Since demerge, AOL has lobbied Government for the implementation of a consistent approach to an organic standard in the domestic market. In June 2020, AOL submitted a comprehensive Organic Industry discussion paper to Federal Agricultural Minister David Littleproud, outlining the opportunities and challenges faced by a lack of good regulation in the domestic market. This report has provided the foundation for the announcement in December 2020 by Minister Littleproud convening an Organics Industry Advisory Group whose remit is to assess whether the current regulatory framework is fit for purpose.

AOL has been invited to represent the organic industry at a number of Parliamentary crisis roundtables during the Bushfires and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020.

AOL also advocates at a State and Territory level, supporting the organic industry on matters such as the South Australian GMO Moratorium legislative changes, the Victorian Kalbar Sand Mine Project and Queensland’s Fruit & Vegetable Bio Security policy changes.

Over the past three years, AOL has fostered strong relationships with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; facilitating discussions with growers to overcome Biosecurity challenges relating to import and export; most notably collaborating with the Department’s Biosecurity team and Hort Innovations to support the development of tests that would prevent mandatory fungicide treatment of imported organic seed, which would otherwise render organic seed importation unusable.

AOL has developed strong dialogue with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, providing detail on organic exports and connecting international stakeholders to support trade discussions with the view to open additional market access for organic exporters. Existing trade agreements such as the EU and also new arrangements with Australia and the UK have been developed in recent years.

AOL is a proud member of the National Farmers’ Federation, holding a position on the Sustainable Development Committee and developing ongoing advocacy surrounding our number goal for a consistent domestic organic standard; which has been included in the NFF’s Get Australia Growing and Regionalisation policies.

AOL is the first organic industry representative to hold a position on the ACCC Agriculture Consultive Committee; providing key organic industry insights and information. Our advisory committee members provided information on the Perishable Goods review undertaken by the ACCC.

AOL is the leader in organic industry insights and information. The Australian Organic Market Report (AOMR) is a biennial publication commissioned by AOL and in collaboration with a number of research partners. Currently, AOL is working with the University of Melbourne on the 2021 Report which shares research from global research organisations NielsonIQ and Euromonitor International, in conjunction with the Australian consumer research organisation Mobium Group, which has been providing organic consumer insights for more than a decade.

Alongside the AOMR, AOL has commissioned additional consumer research projects and University PhD research, supporting education surrounding the future of organic research.

AOL drives awareness of certified organic products and practices through strategic marketing campaigns and events, providing educational resources, hosting industry forums, and attending exhibitions. AOL members can receive discounted tickets to a range of events and exclusive opportunities to promote their brands and businesses.

Australian Organic Awareness Month (AOAM for short) is the nation’s largest campaign supporting and promoting the certified organic industry. Held annually in September, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the benefits of certified organic products and highlights the need to look for certification marks to validate organic purchases, while supporting local producers and organic operators.

Relaunched in December 2020, the Australian Curriculum-aligned Australian Organic Schools Program provides comprehensive learning resources to help Prep to Year 10 students understand the importance of organic principles and practices. The new program is comprised of three units. Within each unit are fully resourced, curriculum-aligned worksheets, guided practical and experimental activities, teacher-led discussions and link to a variety of supporting videos.

Trade Organic was launched by AOL in 2020 to provide resources on organic export and international trade market opportunities. Trade Organic is the go-to resource for anyone who wants to understand, maintain or improve organic export and international trade market opportunities, and learn how to take advantage of them.

Whichever way you chose to support the Bud through licensing your operation or simply contributing through becoming a member of AOL, you know you are supporting a progressive professional association owned by industry, for industry. AOL is a for-purpose organisation, designed and structured to advance and allow the organic industry to reach its full potential.

By becoming a member of AOL, you will receive:

• Representation at Industry and Government level
• Your business profiled across our digital channels
• Listing on the AOL online Organic Directory
• Quarterly e-Magazine opportunities
• Reduced events tickets and priority booking
• A free copy of the biennial Australia Organic Market Report, currently valued at $995
• Advertising opportunities across our digital channels

Join Australian Organic to have your say in the future of Australian organics.