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

[Pat]

I don't know very much about the US standards other than they allowed  
products that were definitely not organic to use the 'organic' label.

Perhaps those of you who know more should write or make submissions to  
the appropriate place.  If any kind of petition is organised, I would  
be happy to sign it.

Pat


On 21/04/2008, at 5:58 PM, Linda Shewan wrote:

> 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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