Australian lavender growers have been asked to come forward and provide oil samples to help a new research and development project aimed at setting new standards for the industry - literally.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) is funding a research project to develop new Australian Standards for lavandin (a natural lavender hybrid) oils not covered by existing Australian or international standards.

The lack of a standard for much of the oil produced in Australia means it is difficult to sell, because manufacturers are bound to use accredited oils, often imported from overseas.

RIRDC's General Manager of New Industries, Dr Roslyn Prinsley, said setting Australian standards was a threshold issue if the industry is to prosper.

"There is a ready market out there for lavandin oil but many Australian growers are locked out of it because of the lack of a standard.  Establishing a standard will open up new markets for Australian oil, both domestically and internationally," Dr Prinsley said.

"This is a critical step if the industry is to grow.  It will allow local manufacturers and retailers to use Australian made oil rather than imports."

Michael Basile from The Australian Lavender Growers' Association (TALGA) said the industry needed as many producers as possible to provide oil samples.

"Members of TALGA will be providing samples for the research testing, but we are aware that there are many non-member growers out there and it is important we include samples of their oil in this process.

"We need them to provide samples of a minimum 150 ml from lavandin (Lavandula x, intermedia) cultivars, not currently covered by Australian or international standards, over at least two harvest seasons.

"Samples will be submitted to three independent laboratories for chemical and physical testing and to an experienced perfumer for 'organoleptic' or 'aroma' evaluation.

"Principal researcher Dr Ian Southwell will collate the data and especially analyse the chemical compositions before forwarding them to Standards Australia's CH21 Essential Oil Committee for the development of the standard.

"TALGA can help its members with the costs involved in supplying samples, and can also supply non-members with sample bottles.

"It's really important for the whole industry that we get as many producers as we can to contribute to this vital research," Mr Basile said.

To obtain further details, sample bottles, and research data sheets, contact Michael Basile on 02 4843 3333 or 0429 771838 or cblandplan@optusnet.com.au
 

Media enquiries:
Danny O'Brien - RIRDC Communications Manager - 02 6271 4175 or 0438 130 445
Michael Basile, TALGA - (02) 4843 3333 or 0429 771 838