Group (ODG) to present a united voice on issues, such as the need for domestic regulation of the word ‘organic’.
The certified organic industry has developed into a major export earner and economic driver, contributing $851m directly into the domestic economy.
Coinciding with the ODG formation, members of Parliament joined international dignitaries at Parliament House to mark the formation of the Parliamentary Friends of Australia’s Organic Industry (PFAOI).
Australian Organic Limited (AOL) hosted the function which was attended by more than 200 people including minister for trade and tourism Don Farrell, leader of the Nationals David Littleproud, MPs, senators, the Swedish ambassador, and representatives from the New Zealand High Commission, and the United States and French embassies.
AOL CEO Niki Ford said it was timely recognition for producers.
“It is an important day for us as an industry. September is traditionally Australian Organic Awareness Month, so it is great for us to be talking about the real reason you should be choosing certified organic products.
“Organic is regenerative, organic is sustainable and organic production systems positively contribute to climate resilience and biodiversity. Every organic operator who is certified has to go through a rigorous audit to substantiate their claims which underpins the importance of looking for certification marks.
“But without domestic regulation you can have as little as one ingredient and still claim organic on your packaging in Australia. Research has shown about one-third of consumers have reported being misled by deceptive packaging so truth in labelling is an important issue for our industry,” said Ford.
AOL is the peak body for the organic sector, focused on working with the government to deliver a fit for purpose regulatory process consistent with export requirements. Last year in Food & Drink Business, Ford discussed the organic industry’s most significant discussion regarding regulation since the National Standard was established 20 years ago.
The discussion being that in Australia, there are six recognised approved certification bodies who can confirm organic operators comply with the National Standard to achieve organic certification, with the operation undergoing rigorous audits each year to maintain their certification.
While the National Standard is a world leading document requiring products claiming to be organic to be certified before they can be exported, Ford said its biggest shortfall was that it wasn’t made mandatory for the domestic sales of organic goods, meaning there are currently no mandatory standard requirements or regulations that operators need to adhere to – across production, processing, supply chains and even labelling – in order to sell products within Australia that are claiming to be organic.
However, more than 3000 operators within Australia voluntarily adhere to the framework set out in the National Standard for their domestic sales, recognising that organic certification adds credibility to their product and helps to build trust with consumers.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt acknowledged the organic industry’s position as a major contributor to Australia’s image abroad as a producer of clean, green and high-quality produce and products.
“This industry is a core part of our agriculture sector. We haven’t always agreed on everything to do with the organics sector, and there are some issues that we will continue working with you on, but as a government we’ve been particularly keen to focus on how we can be supporting the organics sector with its export efforts.
“I know there was a very productive meeting held this morning between representatives of the organics industry with the relevant departments to talk through some of the new and emerging export opportunities that we’ve been able to negotiate for our good organic products as well,” Watt said.
PFAOI Co-chair, Aaron Violi said establishing the groups was an important step in elevating the industry.
“I used to work in the industry selling organic food and I’ve seen firsthand how the industry has grown over the last few decades and it’s an amazing industry that has big potential.
“It’s already delivering a lot and there are things we need to do in this house to make sure that we can allow it to continue to grow,” Violi said.
Organic Development Group
The 11-member ODG, which includes all of Australia’s certification bodies and major industry groups was formed to create a united voice to pursue domestic regulation of the word organic.
Producer and Organic Industries Australia director, Ian James, said it was essential for the thousands of businesses that have gone through the process of certification.
“The whole industry is built around verification and certification of the organic claim, and this must be enforceable.
“We have come together to create the ODG with the realisation that the only way forward for the organic industry to achieve domestic regulation is to go forward together with one voice. Our future growth and prosperity are what is at stake,” said James.
National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia GM, Alex Mitchell said it showed a maturing of the organic sector.
“This is an unprecedented commitment of the whole of industry in participating in not only the approach to policy development, but also in advocacy, such as the show of force at the event today.
“It’s also critical to acknowledge the importance of bringing all the industry bodies together to listen to government so everyone can develop a common language for industry advancement,” said Mitchell.
The ODG includes:
- ACO Certification Ltd (ACO)
- Australian Organic Limited (AOL)
- Bio Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI)
- Certified Organic Biodynamic Western Australia (COBWA)
- National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA)
- NASAA Certified Organic (NCO)
- Organic and Regenerative Investment Co-operative (ORICOOP)
- Organic Consumers Association Australia (OCAA)
- Organic Food Chain (OFC)
- Organic Industries of Australia (OIA)
- Southern Cross Certified (SXC)
