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Media Releases

Media Releases by Australian Organic Limited

Winners of 2024 Australian Organic Industry Awards announced

This year’s winners of the prestigious Australian Organic Industry Awards were crowned at a gala event in Melbourne on Friday evening. Hosted by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), the awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the two-day 2024 Australian Organic Conference at Pullman Melbourne on the Park.....
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Niki Ford steps down as CEO of Australian Organic Limited

After nearly six years at the helm of Australian Organic Limited (AOL), Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, has announced she will be stepping down from the role. Ms Ford, who became the organisation’s first female CEO in 2018, made the announcement at the close of the 2024 Australian Organic Conference that her tenure will end....
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Collaboration key theme of Australian Organic Conference

The 2024 Australian Organic Conference is underway in Melbourne, with keynote speaker, US impact investor Robyn O’Brien, known as “food’s Erin Brockovich”, saying Australia is the global frontline of the intersection of agriculture, climate and food security.....
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Finalists announced for prestigious Australian Organic Industry Awards

Australia’s finest certified organic producers, processors and operators will be celebrated at the 2024 Australian Organic Industry Awards, with finalists announced across seven categories. Hosted by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), this year’s awards will be presented at a gala dinner at the conclusion of the two-day Australian Organic Conference, held at Pullman Melbourne on the Park....
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Ag and finance investor to share ‘exciting’ global opportunities at Australian Organic Conference

Australian Organic Limited has secured powerhouse global business innovator Robyn O’Brien as keynote speaker for its March 2024 conference in Melbourne, where she will speak to the conference theme of ‘Our Future: Growing Together’. Designed with the aim of unifying Australia’s certified organic industry, the two-day event will focus on three key pillars – business....
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Wine expert pops the cork on his top nine tasting tips

If you want to sound more knowledgeable about wine, there aren’t many better people to learn from than Mike Bennie. The renowned wine judge and writer recently delivered a private masterclass session for the recipient of the 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards Associate Scholarship, as part of his role leading the expert judging panel for....
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Organic labelling laws under spotlight

Rugby league legend and 2023 Australian Organic Awareness Month Ambassador, Anthony Minichiello, has backed the push for stronger regulations around organic ‘greenwashing’. Now a qualified nutritionist, Mr Minichiello advocates for certified organic farming practices as a key element of a nutrient-dense diet. “There’s a lot of misleading marketing claims and fake studies out there that confuse people,”....
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South Australian growers dominate Organic Wine Awards

South Australia has scooped the pool at the 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards, with four of the six major trophies awarded to growers from the Wine State. Hosted by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), the Awards, now in their third year, celebrate Australia’s certified organic and biodynamic wine industry. In total, 45 certified organic and biodynamic wine producers....
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Free-range poultry definitions fall fowl of consumer expectations

The variability in poultry stocking densities allowed to be claimed as ‘free-range’ is being thrown into the spotlight during the 2023 Australian Organic Awareness Month. Under organic certification, no more than 1,500 egg-laying birds are permitted per hectare for set stocking, while non-organic free-range products can have up to 10,000 birds per hectare.....
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Wilyabrup winery takes Organic Awards by Storm

The burgeoning organic production of the Margaret River wine region has been celebrated at the 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards, with five producers from the region among the trophy and medal winners. Wilyabrup-based Stormflower Vineyard claimed a Silver Medal and the Trophy for Best Left of Centre Wine for their 2022 Petillant Naturel, described by....
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How certified organic farming can lower Australia’s agricultural emissions

Scientists and industry leaders have explained how certified organic farming can play a key role in the fight against climate change, as part of the 2023 Australian Organic Awareness Month (AOAM). AOAM is run by Australian Organic Limited (AOL) in September each year, raising awareness of the benefits of certified organic products for human....
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Adelaide Hills winery claims top prizes for the second time at the Australian Organic Wine Awards

Adelaide Hills Ngeringa Vineyard’s Iluma Syrah has once again secured the coveted Cullen Wines Trophy for Wine of Show, the top prize for Red of Show, and a Gold Medal at the 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards. This year, it was the Mount Barker vineyard’s 2021 Iluma Syrah vintage crowned the Wine of Show, after the....
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Parliament puts on show of support for certified organic industry

Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum have joined international dignitaries and an array of the country’s top certified organic producers for a historic event at Parliament House to mark the formation of the Parliamentary Friends of Australia’s Organic Industry (PFAOI). Recognising the certified organic industry’s development into a major export earner and economic driver....
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Washing not enough to remove pesticides

Consumers are being urged to consider the potential harms of toxic pesticide residue on fresh produce during the 2023 Australian Organic Awareness Month (AOAM). AOAM is run by Australian Organic Limited (AOL) in September each year, raising awareness of the benefits of certified organic products for human health and environmental sustainability, and the importance of checking....
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Rugby league legend backing Australian Organic Awareness Month

Anthony Minichiello’s feats on the rugby league field are the stuff of legend, but in the age of sports science he’s determined to dispel some of the myths around health and fitness. As ambassador for Australian Organic Awareness Month 2023, which launches today, the former Sydney Roosters, New South Wales Origin and Kangaroos star is encouraging....
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Historic formation of united voice for organic industry

There is a new, united voice for Australia’s organic industry, with eleven organisations coming together to form the Organic Development Group (ODG) to advance the interests of the organic sector, including the pursuit of domestic regulation. The ODG brings together all of Australia’s certification bodies and key industry groups in one forum. ....
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Food security inquiry considers crucial role of organics

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture has heard from Australian Organic Limited (AOL) on the crucial role organics can play in creating a resilient farming ecosystem to enhance food security into the future. Speaking at public hearings in Brisbane this week as part of the ongoing inquiry into food security in Australia, AOL CEO....
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Young sommelier awarded coveted judging spot

The 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards will showcase the highest quality organic and biodynamic wines in the country, with one of the industry’s rising stars set to take her place on the judging panel. West Australian sommelier Sophia Gannon has been named as the recipient of this year’s Associate Scholarship for the Awards, which aims....
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Federal MPs get behind Australia’s growing organic industry

Australia's organic operators have welcomed support from the halls of Canberra with the formation of a Federal Parliamentary Friendship Group for organics. Established by Liberal Party Member for Casey, Aaron Violi, and Labor Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, the Parliamentary Friends of Australia’s Organic Industry will provide a forum for members of the industry to meet....
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Organic Wine Awards to showcase country’s finest drops

A talented young sommelier from Western Australia has been named as the recipient of the Australian Organic Wine Awards Associate Scholarship and will join the judging panel of this year’s prestigious Australian Organic Wine Awards. Applications are now open for the 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards, set to showcase the highest quality organic and biodynamic....
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Australia’s organic industry grows to record size, but huge potential remains untapped

The Australian Organic Market Report 2023 shows there are 53 million hectares of certified organic farmland across the country (up from 35.7 million hectares reported in 2021), highlighting increasing confidence in the industry and the value of certification.....
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New data on greenwashing highlights need for regulation

The Australian Organic Market Report 2023 shows ‘greenwashing’ continues to undermine consumer trust in the $2.6 billion industry, underscoring the need for regulation to protect consumers and certified organic producers.....
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Minister Watt says no to national standard on organics so Minister, what now?

Australia’s certified organic industry has been left shocked and disappointed at the decision by Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt to abandon plans to introduce domestic regulation, ignoring his own panel of industry experts and thousands of producers. In a bitter twist, Minister Watt’s decision comes on the same day New Zealand’s parliament formally passed a bill....
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Organic industry leaders add voice to domestic regulation debate

Queensland’s oldest organic processor and the nation’s leading producer of organic free-range chicken have expressed their frustration at the government’s “ill-informed” and “ridiculous” decision to abandon organic domestic regulation. Quentin Kennedy, Managing Director of Kialla Pure Foods, addressed media and industry leaders today in response to Agriculture Minister Murray Watt’s recent comments that regulation would be....
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Minister Watt ignores evidence, experts and industry with captain’s call on domestic regulation

As peak body for Australia’s organic industry, AOL has reacted with alarm and dismay at the move by Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt to place domestic regulation into the too-hard basket, despite his department’s own commissioned advice finding it will leave the industry and consumers worse off.....
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Australian Organic Limited celebrates International Women’s Day

The many and diverse achievements of women in the organic industry are being highlighted this International Women’s Day by peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL). AOL Chief Executive, Niki Ford, said Australia’s $2 billion a year organic sector is filled with innovative, driven, and successful women. “Diversity is essential to the success of our industry,” Ms....
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Scholarship promotes the next generation of female leaders in the organic wine industry

Applications for the highly sought after 2023 Australian Organic Wine Awards Associate Scholarship are now open, presenting a unique opportunity for the next generation of female wine leaders. Supported by peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL), the scholarship is aimed at promoting female talent and leadership in the organic wine industry, as well as serving....
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Australian Organic Limited launches solo advisory services

Peak organic industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL) has announced the launch of solo advisory services to assist businesses and individuals looking to navigate the path to certified production. The new service will provide end-to-end guidance in becoming certified organic and assist those who are in-conversion or looking to maintain or reinstate certification status, as well....
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Canberra meetings up ante on urgent need for domestic regulation

Peak representative body Australian Organic Limited (AOL) has taken its campaign for mandatory domestic regulation of the organic industry to Canberra, as organic producers and businesses grow increasingly frustrated by the protracted pathway to an urgently needed regulatory framework. AOL met with almost 20 parliamentarians and stakeholders from across the country last week, to refocus decision....
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Peak industry body Australian Organic welcomes new Chair

Australia’s peak industry body for the organic sector, Australian Organic Limited, has announced the appointment of highly regarded winemaker and business owner, Mike Brown as Board Chair. With more than two decades in the wine industry, Mr Brown, with his wife Melissa, own Gemtree Wines, an award-winning certified organic winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia. In....
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Andrew McIlwain named Young Organic Leader of the Year at 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards

General Manager of Green Camel Organic Produce and up-and-coming leader, Andrew McIlwain, is on a mission to change perceptions around organic produce and promote its wide-ranging benefits to more consumers. Andrew’s clear leadership potential and commitment to the industry was recognised on Friday 25 November when he was named Young Organic Leader of the Year....
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Georgia Beattie named Organic Woman of the Year at 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards

A focus on diversity, sustainability and technology has earned Georgia Beattie the title of Organic Woman of the Year at the 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards. Georgia is CEO and Managing Director of Australia’s largest organic mushroom farm, Bulla Park, and received the title at the ceremony hosted by peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL)....
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Brendon Hoyle named Farmer of the Year at 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards

Growing the sweetest berries is an art and a science according to Brendon Hoyle, who has been named as the organic industry’s Farmer of the Year for 2022. Brendon, who is co-owner and operator of Ashbern Farms in Queensland, received the title at the Australian Organic Industry Awards at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Friday, hosted....
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Hall of Fame inductee and Chairman’s Award recipient announced at 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards

THE winners of two of the most prestigious honours in the Australian organic industry have been unveiled at the 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards. Australian Organic Limited Chairman, Martin Meek, said it was a privilege to select the inductee into the AOL Hall of Fame and the recipient of the Chairman’s Award. “This year’s honourees, Alister Ferguson....
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2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards winners announced

A Queensland strawberry farmer, the head of Australia’s largest organic mushroom producer, and a Victorian dairy company were among 10 award winners at the 8th Australian Organic Industry Awards on Friday night. Held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley in Lovedale, NSW, peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL) announced the night’s honourees, who collectively span an....
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Finalists announced for 2022 Australian Organic Industry Awards

AUSTRALIA’S finest organic operators will battle it out for top honours at this year’s Australian Organic Industry Awards, with finalists announced across eight categories. The premier night for the nation’s $2 billion organic industry features two new categories, Brand of the Year and the Innovation Award, in recognition of the trailblazing efforts of those introducing the....
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Pesticide concerns reinforce need to be mindful of chemical consumption

Research released last week showing 8% of Australian people in a test population had traces of weed killer glyphosate in their urine has further brought to light the need for consumers to be aware of chemical use in the food supply chain. The research, conducted by the University of Queensland, comes after earlier reports in....
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Tips on shopping organic affordably as nationwide demand grows

The increasing availability of organic products and the desire for more healthy living is driving greater demand for organic products according to a new survey of shoppers, with almost six in 10 people purchasing at least one organic product in the past year. AOL CEO Niki Ford, said while certified organic products often cost more because....
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On the road to meeting sustainable packaging targets

A NEW educational campaign on the Australasian Recycling Label and innovations in packaging for the wine industry were key discussions at the inaugural Australian Organic Conference in Brisbane today, as businesses across the country work towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets.....
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Innovative insect pheromones and viruses support organic agricultural farming

NATURAL pheromones to increase honey bee pollination and cultivating insect viruses to combat pests are two innovative practices an Australian company is using to support organic farming practices.....
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Organic food systems support climate change reduction

THE Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has told the inaugural Australian Organic Conference in Brisbane that organic food production has a direct opportunity to slow climate change and support the wellbeing of the planet.....
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Registrations open for inaugural Australian Organic Limited conference

The immense opportunities for the thriving organic industry will be unveiled and examined during the Australian Organic Conference 2022 being held in Brisbane from 21 to 22 July to coincide with Australian Organic Limited’s (AOL) 35th anniversary. ....
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Australian Organic Limited welcomes re-election commitment to implementing domestic organic standard

AOL has welcomed today’s Coalition Government re-election commitment to implement a domestic standard for organic production, processing, supply chains and labelling.....
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South Australia’s diverse wine regions and varieties clean up at Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards

South Australian wineries have reigned supreme at the 2021 Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards, with Ngeringa, Tscharke Wines and Mount Horrocks Wines among the big winners.....
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Northern Victorian winery wins two new categories in Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards

A Goulburn Valley winery has claimed two of the new categories in the 2021 Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards announced on April 8.....
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Syrah secures top prizes at the Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards

The 2021 Australian Organic Wine Industry Awards have been handed out, with Ngeringa claiming the coveted Cullen Trophy for Wine of Show. ....
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Australian consumers urged to have their say on organic labelling

Australian Organic Limited is urging consumers to have their say so misleading and false organic claims on product labelling can be stopped.....
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Organic industry celebrates milestone victory on journey towards establishing a mandatory standard for use of the word ‘organic’

Australia's $2.6 billion organic industry is celebrating a milestone in establishing a mandatory standard for use of the word ‘organic’ following an Australian Government announcement today calling for public consultation on the matter.....
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Taking the sting out of a healthy gut

An Australian honey infused with apple cider vinegar that delivers the health benefits associated with the acidic drink, but without the burn, has been recognised at a prestigious organic awards ceremony.....
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Australia’s growing organic meat industry recognised at Awards

Standout performers in Australia’s world-leading meat sector were recognised at Australian Organic Limited’s (AOL) 7th Annual Industry Awards, taking home prestigious accolades including Business of the Year and the coveted Chairman’s Award.....
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Entry into Hall of Fame for organic baby food founder

The mastermind behind a company known to most Australian parents has been recognised with one of the highest honours in the organic food industry.....
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Organic pantry items on the rise

Organic retailers across the country are experiencing extraordinary growth as Australians continue to place growing importance on personal and environmental health, and stock their pantries with organic items.....
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Women powerhousing the organic industry

Women powerhousing the organic industry have blitzed the field to take home national Awards for their exceptional leadership and innovation in the organic industry.....
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Toasting the wine industry at the Australian Organic Industry Awards

Sustainable, synthetic chemical-free wineries are the toast of the organic industry this week, with two McLaren Vale vineyards winning prestigious prizes at the Australian Organic 7th Annual Industry Awards.....
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2021 Australian Organic Industry Awards winners announced

A Sunshine Coast organic farmer, a Sydney tea company, and two South Australian wineries were among 11 winners at the Australian Organic 7th Annual Industry Awards.....
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Aspiring wine judge joins Australian Organic Wine Awards judging panel through new scholarship empowering women in wine

The rising wine career of Olivia Evans, a trained sommelier, writer and aspiring wine judge, has today been given further momentum with the announcement she has been named the inaugural recipient of the Australian Organic Wine Awards Associate Scholarship.....
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2021 Australian Organic Industry Awards finalists announced

The finalists have been announced for the 7th Australian Organic Annual Industry Awards, including leading Australian brands and trailblazing individuals.....
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MasterChef’s Andy Allen Ambassador for Australian Organic Awareness Month 2021

MasterChef Australia Judge and renowned Chef Andy Allen is the official Ambassador of Australian Organic Awareness Month 2021, and the much-loved foodie is calling for Aussies to ‘swap in’ certified-organic products this September.....
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Melbourne retailer reverberates clearer labelling demands

Improved labelling of organic products will streamline the consumer buying process according to one of Australia’s largest certified organic retailers, Apples and Sage Organic Wholefoods, which has echoed Australian Organic Limited’s call for mandatory labelling on all certified products.....
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Jalna Dairy Foods backs The Bud and AOL’s calls for mandatory logos

Jalna Dairy Foods has backed calls for clearer labelling in the organic sector and agrees with Australian Organic Limited’s stance certification logos should be mandatory on products.....
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Olio Bello backs call for a mandatory standard for use of the word organic in marketing

Olio Bello, an award-winning olive grove in the Margaret River region, has echoed calls among the organic industry that a national mandatory standard for use of the word “organic” in marketing needs to be established.....
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Renowned judge joins ranks for Australia’s biggest certified organic wine competition

High-profile wine judge, Mike Bennie, will join the industry-leading judging panel that will preside over the 2021 Australian Organic Wine Awards in a contest to find Australia’s best-crafted organic drop.....
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Dynamic training strengthens industry leader embarking on phase of growth

Australian Organic Limited (AOL) Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, has been named among the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) 2021 cohort.....
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Highlighting opportunities for organic in future R&D programs

AOL has provided comment to Hort Connections highlighting the need for R&D programs to become accessible to organic growers.....
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Organic produce consumption surges since COVID-19

Millions of consumers have turned to organic food since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic and more than half (56 per cent) of all Australian shoppers have purchased certified organic in the last year, according to the new Australian Organic Market Report 2021 released by today.....
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Barambah Organics CEO’s swift calls for mandatory standard

Barambah Organics CEO Matthew Stanton, has been quick to back calls for the introduction of a mandatory standard for use of the word “organic”.....
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Organic certification demands highlighted at Naturally Good

The importance of organic certification in unlocking growing domestic and export markets and building consumer trust was highlighted by Australian Organic Limited at Naturally Good 2021 in Sydney.....
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Students to learn the benefits of organic food production

Launched in 2020 by Australian Organic Limited, the Australian Organic Schools Program provides resources to help Prep to Year 10 students understand the importance of organic principles and practices.....
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AOL and ASF successfully protects organic seed import from mandatory fungicide treatment

Australian Organic Limited worked alongside the Australian Seed Federation to have the Australian Government suspend its decision to introduce the mandatory fungicidal treatment of some vegetable seed imports.....
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Earth Hour founder Todd Sampson shares his captivating journey

Earth Hour founder and acclaimed documentary-maker, Todd Sampson, has capped off Australian Organic Limited’s (AOL) Organic Earth Week with an address reiterating the cumulative effects of individual sustainability efforts.....
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State’s biggest organic farmers call for domestic regulation

Victoria's largest organic producer, Wattle Organic Farms, is echoing the industry’s cry for the Federal Government to create a domestic regulation for the organic sector.....
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Organic industry backs NFF’s Regionalisation Agenda

AOL has backed the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) robust Regionalisation Agenda, which will bolster employment opportunities, create smarter regulatory frameworks and help build resilience in the national economy.....
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Beef producer frustrated with fake organic products reaching shelves

Tasmanian cattleman Rex Williams is calling on the Federal Government to establish a domestic regulation to protect the organic industry from fake organic products.....
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Organics on course for new regulatory framework

In a fundamental step towards reducing red tape within the valuable Australian organic sector, Federal Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud has requested the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment appoint an Organics Industry Advisory Group to investigate the creation of a nationwide regulatory framework for the production and sale of organic products.....
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Australia’s best certified organic wines vie for top shelf recognition

Nominations are open for the Australian Organic Wine Awards 2020, after a three-year hiatus the coveted competition has returned to showcase the nation’s best organic drops. ....
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Australian Organic Joins DAWE Market Access Teleconference

Australian Organic Limited (AOL) has today taken part in a teleconference, hosted by DAWE, focusing on the achievements and challenges related to export market access for organic producers.....
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Australian Organic backs growers on appeal of GMO decision

Australian Organic Limited has expressed its support of the McLaren Vale winemakers seeking to appeal the South Australian Government’s decision to reject 10 local council applications to maintain status as non-genetically modified (GM) crop areas.....
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Driving export opportunities organically

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said Australian Organic Ltd will use its recently launched online platform to provide free resources and information to certified organic operators interested in exporting.....
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Australian Organic Limited joins Trusted Labels Group

Australian Organic Limited has joined six certification programmes to form the Trusted Labels Group (TLG).....
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Australian Organic CEO Niki Ford Graduates from NFF Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program

Australian Organic Limited is delighted to announce that Chief Executive Officer Niki Ford has graduated from the NFF Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program alongside 12 women with skills and experience in the agricultural industry.....
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Draft Organic Rules Update

In response to a submission by Australian Organic to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, key changes will be made to the draft organic rules.....
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For all media and press queries please contact:

Blue Hill PR

Stacey Wordsworth | Director
Tel: 0438 394 371
Email: stacey.wordsworth@bluehillpr.com.au

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