In 2019 Australian Organic Limited convened multiple advisory committees to cover a range of sectors in the organic industry.
This includes establishing what research and development, events and activities the industry requires, as well as addressing key industry issues.
See below summary of Australian Organic’s current advisory committees including contact details for advisory chairs.
Chair: Grant Maudsley
E: nalpadownsgrazing@bigpond.com
The Grain Advisory Committee is a voluntary committee consisting of representatives from all fields of the grain industry who are passionate organic producers, industry specialist and representatives from GRDC.
The key objective for the Committee is to increase certified organic grain production within Australia to support the organic industry growth potential. The advisory committee was established to support the Australian organic industry and to draw on the wealth of knowledge that exists within the industry.
The purpose of the Committee is to provide advice on relevant issues or topics as they arise.
Chair: Kelvin Free
E: malleeorganics@outlook.com | M: 0429 865 047
The Horticulture Advisory Committee was established by Australian Organic Limited to support the industry by providing advice, support and expertise on fields such as R&D, biosecurity, packaging, food waste, organic fraud, robotics and future technologies such as automation.
The Committee consists of voluntary representatives from a variety of different fields within the Horticulture sector, focusing on the most important issues currently affecting the industry.
Certified Organic Horticulture is an active space that requires extreme efforts from producers and high expectations from consumers – therefore it is vital that the committee provides support and assistance on key issues. 2019 topics included the Federal Government deregulation of SDN-1 methods and the proposed mandatory treatment of imported brassica seed (where a positive outcome was achieved through Australian Organic’s lobbying).
Committee chair, Kelvin Free, is a third-generational horticultural farmer who brings a lifetime of practical experience in the farming and marketing of fresh produce, alongside a history of representing the industry in working groups and committees for various government and horticultural bodies.
Chair: Marg Will
E: marg@organicsystemsandsolutions.com | M: 0417 674 790
The voluntary Livestock Advisory Committee is made up of certified organic producers and processors from across Australia representing ruminant and monogastric species. The committee was established to provide a consultative forum to discuss issues that affect organic livestock producers and processors, and to advise on policy and strategic pathways.
The Committee are currently looking at strategies for increasing organic grain grown in Australia, and welcome recommendations from the broader certified organic community.
The ability of certified organic livestock producers to sequester carbon and make a positive contribution to emissions targets make for exciting times ahead.
For more information about each committee including how to join, please contact the appropriate advisory committee chairs.
Australian Organic Limited (AOL) is the peak body for the organic industry.
AOL acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, the Turrbal and Yuggera people. We extend our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.