[Pil-pc-oceania] Boost for organics industry with plans for nationwide standard (farmonline)

[Deb Guildner]

I think part of the problem with consumers is understanding the labelling, and the lack of uniformity.

There are at least four different orgs doing labelling.  I always wonder what I am buying into when a label says in conversion, but surmise this may be better than no certification at all.

If anyone is interested in being accredited as a grower, I have a friend in NSW who does NAASA inspections. (She has good qualifications in Sustainabale Ag, and a PhD in Environmental Health). I may be able to persuade her to write an article explaining the current systems.

Cheers
Deb
- Original Message ----- 
  From: Linda Shewan 
  To: permacultue discussion list 
  Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 7:28 PM
  Subject: Re: [Pil-pc-oceania] Boost for organics industry with plansfor nationwide standard (farmonline)


  I believe the USDA Government standards were the start of the end for the organic label in the US. it will be interesting to see how this comes out in the wash.

   

  Linda

   

   

  From: Deb Guildner [mailto:bocor at bigbutton.com.au] 
  Sent: Monday, 21 April 2008 5:56 PM
  To: permacultue discussion list
  Subject: [Pil-pc-oceania] Boost for organics industry with plans for nationwide standard (farmonline)

   

  Boost for organics industry with plans for nationwide standard
  18/04/2008 9:40:00 AM

  The first Australian Standard for organic and biodynamic produce will be finalised this year following yesterday's meeting of Primary Industries Ministers from all States and Territories. 

  Queensland's Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, said the decision would boost the burgeoning organics sector in his State. 

  "I specifically brought this matter to the attention of the gathering of Ministers in Melbourne and pointed the need for such a Standard," he said. 

  "I'm happy to say they agreed with me and the new Standard is due for completion by the end of this year."

  Mr Mulherin said the decision was a direct result of a departmental forum in October last year between DPI&F and representatives of the organic industry. 

  The organics sector is of increasing importance in the horticulture and livestock industries.

  "There is growing demand for higher-quality foods, and more fresh produce and organic products rate very highly with a lot of consumers," Mr Mulherin said. 

  He said all primary industry departments would now work more closely with the Organic Federation of Australia and the Biological Farmers of Australia to ensure greater production for the organic and bio-dynamic sectors. 

  "Under the new standard products will be labelled as organic or biodynamic, which will give consumers even greater confidence in the quality of organic products and provide for more informed choice," he said. 

  "Work will also be done to develop a more comprehensive data collection process so we can have a more accurate picture of the industry, what it contributes to the primary sector and its potential for further growth." 

   



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