3 October 2007:
The launch of Australian Certified Organic Magazine

The organic industry is celebrating the launch of its latest and flagship publication. The first edition of the most comprehensive trade magazine Australian Certified Organic Magazine (ACOM) has been born this spring.

Published by well recognized industry leader and organic representative group the Biological Farmers of Australia Co-op Ltd (BFA), the magazine is a refurbishment of the Group’s former Australian Organic Journal.

Click here to read more.

Australian Organic Market Report 2007
For several years a comprehensive Australian organic market report has been awaited to identify and plan for industry growth. In order to address this lack of industry information the University of New England (UNE) on behalf of the Biological Farmers of Australia Co-op Ltd (BFA) are conducting a survey to document and report on the size and scope of the Australian organic domestic and export market. The results from this annual survey will be published in the Australian Organic Market Report 2007 to be launched in early 2008.

The industry survey has recently been sent to all certified organic producers and operators. If you are a retailer/distributor of certified organic food but are not certified by an organic body you are also invited to participate in the survey. If you haven’t received a copy of the survey by then you can download a copy here or alternatively contact Dr Paul Kristiansen of UNE for a copy to be sent to you, ph (02) 6773 2962. Surveys should be returned to UNE by 5th October.

For the first time in Australia there will be an endorsement program for agronomists, consultants and advisors to the organic industry. While in the past organic producers and other industry members have had little guarantee of the legitimacy of services of advisors, an approved advisors list will now provide greater assurance for all, while offering advisors and consultants the benefit of endorsement of the integrity of their business.

Recognised leading representative group for the organic industry, the BFA, has taken upon itself to develop an endorsement program on behalf of industry with the guidance of the BFA Education Subcommittee.

Applicants to the program are required to undergo a 4-day training course with a particular focus on understanding the Organic Standards that underpin the Australian organic industry. Eligibility to the program is also dependent upon an assessment of the technical and commercial background of applicants among other considerations.

Upon successful completion of the program, applicants will be granted licensed use of the BFA “Bud” logo on marketing materials as well as inclusion in the list of approved consultants available for reference in BFA publications, on the BFA website and other directories. 

Agronomists, advisors, educational trainers, private consultants and others who provide services to the organic industry are encouraged to join the course simply for developing their skills or to apply for the endorsement program.

For further information on course dates, prices and any other information click here or visit www.bfa.com.au or call (07) 3350 5716.

Right now the GE canola moratoriums in NSW, VIC, TAS & SA are being reviewed. Each jurisdiction has differing legislation to give meaning to the moratoria and each has a different process of review. 

The right to remain GE free has not been tested in Australia however in North America billions of dollars are being claimed in lawsuits alleging lost income from contamination disasters with GE crops from Starlink corn, to long grain rice.

Moreover in May of this year an injunction was granted stopping the commercial release of GE alfalfa (lucerne) on the grounds that the US EPA had not properly assessed the environmental impact and social impact from contamination of non GE and organic farm crops.

Furthermore, using ABARE’s own figures it is calculated that the average price advantage for Australia with canola, is $68/tonne over the last two years better than the previous ten years. This coincides with the full labelling of GE oils in Europe and China, something that is non-existent in Australia.

It is essential that the organic sector is informed of the issues at hand and becomes involved by making our views known to our political representatives who will make these decisions on our behalf. 

The BFA has commissioned the writing of submissions to each of the State Governments now available for download here (or via the BFA home page at  www.bfa.com.au).

In addition, the Greenpeace and GeneEthics websites have sophisticated cyber campaign materials and the capacity to send your message to many politicians at once. Please visit www.geneethics.org or www.greenpeace.org/australia/.

The 3rd annual Organic Expo recently debuted in Melbourne to 7000 attendees at the Royal Exhibition Building, including an Organic Expo record of 1600 trade visitors, 6% of which were from overseas.

Attendees were struck by the new products on offer, the effort exhibitors took creating outstanding stand displays and the growth of the show, not to mention the grandeur of the heritage listed venue. Over 200 exhibitors from all over Australia took part, with 33% from the home state, Victoria. 

Click here to read the full story.

Other food event notices:
22 – 25 April 2008 Food & Hotel Asia, Singapore
http://www.foodnhotelasia.com/ 
The BFA Processor Subcommittee Group is proposing an Australian Organic stand within the Australian Pavilion at the event. Contact processor@bfa.com.au by 5 October.

For events coming up both domestically and international click here.

Mathew and Emma Gurnsey of Capra Organic Goat’s Cheese were unrivalled amongst a list of 300 quality competitors for the 11th Annual Australian Specialist Cheese Show in Melbourne. Two gold medals were awarded for their ‘Allegro’ and ‘Mountain Ash’ cheeses.

Olive oil by Rylstone Olive Press received recognition as one of the "world's tastiest products" winning a Superior Taste Award by the International Taste & Quality Institute (iTQi) in Brussels.

Nourish Foods' Whole Kids Organic SeaSalt Popcorn, winner of the Snack Foods category of the 2007 Food Challenge Awards.

At the highly popular Organic Expo in Melbourne recently, award winning products included Ladybird Organics for its Pre-pack Salad Mix (2 awards), Organic Bubs Baby Food and Nature’s Child Muslin Baby Wrap.

One last yet essential read to complete your organic advantage -
A farmer in the country has a watermelon patch and upon inspection he discovers that some of the local kids have been helping themselves to a feast.

The farmer thinks of ways to discourage this profit-eating situation. So, he puts up a sign that reads: "WARNING! ONE OF THESE WATERMELONS CONTAINS CYANIDE!"

He smiled smugly as he watched the kids run off the next night without eating any of his melons. 

The farmer returns to the watermelon patch a week later to discover that none of the watermelons have been eaten, but finds another sign that reads: "NOW THERE ARE TWO!"

View Upcoming Events; Submit your news to the editors

Your Organic Advantage
Editor: Holly Vyner

BIOLOGICAL FARMERS OF AUSTRALIA CO OP LTD - THE VOICE OF ORGANICS
http://www.bfa.com.au/
Ph: 07 3350 5716 (International +61 7 3350 5716)
 
AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC PTY LTD - THE STANDARD IN ORGANICS
http://www.australianorganic.com.au/

Ph: 07 3350 5706 (International +61 7 3350 5706)

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