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Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation |
Australian Organics is a joint newsletter of RIRDC and OFA. It is distributed quarterly by direct mail to 4,500 researchers, industry, government, farmers, libraries and consultants. Contributions are welcome.
A valuable and expanding niche market for organic sugar is being tapped by one of Queensland's pioneering cane growing and milling families.
The low-lying coastal strip between Brisbane and the Gold
Coast now has fields entering the fourth year of conversion to organic
production.
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David Heck, fifth generation family member to operate the Rocky Point mill at Woongoolba |
The challenge of producing sugar using only natural inputs has been taken up by David Heck the fifth generation family member to operate the Rocky Point mill at Woongoolba, the smallest in the industry.
The Hecks are also the largest cane farmers in the district, providing about 10 percent of the supply to the mill which last season crushed 335,000 tonnes.
Organically grown cane makes up only a small portion of the crop supplied from the Heck plantations and by four other local farmers.
However throughput is expected to quickly increase from 2200 to 5000 tonnes with a new supplier committing 40 ha to cane that was previously farmed under a vermiculture regime.
“There have been plenty of knockers, but as a small sugar company we need to be innovative and try new things if we want to remain viable,'' Mr Heck said.
“We've had calls from people all over the place wanting to grow organic cane, but we really are restricted to the local area.”
Mr Heck said organic cane was a lot more costly to produce with fields having to be ploughed out after three crops, less than half the normal growing cycle.
“We plant soybeans which give a good nitrogen boost for the first two years. If we harvest a crop of beans it's a bonus.”
A thick layer of compost is applied after the cane has been harvested. This is blended from local by-products including spent yeast from the Rocky Point ethanol distillery, the cane fibre residue bagasse, ash from the mill boilers and chicken manure.
Weeds are controlled by additional cultivation until the cane canopy grows over, but Mr Heck said treatments such as heat and steam were being explored.
“We prefer to crush all the organic cane in a short run at the start of the season to keep it completely separate and give the ratoon crops maximum time to grow.”
Mr Heck said the organic sugar produced was committed within a few days at premium prices. Last season supplies were rationed.
A small portion was sold for retail packaging, but most
was snapped up by organic food manufacturers.
Mr Heck said the mill had received an order for 30,000
litres of organic ethanol for use in extracting essential oils in Tasmania.
We live in interesting times. The news last month that Dan Glickman, US Secretary of Agriculture resubmitted his proposal for US Organic Standards suggests a change of heart. The consumer and industry backlash to his first proposal in 1998 was strong. The revision adopts most of the recommendations of the US National Organic Standards Board.
Also of interest in Japan is the current transition to tighter management of food standards. By October 1 Japanese importers, wholesalers and retailers must move to a system where all food claims are regulated and labelled accordingly as certified organic, chemical free, etc.
This sea change occurring in two of our biggest trading markets is good news for consumers, and helps our certified agribusiness exporters brand their products and access genuine consumer premiums. But it also puts greater urgency on us to formalise our domestic certification system, based on the National Standard supported by AQIS and recently endorsed by the EU.
The Organic R&D Committee has recently received a report on domestic certification options, and this recently commissioned a review to compare revised overseas standards and identify the implications for Australia. Both reports will be available from June Murphy at RIRDC on phone number 02 6272 4029.
A short list of good projects was considered at the recent R&D Committee meeting. I wish we could fund more where real need and opportunity exist. From the 35 initial submissions received last October, eight were considered in full and six were supported. Proponents are currently being advised.
A new joint initiative with the certifiers is the development of a national database (enterprises, products, and GVP values) for the industry – a must-have to define who we are and where we are going.
The Industry will have its first National Organic Conference in August 2001. With seed funding from the Corporation, the Committee now seeks the support of industry and governments to hold a professional, cohesive and challenging event. Details will be available shortly.
This edition of the Newsletter marks the end of the three year term for the current R&D Committee. Thank you to my colleagues and new friends for their strong support. We look forward to our report card from the current independent review being undertaken by Dr John Drinan.
Ewan Colquhoun
RIRDC Organic Produce Research Manager
Phone: (07) 3831 7330
Fax: (07) 3832 7298
Email: macagri@ozemail.com.au
Providing Clean food for Export
Project
aims
To increase the
export opportunity for Clean product able to be produced in Australia by
identifying Japanese market opportunities and by developing 'best bet'
management packages for a selected short list of products.
Current progress
The project identified
world trade in organic products to a value in the order of $11 billion.
The main consumption is in Europe, USA and Japan. Production comes from
USA and Europe with smaller amounts from South America, New Zealand, Chile.
Australia has a relatively small export industry (about $30-50,000,000).
There was some interest expressed in non organic 'Clean' product, however this portion of the market is not well documented. GMO free products are in the clean area.
A reference group from around Australia identified 5 commodities with good prospects for Australia - Wheat, beef, carrots, oranges and wine.
Growers and industry representatives were interviewed on the production aspects of the identified commodities.
The 'Best Bet' production packages will look at the product and how to grow or produce these under the regimes existing around Australia.
Links have been established with other RIRDC organic projects and State Agencies.
Some of the constraints
identified include the small production base in Australia, weed management,
disease and insect control.
The documents will
be presented in draft form for discussion by industry at regional forums
around Australia.
Mr Gerry Parlevliet
Agriculture Western
Australia
Locked Bag 4
BENTLEY DELIVERY
CENTRE WA 6983
Ph:
08 9368 3219
Fax:
08 9367 2625
Email: gerryp@agric.wa.gov.au
Project aims
The project aims
to identify and document organic farming practices which have wider applications
in farming systems and improve communications between growers, researchers
and industry organisations so that there is a better understanding of the
principles and practices applied in Australian organic systems.
Current progress
The project examined
the prospects, impediments and R&D needs of five major Australian primary
industries - rice, vegetable, wine grapes and viticulture, sugar and dairy
- through holding one-day workshops accompanied by interviews and field
trips.
A schematic diagram of key relationships in an Environmental Management System
Five workshops have been held in four States with representatives of growers, researchers, industry and agencies. Attendance has averaged 40 particpants and reports have been circulated to those who attended. In all cases except sugar, successful practitioners of commercial organic production compared their farming practices with 'conventional growers'.
Prospects for refining farming practices in areas such as soils management, and pest and disease management, sustainable production, and IPM were discussed. Research and industry development needs and/or marketing possibilities were identified.
The project has readily gained the support and involvement of industry and research organisations, State agencies, growers and processors, consultants and input suppliers. The workshops provided an important forum for:
Jason Alexandra, Jason Alexandra
& Associates
16 Homestead Road, Eltham VIC 3095
Ph: 03 9431 3426; Fax: 03 9431 3657
Email: jasona@sympac.com.au
On the 10th and 11th April Scott Kinnear attended meetings in New Zealand to discuss the adoption of a National Standard in New Zealand.
The meetings were with the Organic Federation of New Zealand and New Zealand Government officials.
A further meeting is likely in May when Scott attends a conference in Auckland run by the Soil & Health Association on New Zealand Organics by 2020.
Once NZ puts in place a National Standard then a change to the Food Standards Code can be implemented to control the use of the terms with the Australian New Zealand Food Authority.
The need for domestic regulation of organic and biodynamic labels is becoming more urgent as more uncertified products appear on the market labelled organic.
One method of applying pressure is for retailers to set a date whereupon they will not accept uncertified organic processed products.
The OFA has written to Coles on this point and will follow up with all the major supermarkets.
The Organic Retailers & Growers Association of Australia
(ORGAA) who certify retail outlets has set a date the end of April 2001
whereupon their outlets (more than 60) will not accept uncertified processed
organic products.
The OFA is keen to promote organic food at the Olympics and we are keen to hear from individuals and businesses eager to support this concept.
We will be making contact with the NSW Government through
the Green Watch committee to see whether any committment to a percentage
of vendor sites at some venues could be set aside for organic foods.
GeneEthics Bob Phelps has had preliminary contact that
indicate we would be given a hearing on this subject.
OFA has received comprehensive legal advice from Slater & Gordon on the impact of genetically engineered crops polluting organic crops. Australian and international standards prohibit GE in organic products and farmers would lose their certification if they suffered contamination.
This suggests organic farmers can take action to stop
plantings of GE crops if they believe they'll suffer contamination and
can also seek damages if they do suffer contamination. In terms of contamination
a case is only likely to be successful if the exact source of contamination
can be identified.
T he OFA is pleased to announced a successful
funding application via RURAL PLAN for $158,900.
This money will be used to source and employ a Project
Co-ordinator, who under the supervision of the OFA, will be responsible
for designing and implementing a strategic plan to develop the organic
industry in Australia.
The needs of the industry to develop and realise full potential are well known and documented, specifically from the Canberra workshop of February 1999.
Prior to any form of implementation, there will be significant consultation and public comment opportunities put in place, so that broadest possible participation is encouraged.
This project will dovetail with the R&D work being
carried out by RIRDC, plus any other Commonwealth and State initiatives
supporting the development of the organic industry in Australia.
RIRDC's Organic Produce Advisory Committee has agreed that travel/conference funding is an important component in the development of:
(i) the Organic Produce industry,The Advisory Committee considers the key policy platform necessary to facilitate future travel and conference support as follows:
(ii) the key people leading the industry, and
(iii) the credibility of the Australian industry.
For information about organic agriculture research done
by Eco Landuse System plug into
www.geocities.com/Eureka/Boardroom/1875
This site has an entire article on organic agriculture in Europe, and abstracts of the research completed by Els Wynen.
The OFA is drawing up the final terms of reference for the website directory proposal and then will be advertising for tenders to put them together.
It is envisaged there will be three components:
Any interested parties who want to
go on a list to be notified when the project goes to tender please contact
the OFA on 03 9386 6600 or info@ofa.org.au.
T he Annual General Meeting of the OFA will be held in Orange (Venue to be announced) on the Saturday evening of the 12th August at 7.30pm.
The AGM will follow a two day workshop held by the Biodynamic
Farmers and Gardeners' Association of Australia with Hugh
Lovell held on the Thursday and Friday.
All day Saturday the OFA will hold a one day workshop similar to the last AGM where strategic direction for the OFA will be discussed as well as any other organic industry issues.
On the Sunday morning an OFA committee meeting will be held with the new committee which will be announced at the AGM.
The OFA committee will be re-elected by postal ballot prior to the AGM, anyone interested in standing must be a paid up full member.
If you would like to be involved on the OFA committee and are able to donate time to this important role please join the OFA and nominate yourself.
Logo
The OFA is keen to reopen debate about the benefits of
a national symbol for Australian certified organic products.
Such a symbol would almost certainly sit alongside any other logos that already exist in the market place. The benefit would be in marketing consistently to Australian customers organic produce that is legitimately accredited to export standards by AQIS.
This will be discussed at the organic industry meeting
following the AGM in Orange in NSW see article Page 4.
Communications & Trade IFOAM International OrganicTrade Conference: Florence, Italy. 20-23 October 1999
By Liz Clay - IFOAM World Board Member
FIFOAM's Italian membership was host to the 6th IFOAM International Trade Conference held in Florence. Speakers from all over the world engaged with the conference participants in workshops and plenaries during the 4 days of the conference. I was a plenary speaker at the conference overviewing organic developments in this region.
Organic trade discussions reflected a change to ethical and responsible food distribution.
Innovative marketing schemes that reflected fair trade and ethics were some of the main themes to evolve. And included the need to establish a code for the conduct of international organic trade that reflected IFOAM's holistic approach. The organic movement was reminded that organics was more than just trade but reflected the support for rural communities, small farmers, food security and food sovereignty.
It was identified that more work is needed to be done to promote a more transparent open book approach to price setting which would ensure that everyone got a fair price for their product.
In the developing world organic agriculture is
expanding. Sustainable agricultural projects are encouraging typical produce
for export. Projects in Uganda for example, have many thousands of small
farmers certified with their organic cotton rotation being available for
export. Other stories came from Central America's wild harvested coffee
producers, and the bold initiative of the
Brazilian government to ban any genetically modified
products so as to take advantage of consumer demands.
Because organic consumers are willing to pay a premium for organic produce, they are sending very clear messages to the market place for rigor in the certification systems. IFOAM accreditation is recognized and sought throughout the world
In summary there is little doubt that the growth in organic trade is still increasing and national governments are becoming increasingly interested.
However the role of government needs to be reviewed if the control of the organic definition is to remain with the community who support its ethics and holism.
We were reminded by Annie Kirschenman that, clearly, there is a need for government's to know how organic works.
Not only is organic agriculture about the non use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, but it is more about understanding holistic systems and developing a relationship with nature.
Organic agriculture demands flexibility, creativity
and reflection and requires the necessity to work together. Are the structures
of government capable of this?
Join a farm tour to the USA to study farming options to
improve sustainability and viability, as well as being environmentally
acceptable. Tour includes intensive horticulture in California, a wide
range of crops and farming initiatives in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota,
Winconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Cost:- around $4,700
Contact:- Don MacFarlane
The R&D Committee wishes to encourage and lend modest financial support to students undertaking new or applied research benefitting the certified organic industry.
The Committee is particularly interested to talk with individuals planning to commence research at PhD level at an Australian institution in the next 12 months.
The proposed outcomes from research will need to demonstrate clear benefits to a specific area of food and fibre research, and the organic industry.
Interested parties should contact any members of the current
Committee, or contact the Program Manager, Ewan Colquhoun on 07 3831 7330.
It's a tough job! Primary industries' Apple Isle Minister meets with RIRDC Organic Committee
David Llewellyn has a tough job. As a Minister in the Tasmanian Cabinet he leads two portfolios, Police and Public Safety (DPPS) and Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE). But it is in Primary Industries where some of his most aggressive challengers and soaring opportunities exist.
Consider
this! Tasmania husbands one of the worlds last pristine wild fishing environments
in the world. It is a giant in the global wild caught abalone industry
with a catch valued in 1999 at $88 million at retail. (Putting this into
perspective this single state fishery is about a third of the total value
of the national organic industry).
A current challenge facing the Minister and his DPIWE staff is to defend these crown jewels against poachers who seek to vacuum clean this wild resource from every near shore reef around the apple isle. Abalone theft is already a major problem in many of Australia's temperate water onshore reefs in Victoria, southern NSW and South Australia. On another front the Minister has lead his state in a firm stand against the import of Canadian salmon, in defence of their burgeoning aquaculture industry. This ongoing stoush has seen the state hauled before the WTO, and even at odds with Federal counterparts in Canberra.
But the opportunity that uplifts Tasmanian hearts is production of premium foods to world markets, including certified organic agriculture and agribusiness. The Government has set up an Organics Unit to service the needs of the fledgling organic industry in the State. The Minister met recently with the RIRDC Organic Advisory Committee and Jayne Diflo (representing the local industry) in his Hobart office to discuss the work of this Unit and outline his hopes and mission. Tasmania intends to consolidate its natural fresh food image through a joint program with Tasmanian industry and RIRDC promoting the development and adoption of organic farming. Two projects are already jointly underway and the Minister has directed his staff to identify more that could be proposed for RIRDC support. Funds committed to the State by RIRDC alone since the inception of the Committee in 1996 total $121,000. Tasmania is already well served by Organic Certifiers including BFA, NASAA, OHGA and TOP. Around 20 certified producers and ministerial staffers met informally with committee members to discuss Tasmanian organic issues and opportunities for further collaborative R&D.
While the Minister has a tough job he appears to be up the challenge and has the able support of his industry.
150 people enjoyed the national
organic & natural foods seminar on the 1st and 2nd of April in Melbourne
featuring Phillip Adams as moderator, Patrick Holden (UK Soil Association),
Cherry Ripe, Kent Whealy (Seed Savers Exchange US), Rosemary Stanton, Sylvia
Johnson (Melb Food & Wine Fest Director), Scott Kinnear (OFA), John
Williams (CSIRO), Dick
Copeman, Johnathon Banks (ex CSIRO)
& Peter Cundall (ABC).
The seminar comprehensively covered issues of sustainability, health and the links to agricultural production systems. As an inaugral part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival it set the stage for more informed discussions of organic food being a significant part of the solution needed for our damaged soils in Australia.
Our opportunities for export were highlighted by a Japanese buyer who attended the seminar looking for 120,000 tonnes of organic rice.
The outdoor food fair in the gardens of South Melbourne Gasworks brought together 50 stall holders displaying organic and natural producst and services.
There was a who's who of exhibitors and lots of interest from a focussed public of about 3000.
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is committed to building the outdoor food fair each year as a stand alone organic event.
The OFA believes that this type of event is very successful and ensures that organic is not swallowed up in a larger event.
Organics Sales
Increasing
Retail outlets report increased
supply of organic/bio-dynamic fresh produce thanks to two wholesalers -
Peter Cocks' Bio-dynamic Wholefoods and Eco Farms who are
now at Market City Canning Vale.
Steve McCoy and Gerry Parlevliet of AgWA are informing conventional farmers of the market potential of organics, for domestic and export sales. One of the many projects at present is the organic carrot program.
With the Shire of Williams (and
Shire of Lake Grace) considering calling for a 24 month moratorium on the
growing of GMO's, the State Government considering legislation on the temporary
prohibition of GMO's and Baldivis Estate Wines having their '98 Chardonnay
Certified GM free by Cert ID hope is given to the organic industry in the
West.
GMO's High
on Agenda
Tasmania
has not even scratched the surface of the potential (for Organics)
said David Llwellyn, Minister for Primary Industries, Water and the Environment,
at the recent launch of the Tasmanian Government's Organic Unit.
GMO's are high on the agenda with the push to make Tasmania a GE free state. Members of the organic industry were invited to an Information Exchange on Genetically Modified food to discuss issues and assist the Food Industry Council of Tasmania make recommendations to the State Government on GM food production. Mr Llewellyn has calledon the Federal Government to halt GE trial crops in the interim. Recent visits and public talks by David Suzuki , Luke Anderson and Scott Kinnear have added weight to the organic sectors' side of the debate.
Hobart now boasts Tasmania's only oganic retail outlet selling 100% certified organic produce. Supply of local produce is improving in quantity, but quality is still an issue for buyers. The formation of Organic Co-operatives in both the north and south of the State will assure a more cohesive industry in Tasmania.
1st Organic
Farmers' Market
“Bewwwdeful”
is how 'Con the Fruiterer' described the organic produce at Victoria's
first Organic Farmers Market which was launched at Creswick Landfest in
March. An ongoing organic farmers market is being planned for the Ballarat
region. For more information contact Sue Titcumb on (0409) 015 860.
Organic meat producers met at the Grow Organic Conference in East Gippsland in March. Further regional meetings are being planned and people interested should contact Liz Clay on (03) 5628 9557
Dairy industry deregulation has created interest in conversion to organic and biodynamic production systems. 75 Australia-wide producers, processors and industry representatives attended the first national Dairy Organics Forum in Melbourne in April. A report will be available in May.
A market exists for organic buckwheat. DNRE is working with the Ballarat-based, Japanese buckwheatnoodle manufacturer (Hakubaku) to boost supply capability.
In the last 6 months, Melbourne based wholesalers have undergone significant growth, with increasing domestic and export sales.
The Victorian Government has stated
in its agricultural policy that organic farming is one of its priorities.
It has committed to increasing resources within the Department of Natural
Resources and Environment to assist the organic industry. In the Department
of State Development, a new position has been created to develop organic
business opportunities in Victoria.
Increased Sales
Organic produce sales have increased between
10-20% and supplies are keeping up. A large Sydney wholesaler exports two
containers of fresh produce to Singapore and Hong Kong weekly. Supplies
to the larger supermarkets have increased, but orders to smaller retailers
are filled first, acknowledging their importance and support. Quality and
presentation is 100% better.
Many growers are being approached by larger supermarkets, and some won't sell direct, preferring to have wholesalers deal with payment and supply issues.There is a need for a fair and sustainable pricing structure for organic produce so growers don't have to use methods unsustainable for the soil. Growers are also challenged by the thought of a quick sale, but then what happens to their existing customers? This is an issue for the Organic Industry so if you have ideas contact Scott Kinnear at OFA.
The NSW Government is slow in supporting and recognising the importance of the Organic Biodynamic Industry at this stage.
The B.D.F.G.A.A. is VETAB Accredited in
partnership with Tocal College, so their workshops and courses can now
be funded under FarmBis.
Organics Coming of Age
Organic is coming of age,
with exceptional growth in interest from larger commercial operators and
companies, choosing to align with certification and the National Standard.
Queensland meat, soy and cow's milk look set to have significant future
impact on Australia's overall supply of these organic items – now in high
demand for export and supermarkets.
There is ongoing demand for field days for technical communication, market information and the laying of foundations of a longer term sustainable organic industry.
The Primary Industries' Minister
opened an organic seminar and State Development is running an “organic
program” and actively investigating ways in which it may continue to assist
the industry.
RIRDC funds have helped
to run seminars and field days – highly successful and sector specific
events which are getting the basics out to interested parties.
A DPI initiative of an updated Queensland database will ensure the state progresses the needs of producers and marketeers. The next challenge is a national database.
A big challenge from a regulation
perspective is to have the ssues of Queensland producers heard andunderstood
– where pest and weed loads are of a different nature and magnitude from
the southern states.
Need for Cohesive Voice
There is a move for individual growers,
certified by different accredited organisations, to meet and discuss issues
of general concern. It is important to have a cohesive voice on issues
which reflects the desire to advance the organic cause and industry in
the Territory. Some minor retail outlets in Darwin are passing off produce
as Organic, without any form of certification and legitimacy, and a stronger
Industry presence can help in the maintenance of legitimacy.
The mango season was favourable, however
in the northern regions there has been nearly 1100 mm. rainfall above the
wet season average so far, which could impact on next season's production.
Significant R & D on biological control of grapevine powdery mildew has started at the Waite campus of the University of Adelaide. PhD student, Peter Crisp will work with Eileen Scott and other staff surveying selected vineyards for fungi, bacteria and mites that are antagonistic to the powdery mildew fungus. Promising organisms and biological extracts will then be screened in the laboratory prior to vineyard evaluation.
GE continues to be an issue in S.A. with the dumping of GE crop residuesin a commercial tip at Mt.Gambier. The concept of industry self regulation relating to GMO's appears to have failed, and the costs of State regulation need to to be added to the supposed “benefits” of GE crops.
Retail sales growth is moderate
and export sales show steady growth with Singapore and Hong Kong leading
the way.
Produce exported covers
a wide range of fruit and vegetable, with strong demand for wine – particularly
red, which is unable to be met.
A.C.T.
Liz Posmyk & Peter
Poulos
Industry representatives from Canberra attended Biofach 2000 in Nuremburg, Germany and The Natural Products Expo West in Annaheim, California during February and March.
An open day was held on 1st April at Lorindale Farm, a NASAA certified apple orchard with hundreds of people from the Canberra area attending.
Canberra's leading cooking school “Cooking Co-ordinates” reports there has been strong interest in their classes promoting “Cooking with Organic Vegetables and Tofu”.
The A.C.T. needs to develop a program to give local growers incentives to convert to organic farming, thus enabling Canberra based retailers and wholesalers access to a wider range of fresh produce. Canberra based wholesaler World Whole Foods Pty. Limited would welcome the involvement of the certifying bodies and the A.C.T. Government in this regard.
Retail sales of organic produce have marginally increased particularly with the media attention on the GMO and chemical overload issues.
The organic dairy industry received a much needed boost with the formation of a national working group at the first Australian Dairy Organics Forum held in Melbourne on April 4th.
The working group will prepare a strategic plan for the future development of the industry and will develop a national database of organic dairy industry stakeholders.
Over the next eight months, the
working group - which is made up of dairy farmers, processors and consumers
- will consult with producers, suppliers, retailers, policy makers, consumer
groups, certification bodies and agricultural departments.
National Logo
to Brand Australian Organic Produce
In addition, the
working group will support the Organic Federation of Australia's national
push for a single logo to brand all Australian organic products.
Patrick Holden, Director of the National Soil Association in the UK, told the forum that producers had to take control of this process so that branding isn't left to government agencies.
“In the interest of the Australian organic industry, I would urge you to use one logo on all your organic products so that consumers are not confused about which products meet specific industry standards,” he said.
Growing Local and Overseas
Market
Opportunities for
Australian organic exports were huge, the forum was told, but other countries
were also gearing up to exploit them.
The organic foods market worldwide is expected to be wort $US100 billion in 10 years - with a major share of the growth in some of Australia's key markets like Japan and Korea.
“Japanese people are willing to pay for organic products because they are perceived as healthy and safe alternatives to conventional foods,” said Libby Blackett-Smith, Austrade's Australia-based Trade Commissioner for Food and Beverages.
To be included on the Dairy Organics database and receive further information on Dairy Organics developments, please fax or post your details to Fiona Chambers. Fax (03) 3441 2788. Post: Box 2410 Mail Centre Bendigo, 3554.
The largest organic dinner in Australia was held on the 24th March at Bendigo with David Suzuki speaking.
David gave an extraordinary performance inspiring us to consider our future pointing out the major problems with consumption in the western world.
He urged people to support organic farming as an important step towards more sustainable futures.
The ingredients for the dinner were sourced almost exclusively from organic foods and wines and thanks go to all the suppliers of these products. Many of the ingredients were supplied at cost price for the event illustrating an excellent spirit of cooperation.
Annie Smithers from Linton House Restaurant at Daylesford created the
menu which offered a choice of delicious free range organic chicken or
vegetarian.
Patrick Holden, Director of the Soil Association in the UK - the largest certfication organisation with 105 staff, visited Melbourne as keynote speaker at the national seminar Our Food Today & Tomorrow.
While in Melbourne Patrick spoke with Scott Kinnear at the Australian Food Marketing Centre and an Organic Dairy Forum before flying to Brisbane with Scott to speak at a function sponsored by RIRDC and QDPI on organic foods on Wednesday the 5th April.
On Thursday he spoke at a forum in the NSW Parliament
House organised by Catriona MacMillan and Barbara Murray.
Patrick had a successful visit with approximately 20
interviews conducted with radio, print and TV. He reported the growth in
Europe is such that by 2010 as much as 30% of all food is likely to be
organic if growth continues at the present rate.
Accredited Industry Organisations
The following seven organisations are accredited by the Australian Quarantine
Inspection Service (AQIS, phone 02 6272 4164, email: organic@aqis.gov.au)
and meet the “National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce”.
|
Bio-Dynamic Research Institute
POWELLTOWN VIC 3797 Phone: 03 5966 7333 Fax:: 03 5966 7433 Biological Farmers of Australia Co-Operative Ltd
Organic Herb Growers of Australia Inc
Organic Food Chain
|
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National Association for Sustainable Agriculture
(Australia) Ltd
PO Box 768 STIRLING SA 5152 Phone: 08 8370 8455 Fax: 08 8370 8381 Email: nasaa@dove.mtx.net.au Organic Vignerons Association of Australia Inc
Eco-Organics of Australia
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| NON-ACCREDITED ORGANISATIONS | |||||
| Organic Retailers & Growers Association of Australia
PO Box 12852, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 Phone: 03 9737 9799; Fax: 03 9737 9499 Tollfree: 1 800 356 299 |
Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Assoc. of Australia
PO Box 54, Bellingen NSW 2454 Phone/Fax: 02 6655 8551 Email: poss@midcoast.com.au |
||||
| Libby Blackett-Smith
-
Austrade - 03 9284 3275; Fx: 03 9284 3116 Peter White - QDPI Director
Lindsay Coghill QDPI
Helen Scott-Orr - NSW Ag
Robyn Neeson - NSW Ag
Chris Brunswick-Hullock -
Tas
Victoria:
|
SA:
Appointment Gerry Parlevliet - Ag WA 08 9368 3219; Fx: 08 9368 3946 NT:
Andy Carroll - AQIS
Scott Kinnear - Chairman
OFA -
Andy Monk
June Murphy, Program Assistant
|
Last updated: 29 May 2000
Copyright © RIRDC
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/may00.html
