Chair: Josefine Pettersson
E: [email protected]| M:0406 330 433
The Standards Advisory Committee is convened from time to time to consider applications made to Australian Organic Limited for interpretations or alterations to the Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS).
Membership of the Committee is not fixed, as industry experts are called upon on an as-needs basis. The Committee is chaired by Josefine Pettersson, our Technical Officer, who also has the responsibility for the upkeep of the ACOS. Wherever possible, the ACOS is kept aligned with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce, which is maintained separately, via the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE), the Organic Industry Standards and Certification Council (OISCC), and their subcommittee, the National Standards Subcommittee (NSSC).
The Advisory Committee worked during 2019 predominantly on GMO definition updates, harmonising cosmetic requirements, improving alignment with the National Standard, and drought feeding exemptions to support our industry. Work during 2021 thus far has focused on reducing ambiguity, maintaining market access, and paving the way for Domestic Regulation.