Industry warns Australia is losing ground in world organic rankings

Some of Australia’s leading organic businesses and certifiers have warned a Senate Inquiry that Australia risks going from world leader to world laggard if the National Organic Standard Bill is not passed in Parliament next year. The proposed legislation, introduced to Federal Parliament last month, follows years of advocacy by the organic industry to create....

Inquiry Report recommends greater support for Australian organic operators seeking to export in Southeast Asia

A parliamentary report has affirmed the potential of Australia’s organic industry as a driver for export growth in the Southeast Asia region, putting forward an unprecedented range of recommendations to support our nation’s organic operators with market access. The ‘Trading North’ report follows the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture’s Inquiry into the role....

Organic industry calls for trade barriers to be removed

The certified organic industry continues to be on the agenda in Canberra, with peak body Australian Organic Limited (AOL) appearing at the latest public hearing of the Joint Standard Committee for Trade and Investment Growth’s Inquiry into the understanding and utilisation of benefits under Free Trade Agreements.....

Proposed law to usher in new consumer protection in Australia

NEVER-before-seen protections for organic consumers and the promise of lucrative new export markets for producers are among the benefits of proposed legislation introduced to Federal Parliament yesterday. The National Organic Standard Bill, a Private Senators’ Bill tabled by The Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie would, if passed, make Australia the final country in the OECD to....

Le Bon Terroir D’emj: Ethically Raised Heritage Pork

It’s no secret that the conversion to organic farming requires years of dedication, but for Emily Pierce and Glen Moir, it has been a labour of love in achieving their goal of producing organic pork under the brand of Le Bon Terroir D’emj, at their farm at Boonoo Boonoo near Tenterfield, in northern New South....

Education the key to positive future for rural women

One of Queensland’s largest organic beef producers says education is the key to women thriving in the ag space, whether through sharing experiences with each other in rural communities, adopting new technologies or completing a university degree online. Anna Appleton and her husband Fred, in conjunction with Loid and Zabby Appleton, operate Appleton Cattle Company,....

Organic industry presents five ways to boost exports to Southeast Asia

Leading voices from Australia’s certified organic industry have appeared before a federal parliamentary inquiry into agricultural exports with simple changes that could seize the opportunities represented by a rising Southeast Asia middle class increasingly seeking out premium-quality food.....

Organic Development Group (ODG) actively working on solution for domestic regulation

The Organic Development Group (ODG) was formed in 2023 to advance the interests of Australia’s growing organic sector, including the pursuit of domestic regulation. An update is provided on recent progress in this area, as well as other important developments and initiatives in the organic space.....

Strength of certified organic industry on show at Parliament House BBQ

HUNDREDS of farmers, producers, politicians and supporters of the certified organic industry have gathered at Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate Australian Organic Awareness Month and discuss how to unlock even more economic value from one of the success stories of Australian agriculture.....

Sherwood Road Organic Meats: A Trusted Supplier for Brisbane’s Southside

Sourcing quality, ethically produced certified organic meat can be a challenge in major cities, but there are innovative retailers who sell direct from local family farms for consumer convenience. One such example is Sherwood Road Organic Meats in Rocklea, who stock Brisbane’s biggest retail range of certified organic beef, lamb, goat, pork, chicken and smallgoods.....

San Elk: Hand-Crafted Certified Organic Stocks

Melbourne-based family business San Elk have been producing a range of certified organic stocks since 2017. Their business is built on a passion for natural and additive-free foods that liven up your pantry and help turn ordinary meals into delicious ones. San Elk offer a range of four products, all of which are certified organic;....

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.....

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....

CR & JE Higgins: An Organic Macadamia Collective in the Nambucca Valley

Forward thinking and community involvement are often key themes of organic businesses in Australia, and AOL Member Charles Higgins is a great example of these concepts. Charles is part of an expanding local co-operative in the Nambucca Valley region on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, where he and four other growers produce....

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 health....

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....

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....

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....

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....

Planet Organic: Premium and ethically sourced organic teas

Planet Organic on the Sunshine Coast offer an extensive range of certified organic teas, coffees, herbs and spices that are full on flavour but light on the earth. The Coolum-based business has grown significantly since it was founded in 1997, with 59 different certified organic teas now available to health-conscious consumers. The entire Planet Organic....

Biosota Organics: Premium Australian Manuka Honey

Queensland’s Biosota Organics has been proudly producing the strongest possible grades of medicinal Manuka honey in the world since 1999. Manuka honey is the rarest type in the world, accounting for just 1% of the globe’s total available honey as the Manuka tree is only native to Australia and New Zealand. Medicinal Manuka honey presents....

Kym Daniells: Certified organic bananas from Wamuran

A family business in Wamuran has been supplying certified organic bananas to the Australian market since 2011. Kym Daniells is owner operator of two certified organic farms in Wamuran, Moreton Bay region, with approximately 40 acres of land dedicated to growing 15 different varieties of organic bananas.....

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.....

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.....

TotallyNuts: Premium Certified Organic Nuts and Snacks

Those looking for activated and organic nuts can place an order with Gold Coast based small business TotallyNuts! The certified organic supplier offers a wide range of nuts and seeds including Australian grown almonds, macadamias, pecans and sunflower seeds, plus nut butters, mueslis and much more.....

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....

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.....

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....

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....

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....

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,....

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,....

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....

Ashbern Farms: Organic strawberries from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast

Growing hardy, high-quality organic strawberries can be a challenge, but Queensland’s Ashbern Farms have been working hard to meet this market need since first growing organic varieties in 2008. The business operates from farms in Stanthorpe and the Glass House Mountains, with organic strawberries grown at the latter location across 4.2 hectares of land.....

Boomaroo Nurseries: Year-round certified organic vegetable seedlings

Growers looking to serve organic consumers are well catered for by Boomaroo Nurseries, a world-class wholesale provider of vegetable seedlings who added certified organic options to their product range in 2020. Boomaroo Nurseries operate from facilities in Lara, Victoria, with a state-of-the-art site also opened in Southbrook, Queensland, three years ago.....

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....

Pirovic Family Farms: Certified Organic Free-Range Eggs

You’ll find Pirovic Family Farms at Mangrove Mountain on the New South Wales Central Coast. The family owned and operated farm was established in 1965 as a producer of fresh eggs, before transitioning their offering over time to include barn-laid, free range, certified organic varieties, and liquid egg products.....

Sugarless Australia: Organic and Naturally Sourced Sweeteners

If you’re looking to take up a zero-sugar lifestyle, you don’t need to resort to artificial sweeteners in your morning cuppa! Sydney-based company Sugarless Australia offers a variety of naturally sourced and organic sweeteners to health-conscious consumers, having first brought an organic stevia range to market in 2011.....

Peace, Love & Vegetables: Healthy Probiotic Goodies from Byron Bay

The story of Peace, Love & Vegetables started in 2011 with Anya and Adam in the beautiful Byron Bay region. Full of ambition to share their passion for healthy food, the couple is producing one of the first sauerkrauts in Australia and other raw and certified organic foods such as kimchi, super-kraut, kefir and even....

Hemp Foods Australia: The Southern Hemisphere’s leading manufacturer of organic hemp foods

Hemp Foods Australia (HFA), located in Bangalow, Northern New South Wales, offers a range of certified organic hemp products from hemp seeds to hemp oil and protein powders. Once hemp foods became legalised in Australia in 2017, the company was able to fully embrace and promote their comprehensive product range.....

US organic market reaches $50 billion

The organic market in the U.S reached over $52.5 billion in sales in 2018, growing 6.3% since the previous year and hitting a record high according to a recent survey. The 2019 Organic Industry Survey by the Organic Trade Association found that both organic food and non-food grew substantially – with organic food growing 5.9%....

Woolworths are strong backers for the future of organics with a $30 million fund

Woolworths Organic Growth Fund provides investment for Australian growers of organic fruit and vegetables....