The Organic Development Group (ODG) was established in 2023 to address the single biggest opportunity for the organic industry – domestic regulation. The ODG, which comprises the nine largest industry organisations working directly with Australian organic producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, came together in Canberra during September to discuss avenues to get the industry to a single regulated standard for certification of both domestic and export organic/biodynamic goods.
The good news is that most of the ODG were supportive of the proposed approach and work is actively underway to get us closer to domestic regulation by hitting the next milestone before the end of the year. Constructive and positive meetings have been held with MPs and Senators across all parties to advance the certified organic/biodynamic industry, and we look forward to being able to share more specific details with you soon.
Members of the Organic Development Group include representatives from each of these organisations:
- ACO Certification Ltd (ACO)
- Australian Organic Limited (AOL)
- Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI)
- Certified Organic Biodynamic Western Australia (COBWA)
- National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA)
- NASAA Certified Organic (NCO)
- Organic and Regenerative Investment Co-operative (ORICOOP)
- Organic Food Chain (OFC)
- Southern Cross Certified (SXC)
A high-level secretariat is resourced by AOL, BDRI, NASAA and OFC.
Although the ODG was formed with a specific focus on progressing domestic regulation, the collaboration it has fostered has seen progress beyond this singular goal.
In early September, Parliamentary Friends of Australia’s Organic Industry (PFAOI) staged a lunch event during a sitting week of Federal Parliament, which saw more than 200 people come together to not only enjoy the delicious food and beverages kindly donated by certified organic producers, but also allowed organic operators to share their views on the opportunities and challenges for the organic industry directly with politicians and decision makers. Speakers included politicians from both sides of politics including the Federal Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins, and the architects of the PFAOI, Liberal MP Aaron Violi, and Labor MP Dan Repacholi.
Special thanks to the BBQ sponsors including principal partner The Organic Milk Company, and major partners Angove Family Winemakers, Country Heritage Feeds, endota, Harris Farm Markets, Inglewood Organic, and Trumps.
The certified organic industry has also been active inside the halls of parliament, making submissions to key parliamentary committees with influence over the organic sector.
Australia’s organic certification system is world class. It requires years of effort from certified operators and involves rigorous annual audits by certifiers to ensure compliance to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce. All of Australia’s DAFF approved certifiers must hold accreditation to ISO/IEC 17065 and undergo annual third-party audits to maintain accreditation. In addition, the certifiers are subject to annual audits by the DAFF to maintain approved arrangements. This means that when consumers see a certification logo they can have trust in the integrity of the product. It’s critical that all organic producers, manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers, not just certified organic/biodynamic producers, play by the same rules to ensure this trust is not eroded. It is also critical that the organic/biodynamic industry has a voice in important matters potentially affecting our industry. This has seen representatives from ODG member organisations actively participating in submissions and enquiries.
Leading voices from Australia’s certified organic industry told a federal inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in June they were being held back by Australia’s world-lagging approach to labelling laws. Representatives from high-profile brands including Barambah Organics, Nerada Tea, Kehoe’s Kitchen, Trumps, Inglewood Farms and Hive+Wellness Australia represented the industry, along with industry body AOL and certification body, ACO Certification Limited.
Representatives from the industry are also scheduled to appear at public hearings next month for the Inquiry into Australian Agriculture in Southeast Asian Markets. These hearings will highlight the opportunities for export to important emerging markets and some of the practical ways the Federal Government can boost an industry that already directly contributes more than $850m annually to the Australian economy.
A number of ODG and operator organisations have also prepared submissions for and are continuing to lobby Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), who are proposing to redefine how genetically modified (GM) foods are classified (Proposal P1055). This proposal could have serious consequences with regard the integrity and traceability of organic food both in Australia and NZ.
Positive outcomes from Australian Organic Awareness Month
September is the month that our industry comes together to celebrate the quality, richness and incredible diversity of Australia’s certified organic industry and seeks to elevate the distinct advantages to consumers of going organic.
This Awareness Month there has been a flurry of activity from operators, boosted by an increased level of support from retailers, consumers, producers and politicians. This activity has put certified organic production and its health, environmental and animal welfare benefits front and centre (even Ryan Reynolds has been involved – well, at least the Aussie one).
There have been cooking demonstrations on national television featuring certified organic produce and products, a media campaign that has placed a focus on key educational messages each week, organic dishes created by celebrity chef Tom Walton, and a digital campaign that has seen a significant increase in interest and engagement.
Supermarket giants Coles, Woolworths and Harris Farm have been active supporters of certified organic in September with television advertisements highlighting organic products, catalogue and website promotions, upgrades to instore merchandising, online specials and recipes that feature organic produce.
These combined and concentrated efforts are seeing our industry build momentum toward the end goal of increasing the health and wellbeing of our customers and our industry. Thank you for your support.
IMAGE ONE: (from left) Liberal MP Aaron Violi, Australian Organic Limited Director Didi Lo, AOL CEO Jackie Brian, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, AOL Chairman David Keens, and Labor MP Dan Repacholi, at the Parliamentary Friends of Australia’s Organic Industry event at Parliament House in Canberra.
IMAGE TWO: Australian Organic Awareness Month Ambassador Tegan Martin (right), during an appearance on Channel 7’s ‘The Morning Show’ on 25 September.
