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Rural Industries
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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. Printed on recycled paper.
Editor: Eva Hickman, RIRDC Publications Manager. Phone 02 6272 3186, Fax
02 6272 5877,
email: evah@rirdc.gov.au
In this issue:
According to Administrator Frank Williams, the company’s marketing strategy is focused on product quality. It was for this reason the noodle-manufacturing plant was built in the City of Ballarat: because the Rosella wheat grown in Australia’s eastern wheatbelt is "the best in the world for Japanese noodle production."
Cultural demands
Part of the recipe for penetrating new markets is an appreciation of cultural demands.
"For example, the Japanese market demands very long noodles because the customers traditionally ‘slurp’ their noodles," says Williams. "So for our premier or ‘gold’ brand, if two or more noodles are broken in a packet when they’re put on the shelves in supermarkets in Japan, they’re rejected."
Registering as organic with the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia is also a key part of the strategy.
"Organic labelling is central to our product," he says. "Our product is labelled ‘produced from organically grown raw materials’, because we’re aiming at a niche market with our noodle products."
Niche market it may be, but it’s one that Hakubaku expects to grow rapidly.
Organic demand rising
"The demand for organically produced goods has been exponential from a small base throughout Australia," says Williams. "Given Ballarat’s advantage in relation to clean and green and organically grown raw materials, we see tremendous possibilities for our product in the future."
Nevertheless, there are constraints. New markets, including those in Southeast Asia and Europe, must be enticed, while markets in Japan, the US and at home in Australia must be grown. The supply of raw materials is also potentially limiting. Hakubaku currently produces five different types of noodle, including one made from buckwheat. At the moment, there is only a limited supply of organically grown buckwheat in the country, and the company must import it in bags. Shipping is a significant cost, which will only be offset by local production.
"There are experimental farms now growing buckwheat in the Mallee and Wimmera and it’s also being grown in New South Wales," says Williams. "The sooner that local production comes on-stream, the better for all concerned. And we’ll then have another great and distinctively Australian product."
Over 40 preliminary research proposals (PRPs) were received by the RIRDC Organic R&D Advisory Committee in November 1998. The Committee reviewed these and asked 13 of these proponents to develop full proposals. Eight proposals have since been accepted and contracts are being negotiated and prepared. Final details will be released once these discussions are completed in June.
New projects: Eight new projects will see an investment of at least $220,000 by RIRDC over the next three years in R&D projects covering: soil nutrient management, improved communication systems for regional organic producers, organic training and conversion for traditional horticultural producers, review of polycultural farming systems, integrated pest management in organic farming, and livestock pest management on organic farms.
Existing projects:Four projects will continue through 1999/2000. These include research on weed management, organic extension and information packages for industry, and crop and pasture system management in south eastern Australia. RIRDC will invest a further $120,000 in these four existing projects in 1999/2000. Contributions by collaborating research agencies will add to funds committed by RIRDC to the organic industry.
Conferences/seminars: In addition, a number of regional and national conference/seminar activities are being considered and planned. Their purpose is to raise awareness of the organic/biodynamic industry and foster sustainable farming and processing systems. These seminars will be open to the public and typically be held jointly with industry organisations or state governments.
Information & communication:have become key elements of farm and business survival – for both organic farmers and users of traditional farming systems. And it’s not just information about today’s market prices that is required. Access to current global and Australian government regulations and food safety specifications, and the latest farming and processing technologies are now just as important to viability. Excellent communication between all sectors of the industry is critical if we are to expand and become a credible force in Australian agriculture
Organic website: In response to this
emerging need and the increasing amounts of information available the Organic
Federation intends to seek RIRDC support for an organic industry website.
Information on the site will be available to anybody with a computer and
internet connection.
Contact
Denise Millar (organic
produce)
Ph: (03) 9882
5910, fax: (02) 9882
5917
Mobile: 0419 599 294, Email:
denise.millar@bigpond.com
Address: PO Box 4776, KINGSTON
ACT 2604
This research project has identified a world trade in organic products valued around $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 and Chile. Australia has a relatively small export industry (about $30-$50m).
There was some interest expressed in an organic but "clean" product, however this portion of the market is not well documented. GMO free products are in the clean area.
Best bet production packages
A reference group from around Australia identified five commodities with good prospects for Australia - wheat, beef, carrots, oranges, wine.
Project staff have interviewed growers and industry representatives 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. Reports are being drafted for discussion with industry in June/July 1999. Links have been established with other RIRDC organic projects and State Agencies.
Production constraints
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.
Gerry Parlevliet
Agriculture WA
Phone 08 9368 3219
l Improve understanding of organic practices and prospects for wider adoption.
l Identify limiting factors at all steps of the value-chain and provide options for solutions.
l Facilitate the adoption of organic as a viable mainstream food/fibre system.
Project achievements
Farm Survey: A survey on organics was conducted in order to help plan and organise a program to best suit existing and potential organic producers. Respondants indicated the most relevant aspects in organic production were; workshops/field days to discuss key issues; information on market opportunities; conversion to organic production; and cost and returns associated with organics.
Producer Database: A database of organic producers has also been developed to facilitate easier access to information on organic production and knowledge sharing.
Field Day: More than 100 people attended a combined DPI and NSW Agriculture "Organic and Soybean Production" Field Day held at the McFarlane Brothers property, Harrisville, South Queensland. Topics covered included varieties, soil fertility, heliothis control, irrigation, certification, consumer demands, marketing and processing.
Lindsay Coghill
Dept of Primary Industries (Qld)
Phone: (07) 4688 1334
l increase the number of organic producers and exports; and
l enhance communication between producers, marketers and the broader organic industry.
The project works closely with certified organic producers to obtain
the relevant information needed for conventional producers to convert to
organic production. This has involved the establishment of research sites
on four case study farms, the collection and dissemination of data from
those research sites, and the description of those farms for a conversion
manual.
‘Opportunities in Organics’ workshop
The ‘Opportunities in Organics’ Workshop for broadacre organic producers held at Rutherglen, (Vic) in February 1999 provided a significant forum for the exchange of organic production and marketing information amongst the participants.
The workshop collected valuable information for the conversion manual, as well as greatly enhancing the links between producers, marketers and the industry. Workshop proceedings have been keenly sought by interested producers and are currently available from Agriculture Victoria Rutherglen.
The establishment of two organic conversion sites on co-operators’ farms, and the organic certification of the Demonstration Site at Agriculture Victoria Rutherglen, is providing conventional broadacre producers with greater opportunities to see organic production principles first hand. These sites consist of both pasture and crop establishment techniques.
Information collected from the project is regularly published in the conventional rural press as well as the specialist organic industry newsletters.
Viv Burnett
Agriculture Victoria Rutherglen, Ph. (02) 6030 4500
Dick Copeman, coordinator of the Consumer Food Network and consumer representative on the OFA, has been trying to keep Australian consumers up to date with recent developments.
The Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) has approved a total of 20 genetically modified (GM) foods for sale in Australia from 13 May 1999. Only two of these foods, soybeans and cottonseed, have completed their safety assessment by ANZFA.
No labelling yet
These foods will not be labelled for at least twelve months, because the Health Ministers and the Food Authority have only just released a consultation paper on whether all foods derived from gene technology should be labelled and on what the label will say.
What foods are affected?
Corn, canola, potato and sugar beet are the GM foods approved recently, in addition to the soy and cottonseed approved previously. These foods are not destined for the
fresh food market, but as ingredients in processed food. GM corn is made into ingredients such as starch, thickeners and high fructose syrup, canola becomes vegetable oil, potatoes are used for crisps and sugar beet becomes sugar in sweets, desserts and drinks.
The most likely GM ingredients in Australian-made foods are soy-based ingredients such as lecithin, protein isolate, vegetable oil and soy flour, and some corn derived ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup, which is used in confectionery and desserts.
Genetically modified crops
Cotton is the only GM crop grown commercially in Australia at present. We import soybeans and soy products from USA, some of which are GM, because Australia does not grow enough soybeans for our domestic market. Our farmers grow all the corn, potatoes, sugar and canola that we need but we do import small amounts of specialised ingredients made from these foods, principally high-fructose corn syrup.
Thus GM ingredients, apart from soy and cottonseed oil, are most likely to be found in processed foods imported from the USA.
In the absence of labelling of GM foods, Dick is giving the following advice to consumers who are concerned about the possibility of eating them (see box at left).
Dick Copeman
Consumer Food Network
Ph (+61) 07 3217 3187
Genetically engineered organisms are not allowed in organic farming or organic foods. Organic farmers are certified by a government-accredited certifying body and are inspected annually to ensure that they are complying with organic production standards.
2. Eat unprocessed foods
GM foods are used as ingredients in processed foods such as canned foods, baby food, desserts, pies, cakes, breads, lollies and crisps. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, dried beans (non-soy), eggs and milk are not genetically engineered (in this country) at present.
3. Buy Australian
Foods labelled "Product of Australia" should contain wholly Australian ingredients. Cottonseed oil and cellulose from cotton linters are the only Australian GM ingredients at present. Beware of food labelled "Made in Australia". It may contain imported GM ingredients.
Please contact the OFA below for an application form.
Organic Federation of Australia
C/- 452 Lygon St
East Brunswick VIC 3057, Australia
Ph 61 3 9386 6600 Fax 61 3 9384 1322
Email ofa@netspace.net.au
Sponsored by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture Forestry Fisheries Australia, RIRDC and the Organic Federation of Australia
Executive summary
The management of the organic industry of Australia is at a critical point of transition. Currently a high achieving organisation run by ‘volunteers’, OFA is poised to become the peak industry body, led by professionals.
Workshop participants acknowledged the vital importance of OFA’s securing a steady, sustainable income sufficient to implement many of the proposed actions. This need for funds permeated much of the workshop’s discussion.
Recommendations
Workshop participants recommended that:
l OFA becomes the industry peak body for speaking on behalf of and managing the projects of the industry.
l OFA devises and conducts an active process for increasing participation in the industry by converting potential and prospective producers.
l OFA achieves a professional image
and operation by:
2. employing a full time executive officer with paid administrative support. The executive officer could serve as the OFA ambassador for important industry and government liaison;
3. establishing a trading company to fund future OFA operations;
4. developing and implementing a plan for lobbying;
5. generating fair distribution of R&D funds;
6. building and maintaining an interactive web site;
7. developing and implementing one integrated national communication/marketing strategy; and
8. establishing a policy sub-committee to initiate and respond to policy issues.
Workshop outcomes
l Built relationships and linkages between all players throughout the supply chain.
l Encouraged inclusion of interested parties who as yet have remained on the periphery.
l Generated greater credibility of the industry.
l Minimised the misunderstandings that had arisen in a diverse and rapidly growing industry.
l Extended the RIRDC 2005 Vision.
l Developed a discussion paper of strategic actions for wide distribution to the organic industry and governments around Australia .
Key result areas for industry action
Eight key result areas for industry action have been identified (in no specific order):
2 Research & development
3 Professionalism
4 Cooperation/partnerships
5 Production, supply and distribution
6 Communication (marketing)
7 Management
8 Participation - conversion
Contact: Organic Federation of Australia, phone 03 9386 6600
Public health and safety reasons
Mr Ian Lindenmayer outlined ANZFA’s concerns that there was no demonstrable public health and safety reasons and the government’s desire to avoid making regulation if there were alternative possibilities. We pointed out the codes of practice already in place and that things are getting worse not better. Ian also indicated that the health department’s priorities for enforcement were policing public health and safety issues and not labelling and fraud and deception issues. He said we should be able to access the fair trading system and ACCC to address these.
Risk of too many unpoliced laws
He also said that there was a concern that if they made too many laws which were not policed, then there could appear a culture of disregard for all the laws. We responded by disagreeing with him on public health and safety as mentioned earlier and indicated that protecting consumers from fraud and deception was still of major importance and assisting consumers ability to make informed choices.
Need for peer reviewed scientific studies
Mr Lindenmayer indicated that they were concerned about the public health and safety issues we had raised though he said we would have to prove these with peer reviewed scientific studies before they would accept that argument. (I have since been in touch with the public health association and they indicate there is little work on this in Australia though we may find some overseas. They also indicated that no-one wanted to fund research into this).
Onus of proof on ANZFA
We have responded to ANZFA asking them to proceed or reject the application and also suggesting that the onus of proof is on them to show that the concerns of consumers who are immune compromised or chemical sensitive are not well founded.
We have indicated the need for labelling regulation to assist consumers who are being defrauded at present and we stand firmly behind this issue which is the number two objective of ANZFA.
We have also argued that fair trading of organic food is being seriously undermined by trade of fraudulent product and that this is another one of the objectives for ANZFA in making legislation.
Industry to be vigilant on fraudulent trading
Lastly it is important that the industry continues to be proactive to reduce fraud by reporting to the OFA any suspicious trading. We will use these reports to document the extent and attempt to use whatever means we can to influence people to do the right thing.
Scott Kinnear, OFA Chairperson, phone 03 9386 6600
The appeal to the IFOAM General Assembly in November 1998 to allow phosphites as a restricted input was lost.
The main arguments against phosphites were:
1. nature non-equivalence.
2. carryover of phosphites in crops:
b) carryover of phosphites in crops – the ‘approval’ method of analysis for phosphite residues, suggested to the Australian Government by one of the large chemical companies is very expensive and can only be done in one lab in Australia. Effort is being made to find a suitable chemistry student to compare this ‘approval’ method to more practical methods for residue analysis.
No other systemic chemical can control Oomycetes (eg. Plasmopana,
Phytophera, etc) although one report of a mixed bacterial culture suggests
limited efficacy against Plasmopana viticola (Downey mildue in vines).
Work on the mechanism of action of phosphites on Oomycetes was done at the University of Melbourne and found to be in large part due to phosphite switching off the invading fungus inhibition of the host plant’s defence system ie. phosphite enables the plant to kill the invading fungus.
Contact: David Bruer, phone 08 8537 0203
The following information will enable you to make contact with the organisations that are accredited by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). Each of these organisations can supply you with specific information as to their particular standards, all of them by achieving AQIS accreditation, have proved that they meet the "National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce".
Should you wish to purchase a copy of the National Standard you can do this through Australian Government Book Shops by quoting ISBN 0-646-35460-4.
If you intend to export food or fibre that claims to be ‘organic’ or ‘bio-dynamic’, you need to know the following:
l To become an accredited industry
organisation application is made to AQIS which undertakes an audit
of the organisation against the requirements of the National Standard for
Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce.
Biological Farmers of Australia Co-Operative Ltd
PO Box 3404
TOOWOOMBA VILLAGE FAIR QLD 4350
Phone 07 4639 3299
Fax: 07 4639 3755
Email: bfa@icr.com.au
Organic Herb Growers of Australia Inc
PO Box 6171
SOUTH LISMORE NSW 2480
Phone: 02 6622 0100
Fax: 02 6622 0900
Email: herbs@om.com.au
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
1 Gawler Street (PO Box 503) NURIOOTPA SA 5355
Phone 08 8562 2122
Fax: 08 8562 3034
Eco-Organics of Australia
PO Box 198 CORAKI NSW 2471
Phone: 02 6625 1500
After hours: 02 6683 2815
Fax: 02 6683 2814
Organic Food Chain
PO Box 2390 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350
Phone: 07 4637 2600
Fax: 07 4696 7689
Email: organic food chain@hotmail.com
Further information on the export facilitation program for organic produce may be obtained from AQIS: phone 02 6272 5060.
The following organisation, ORGAA, is not AQIS accredited, however it does offer an organic advisory service and voluntary retail certification.
Organic Retailers and Growers Association of Australia
PO Box 12852
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9737 9799
Fax: 03 9737 9499
Tollfree: 1 800 356 299
Customer interest has been healthy and steady over the summer months, and a good supply of quality product to meet this. However, delayed planting in NSW/QLD due to the rain could make customer supply a real challenge in the months to come. The upside of the cooler weather is the rapidly improving quality of the vegetable lines such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage.
Genetically engineered foods continue to be on the minds of our most aware customers as they strive for more retailer information and reassurance. These interactions present good opportunities for us to inform and re-establish the positive benefits relating to certified organic food. Our customers are the constant reminders that, as an Industry, we must strive to maintain the quality of our product.
Some retailers are seeking changes to the shop certification scheme in order to make it more user friendly, and ultimately more accessible to our customer base in the quest to continually authenticate the certified organic product that we offer. The Victorian industry generally seems very keen to understand and participate in the whole OFA process as it takes off and gathers momentum. This was shown by strong Victorian presence at February’s workshop.
Paul Simmons
The NT had a old fashioned wet season, with rain coming in regularly at 4.00pm. This did not help the mango growers, nor did the difficult times encountered by them with the quarantine hot water dipping requirement for fruit fly, which turned out to be on a trial and error basis.
The upshot was that for some the season was basically lost, which placed great strain and commercial loss on those growers involved, and highlights the great need for extension assistance and communication.
Preliminary melon and egg fruit plantings are in the ground, and as the dry season takes hold we will be planting zucchini, rockmelon and pumpkins. Time to get back to the plough.
John Etty and Caroline Milwright
Many organic farmers in Tasmania believe in, or belong to organisations based on the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model (see story page 7), yet appreciate the more "production agriculture" approach. The CSA model would, according to some members, bring agriculture "back to the people", by encouraging local food networks. Whereas those growers who tilt towards high volume export approaches tend to seek accreditation simply in order to export their products.
There is some concern over the push for intensive vegetable production systems, based (as we see it) loosely on "organic" principles. Are these systems designed to "make agriculture more sustainable", or to cash in on the name "organic"? Is the top-down institutionalized approach to agriculture the answer?
These sorts of questions have caused considerable debate within Tasmanian organic organisations, who share a desire to see organic contribute to changing agriculture.
Our message is simple - bring agriculture back to the people!
We are working to accommodate the range of views within Tasmania. The debate and critical dialogue will continue, and that’s how it should be.
Philip Tattersall - Secretary T.O.P.
A new "gourmet" growers produce market has started up in Sydney at Ultimo, and is run on a once a month basis attracting quite a deal of attention.
A major supermarket chain has increased its number of stores selling fresh organic produce from one to 22, with reported sales growth of 36%.
Consumer interest in organic meat has also increased with a new butcher in the market place, and another large store expanding their meat product range.
Although there are new independent stores and home delivery businesses opening, it appears that it’s the more established operators that are growing and increasing turnover.
Media awareness is continuing to increase, with a steady flow of organic articles appearing in the mainstream press food pages. The second edition of a quarterly magazine "the Organic Gardener" is being produced, and there will be another NSW organic sector directory printed in June, which will be widely circulated.
Catriona MacMillan
The most noteworthy event in this state is the name change of Agriculture WA’s ‘Clean Agriculture Project’ to ‘Organic Farming Project’. This is significant for the credibility and development of the WA industry.
The genetic engineering debate has been widely discussed on radio and television, with much of the wider community getting the message. The media reports concerning the Consensus Conference were very positive - congratulations to those involved.
Balingup Small Farm Field Day was on again mid April, and the Organic Growers Association in conjunction with certifiers were present to promote our industry.
Finally, getting a little dirt under the fingernails to discuss compost! Compost is the backbone of the organic farming nutritional programs throughout the world. Without reasonable quantities of good quality, affordable compost, our growers are struggling to expand production to meet demand.
Recent development of a number of quality commercial compost suppliers in this state means that organic growers in some areas can now purchase cost-effective material to improve their soil health. Another small step to expand production in WA.
Steven David
A new market opportunity has developed for the well-established local organic producers - supplying products for value-adding enterprise (such as eggs for organic cookie manufacture and tomatoes for pasta production). The value-adders require consistent quality and are looking for reliable supply sources to come on stream.
Local organic retailers say that they are not only unable to obtain sufficient produce, but produce of good quality (almost a third of produce obtained from the major wholesalers is not up to an acceptable standard).
They would prefer to source locally, however attempts to encourage more local growers have been unsuccessful. As a result some retailers are having to air-freight in from as far as Perth.
It is accepted that it is good for both consumers and the industry that major supermarket chains are becoming interested in organic produce and that Australia is expanding its export market.
However, there is concern that small retailers will increasingly be marginalized because of: export focus; supermarket entry into the organic sector; and Canberra being reliant on wholesalers in the seaboard capitals.
The organic industry bodies can assist by devoting more energy and focus to developing and protecting the internal market; addressing the issues of product quality and distribution; and facilitating synergy between the smaller organic retailers and growers.
The saving of traditional seed varieties is increasingly important. In March, Canberra Organic Growers Society and Permaculture ACT hosted a workshop on practical and theoretical ways for both communities and individuals to establish and maintain a flourishing seed network.
John Allen. - Secretary C.O.G.S.
Potential markets: produce in short supply that could be grown locally are avocados, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and celery, However, more certified growers are needed to meet the demand. Here is an opportunity for the opposition Department of Agriculture representative to stir the state government into action to encourage some of the conventional grower base into organic farming practice.
Labelling is still an issue in this state, with some retailers selling produce as "minimal spray", "backyard grown organic", "neighbour of certified grower", "soon to be certified" and best of all "was certified organic".
It has been suggested that a campaign be started, whereby all fruit and vegetables be labelled as to chemical input used in the growing. Processed food has to be labelled, so perhaps this is one way of skirting the current labelling issues.
There have been various positive media articles on the industry while, on the other hand, there has been the food poisoning saga involving Nippy’s orange juice, where direct reference was made about the possible detrimental effects of organic fertilizer. Perhaps the industry needs to be on the offensive, rather than defensive, and dispatch media kits highlighting this industry’s accountable system in the fruit and vegetable produce arena.
Montana Jones
The big news was cyclone RONA, which had a widely varying influence along the coast, until it finally crossed at Daintree. The weather damage there was severe, yet at least one farmer at the eye of the cyclone reported minor inconvenience. Innisfail was hit hard, and all other areas suffered high rainfall.
Fruit and vegetables are always badly affected by the wind, heavy rain, excessive moisture and lack of sunlight, with the resulting loss of quality and quantity. The damage to leaves and roots of trees also has a long-term effect.
All this has been compounded by extreme heavy rainfall , with Innisfail being flooded three times in March, and most areas receiving their annual rainfall by March 30th - for some this means four metres.
With the heavy rain and cloudy days, there is little sunlight to help with maturity and sweetness of fruit, and plant stress increases the risk of disease, particularly fungus. Still, the ground water storages are full and the drier Tableland areas are happy.
Appeal in the organic farming method is continuing steadily, with some large growers showing interest.
Maurice Franklin
Main themes
a) Quality
Inner quality: organic products are good.
Social and ethical quality: fair trade, regional products and projects.
b) Communication
Institutional communication: What does the organic movement want governments
role to be in organics.
Outside communication: Is organic marketing reflecting what consumers
need to know about organic products.
Inside Communication: How to improve common understanding among operators
in the organic market place.
Workshops, key note speakers, and case studies will be presented.
The conference will host an international quality awards for organic products such as extra virgin oil, cheese, and wine. If you are interested in participating in these activities or for more information contact the IFOAM Italy Coordinator: ph/fax + 37 059 763956 or email: coordination@ifoam.it
Liz Clay (Australian/New Zealand IFOAM board member) will be attending this conference and the IFOAM World Board Meeting afterwards. Any issues for the Australian perspective that needs to be raised at the IFOAM WB level should be subbmitted to Liz in writing at least one month prior to the meeting.
Contact: Liz Clay, phone 03 5628 9557)
Australia’s first conference into food and the environment (see attachment) was well attended by leading health policy makers from around Australia and internationally including government representatives, industry and consumer representatives, and leading nutritionists (such as Rosemary Stanton).
Professor Tim Lang the Director of the Centre for Food Policy at Thames Valley University in London was an inspiring key note speaker.
None of the themes regarding the environment were new for organic farmers. What was refreshing was seeing consensus form among health policy makers, nutritionists and organic farmers about the solutions to problems facing food, our health and the environment.
Major themes
1. The globalisation of the world food trade has reached a stage of rapidly concentrating power that is alarming policy makers around the world. Large food companies are merging together creating massive companies, "bottom line" driven with negative social, health and environmental consequences.
2. The Environment was a major concern. Chemical residues, global warming through use of fossil fuels, urbanisation & loss of biodiversity were all issues.
3. Genetically engineered foods were a major issue (see article).
4. Government’s role in regulation was high on the agenda with the Australian New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) the main focus. The following points were made: ANZFA should not move from Health to Agriculture portfolios. ANZFA is undergoing a review to reduce the number of objectives it must respond to, this was opposed.
5. Concerns were made about designer foods and health claims. For example, people may begin to believe that you have to eat a processed cereal to get adequate levels of folate.
6. Health policy makers were frustrated by the huge advertising budgets that advocated processed foods. Education for healthy diets was under funded ie more fresh, less processed, dairy and meat.
7. Organic food was not without some criticism. More processing and packaging and transport of foods similar to conventional foods were issues contributing to energy use. High prices were a concern keeping healthy diets out of reach of many people.
Suggested actions
l Encourage local grown and local consumed where possible including growing in backyards.
l Make greater use of native foods.
l Protect biodiversity.
l Manage globalisation and the concentration of power to deliver the social, environmental outcomes desired.
l Create new approaches to food and trade of food that encourage social, health and environmental outcomes which are equally as important as profit.
l Invest more R&D money into organic eco-sensitive systems of agriculture.
l Create independent regulators that make decisions delivering health, social and environmental outcomes before the profit.
l Educate people to eat well.
l Assist the third world to re-establish systems that makes them self sufficient in their own eco-sensitive food supplies.
l Internalise the external costs of chemical, intensive farming systems impacting on our environment (eg blue green algae, salting, global warming, ozone layer, biodiversity and human health). In Europe taxes are being placed on agricultural chemicals and fertilisers in an attempt to do just this.
l Lobby governments to recognise and implement the above actions as necessary and urgent.
l Form an alliance of interested food and environment organisations to lobby and educate about all of the above. In the UK organic groups were founding members of such alliances.
Scott Kinnear, OFA Chairperson
Southern Bush Food Association
Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
Ozrural - Alterantives in Farming
Organic Products Exporters Group
Consensus conference on gene technology
If you wish to be on the OFA email list, please email the Association at ofa@netspace.net.au
Please contact Melanie Herpen at RIRDC:
Phone 02 6272 4029
Fax 02 6272 5877
Email melaniel@rirdc.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 4776, Kingston, ACT 2604
Fifty people attended the first AGM of the OFA in Melbourne, on 15 May 1999, with the generous assistance from Business Victoria funding the cost of the meeting facilities. RIRDC assisted with funding that allowed us to hold a follow up industry seminar/workshop to consider a number of issues and opportunities.
Elected committee
Fee structure
The changes recommended in the last newsletter were implemented with the clarification that the business turnover which is to be used to calculate the membership fee payable is to be based on organic turnover only (honesty system to apply).
Seminar/workshop
l Genetic engineering: The consensus was that we must resist the introduction of this technology. Bob Phelps from the GeneEthics Network spoke and gave a good case for applying the precautionary principle. (see story).
l Industry web site and directory: The OFA will apply to RIRDC for a joint web site and directory which will deliver a printed directory as well as web site featuring the organic industry with the directory listed too.
l Canberraindustry workshop: We will proceed to implement the recommendations where possible for the expansion and operation of the OFA (see story).
l Industry briefing paper: The wider implications of such documents for lobbying government was discussed, how it might be used and when and for what purpose.
In addition each of the OFA committee will be contacting their OFA
members in their sector to invite dialogue as to the particular issues
in their sector.
We urge industry members to consider joining the OFA to support our moves to advocate for domestic regulation, for widespread publicity for organics with the media, for more R&D funding from government and for wider understanding of health & the environment generally.
Contact: Scott Kinnear,
OFA Chairperson,
home 03 9386 6600
Eating into the Future, Adelaide 11-13th 1999.
Travel Report to RIRDC Organic Program by Scott Kinnear. (Funding for travel and food was provided by RIRDC)
This conference from Sunday to Tuesday at the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide was Australia's first conference into food and the environment.
It was well attended by leading health policy makers from around Australia and internationally including academics and Federal, State and Local Government representatives. Industry representatives also attended from organisations such as the Australian Food Council and Kellogs. Dick Copeman attended representing the Consumer Food Network and Matt O'Neill attended representing the Australian Consumers Association. Rosemary Stanton was one of many nutritionists attending. Brendan Hoare, President of the Soil & Health Association in New Zealand also attended. Professor Tim Lang the Director of the Centre for Food Policy at Thames Valley University in London was an inspiring key note speaker.
A number of themes were at the forefront of this conference. Before I begin to report these themes I would like to point out that none of the concerns regarding the environment are new for organic farmers. Organic farmers have largely been involved in their endeavors because of such concerns well espoused by environmentalists for at least the last two decades. What is refreshing is seeing consensus form among both health policy makers along with nutritionists and organic farmers about the solutions to problems facing food, our health and the environment.
1. The globalisation of the world food trade has reached a stage of rapidly concentrating power that is alarming policy makers around the world. Large food companies are merging together creating massive companies, "bottom line" driven with negative social, health and environmental consequences.
2. The Environment was a major concern with the following points
made:
3. Genetically engineered foods were discussed as a major issue
with the following points made:
4. Governments role in regulation was high on the agenda with ANZFA
the main focus:
5. Designer foods and health claims on foods were an issue:
6. Education was a big issue with the health policy makers frustrated
by the huge advertising budgets that advocated processed foods.
7. Organic food was not without some criticism:
8. What can we do about all of the above:
On Tuesday Dick Copeman and Brendan Hoare (NZ) accompanied me on a visit to Meg Lees. We spent 45 minutes with her discussing organic issues and genetically engineered food. She appeared to be very interested in the conference and is obviously very supportive of organic foods and appropriately concerned about genetically engineered food. We pointed out that we would lobby all political parties for a better R&D approach to organics and GE issues. We also indicated that questions needed to be asked in Parliament on these issues and suggested we would be happy to assist. The Democrats gain the balance of power in the Senate after the end of June.
Lobbying of ANZFA staff and two board members
Two staff and two board members were there and I was able to approach all of them and discuss the Organic labelling application still before them. There was some suggestion that they were about to reject the application and I urged them to hold off pending the OFA AGM and seminar/workshop on the 15th May when we are going to debate the industry moves from here. I will follow up with them to ensure this happens. It is likely we will have to seek a political solution to this dilemma. One of the ANZFA board members gave me a good hearing and strong parallels can be drawn to the decision to label genetically engineered foods.
What are the implications of all this for Organics in Australia?
We need to be aware of where the debate is going and we need to move quickly to form a policy position on all of the above quickly. What struck me was our leading health policy makers taking organic food production as a serious, dare I say it, necessary form of food production if we are to enjoy clean air, water, soil and good health into the next millennium. I believe that many growers in Australia are growing organic food for these very reasons, however, I believe it is imperative that we form a comprehensive policy that sets a picture for food and the environment on a world scale, with Australian organics placed centrally in that picture. We in the organic industry along with others such as the permaculture industry are cutting edge enthusiasts for eco-sensitive food production and we should be playing an important role in policy development of these issues on a larger scale.
If we fail to do this we will be letting down these health policy makers who are now advocating and supporting our industry, not just for the trade benefits that we might bring to Australia, but also for the social, environmental and health benefits that we can deliver. This will be good news to many in the organic industry who know too well the marginalisation of our efforts over many years.
The major task which the health policy people in Australia need support with is convincing the agriculture policy makers that the agribusiness approach based on high input licensed production systems, is not going to provide the future which the people of Australia and the world want and need. It was made clear that this will be a difficult task considering the close corporate relationships with the agriculture policy makers both in Australia , the US and Europe.
Overall this conference was an inspiring event with human biodiversity well displayed amongst participants. There was a very positive drafting of resolutions, which are provided as attachment 1.
There are other agriculture and environment conferences happening soon, one of them in Canberra, and the OFA and the R&D committee aim to be involved, not only to attend, but present papers. I would encourage any members of industry to participate in these conferences where possible. Two papers were specifically presented on organic food, one from a growing perspective and one from a marketing perspective. One paper was presented on the reasons why farmers convert to organics, making comparisons between Australia and New Zealand. The development in New Zealand was noted to have been significantly helped by the formation of the OPEG group with TradeNZ assistance.
Scott Kinnear 20th April 1999.
Attachment 1. Statement from the conference delegates.
Preamble
The delegates of the national Eating into the Future conference recognise the importance of a broader understanding of food, which is inclusive of ethical, social and ecological values.
It is agreed that food quality, in all its interpretations, is an integral foundation for the health of the population.
To maintain this fundamental role, the sustainability and integrity of the food supply must be protected.
Outcomes
Within the following areas, we the delegates of the national Eating into the Future conference commit to the following:
Scott Kinnear
Chairperson
Organic Federation of Australia
C/- 452 Lygon St East Brunswick Victoria 3057 Australia
Ph 61 3 9386 6600
Fax 61 3 9384 1322
Last updated: 9 August 1999
Copyright © RIRDC
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/organic3.htm