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 “too big a burden” for some organic operators.

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 Ford said. “Across Australia, women are actively contributing to driving organics forward and supporting widespread success, not only through certified organic products, but through ongoing sustainable practices.”

AOL Statement: Senate Estimates discussion on domestic regulation for organics

The topic of mandatory domestic regulation for organics was raised in a Senate Estimates hearing on 14 February, where questions were put to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and its Minister Murray Watt. AOL believes that several statements made by the Department in response to these questions were lacking context, and do not tally with the reality facing operators throughout the organic industry. In an effort to clarify these perceptions, AOL sent a document to the Minister and Secretary of Department on Friday March 3, specifically addressing four of the Department’s statements.

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 the Award's purpose of raising the profile of organic and biodynamic wine.

Cullen Wines: Leaders in Carbon Positive and Biodynamic Winemaking

Cullen Wines is the only biodynamic and carbon positive winery in the Margaret River region, with the business built around a philosophy of quality, integrity and sustainability. Located in the township of Wilyabrup in the north of the Margaret River region, Cullen Wines operates with the highest regard for the natural environment, and has done since the first vine plantings on-site in 1971.

Nature’s Harvest: Clean and Nourishing Organic Drink Mixes

WA-based business Nature’s Harvest offers a range of health-boosting and certified organic blends for those looking to feel better, fight inflammation and support a stronger immune system. Their Turmeric Latte, Shroom Magic and Matcha Magic Mixes use the highest quality organic ingredients, with more products being prepared for release soon.

Windance Estate Winery: Certified Biodynamics from WA’s Margaret River Wine Region

You’ll find Windance Estate near the small town of Yallingup, in the north of WA’s world-famous Margaret River wine region. The certified biodynamic family business produces a range of high-quality small batch wines, with sustainable land management practices key to their success. Windance was established in 1998 by Drew and Rosemary Brent-White, with their daughter Billie and her husband Michael (Tyke) taking over the operation of the business in 2015.

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 as producers, processors and allowed input operators seeking more general advice on sustainable practices.

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 makers’ attention on the issue that continues to unnecessarily impede Australia’s more than $2 billion organic industry