The Organic Advantage

The Organic Advantage Ed 97 - Special Edition

2008-02-05T22:01:23Z

SPECIAL EDITION
Edition 97, Wednesday 6th February, 2008

SPECIAL UPDATE: GE Canola and the organic sector

*NSW & Victoria to allow GE canola � what are the implications?
*BFA Subcommittee calls for input
*Canadian Farmers Tour Underway

What are the implications of GE canola release in 2008?

An expanding organic industry will face a new round of GM related hurdles on the back of last year�s green light on GM canola production from NSW and Victorian Governments.

Despite the efforts of the many groups around Australia opposing the release of GE canola, including the BFA which commissioned a major submission into the impacts and concerns about GE canola release, the State Governments decided in favour of the GE industry. In Victoria the advisory panel reported that consumers can access GE free food via organic foods and recommended that the State Government increase support for the organic sector. This is little comfort given the immediate impacts this year that will flow through to the organic sector if GE canola is grown.

For the first time the processing sector that uses organic grains from domestic sources will have to be very careful to ensure that product has not been contaminated in the supply chain that will handle GE, conventional and organic grains. The increased cost of testing, auditing and verification borne by organic processing companies will be a significant issue. In subsequent years, if GE canola is grown, we can expect farm to farm contamination through cross fertilisation, machinery use and transport systems used by the supply chain. Organic farmers will have to be particularly careful about the use of contractors who bring machinery on to their properties.

Victoria and NSW Governments have said that the normal commercial contracts that exist in the grains industry will be the mechanism for the growing and handling of GE canola. This means the grower will be bound by a contract upon purchasing GE seeds and will also be bound by the contract signed upon delivery of grain.

We have not seen any details about the GE seed purchase contracts but based upon overseas experience they will require the farmer to assume liability for the use of the GE seed. We doubt whether this contract will impose any requirements re buffer zones, notification to neighbours or contractors who come on to their properties. The State Governments have confirmed they will not be tracking or making public the locations of GE canola crops. This means that it will be difficult if not impossible for grain growers concerned about GE contamination to know if they are at risk from nearby GE canola crops.

With regard to the delivery contract, the grower will be required to declare if the canola is GE and the variety. The supply chain will then have in place contractual obligations to segregate to a tolerance level of contamination of 0.9%. This may be sufficient for some conventional grains sold, but for organic and those that are intending to market products as GE free, this will not be acceptable. It is our view that the planting of GE canola will see significant costs and operational stress placed on the grains supply chain and in particular end purchasers of product if they require GE free status.

BFA GE Subcommittee Calls for Input

The BFA GE subcommittee is keen to hear from industry members your ideas about how the BFA should proceed to campaign against the planting of GE canola in Australia. We will be putting a strategy to the BFA board shortly including a plan to raise additional funds from the organic industry to enable us to increase the effectiveness of this campaign. Please send your ideas to gmo@bfa.com.au.

For media comment and enquiries contact Scott Kinnear on 0419 881 729.

Canadian Farmers Tour Underway - Canadian experience of Genetically Modified (GM) Canola

Australia is about to commit to growing genetically modified (GM) herbicide tolerant canola. This public forum is an important opportunity to talk directly with farmers from Canada, where GM canola has been grown commercially for more than a decade. Speakers will discuss issues such as segregation of non-GM and GM canola, liability concerns and the effect GM canola has had on Canadian markets.
Speakers:
Mr Terry Boehm, Vice President of the Canadian Farmers Union
Mr Arnold Taylor, Farmer of 25 years from the Saskatchewan province of Canada.

Victoria
Marong Hall Thursday 7th Feb 7pm
High St, Marong
Hosted by Network of Concerned Farmers (http://www.non-gm-farmers.com)
For more information contact Helen Chambers 03 5435 2216

Open Forum Melbourne � Friday 8th Feb
6-8pm
Main Meeting Room
60L Building
60 Leicester St
Carlton
Hosted by MAdGE (Mothers Against Genetic Engineering) and GeneEthics Network
For more information contact GeneEthics Network on 1300 133 868

South Australia
10-12 February
Public Forum - Sunday 10th
2pm
Rymill Hall
enter from Cameron St through McCorquindale Park
Penola
Hosted by Network of Concerned Farmers
For more information contact Jeffrey Carracher on 0353866261 or 0428 316 901

Western Australia
12-14 February
Open Breakfast Meeting � Wednesday 13th
7.30-9.30am
CityFarm
East Perth
Hosted by Organic Growers Assoc WA
For more information contact Tracey Eaton on 0402 137 376

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Ph: 07 3350 5716 (International +61 7 3350 5716)

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

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The Organic Advantage Ed 96

2008-01-24T15:05:46Z

ORGANIC NEWS HEADLINES Friday 25 January 2007 - Edition 96
INDUSTRY:	UK Soil Association nanotechnology stance welcomed for organic
AGRIBUSINESS:	Australian organic exports to climb on the back of cloned meat
ENVIRONMENT:	Biofuels not the long-term solution
HEALTH:	7 top anti-cancer tips: WCRF
GOOD TASTE:	Recipe: Osso Bucco

Note: Don't miss out on the essential read at the end of this newsletter to complete your organic advantage!
Note: If you have trouble reading this newsletter, please view it by clicking on the following link or copying and pasting it into your web browser http://news.bfa.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?flavor=archive;list=advantage

INDUSTRY NEWS: UK Soil Association nanotechnology stance welcomed for organic

The Soil Association, Britain�s largest organic certification body has announced that products will not be certified as 'organic' if they contain additives made by the rapidly burgeoning nanotechnology industry.

The ban will particularly affect sunscreens and cosmetics � one of the UK�s fastest growing organic sectors.

Health concerns have prompted the ban on products containing man-made 'nanoparticles' � super-fine particles with dimensions smaller than 125 nanometres (millionths of a millimetre).

Scientists fear nanoparticles could pass from cosmetics through the skin and the body�s internal membranes.

Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) welcomes the move of its sister organization in the UK and indeed notes that BFA had moved to place an interim ban on nanotechnology back in mid 2007, pending further information on the issue.

The new technology has implications for a multitude of sectors, from food, to paints and industrial manufacturing.

Chairman of the Organic Standards Committee for BFA Dr Andrew Monk noted �the [Standards] Committee reviewed the nanotechnology issue some 6 months ago using the most recent evidence and information available to industry. It resolved unanimously to not permit such technologies in organic food products regulated in Australia under the BFA Group's organic Bud logo.

�The industry is a progressive, science based industry, however it is ultimately also fundamentally focused on its key stakeholder - the consumer - and ensuring that food products made available to them bearing a symbol such as the organic Bud confirms the best efforts are made, and the greatest precautions taken, in getting that food to their tables in a safe and natural way. It is simply too early in its development phase to give a technology such as nano a green light.� said Dr Monk.

AGRIBUSINESS NEWS: Australian organic exports to climb on the back of cloned meat

Australian organic meat exporters say their business could be bolstered by the US Food and Drug Administration�s recent decision to approve the consumption of food from cloned animals and their offspring.

�The decision has re-ignited a focus on organic � sales of organic beef and dairy products from Australia could be boosted as consumers in the United States search for an alternative source of protein and dairy products,� says Ms Dalene Brook, Business Development Manager of OBE Beef, Australia�s largest organic beef co-operative.

Australia has the largest area of certified organic land in the world (approximately 11.8million hectares certified to international standards) due to vast areas of rangelands certified for organic cattle and fat land production.

�Australia has some of the highest standards of food safety and traceability in the world protecting its primary industry environment. Australia�s clean and green reputation is highly regarded and a valuable asset for exporters in markets worldwide,� says Ms. Brook.

In south-west Queensland, OBE runs 70,000 certified organic cattle on 7 million certified organic hectares of land, and is well positioned to accommodate overseas markets seeking high-grade beef produced to organic standards. They are among a number of successful livestock industry groups.

Certified organic is one of the few regulatory systems already in place to guarantee accountability of source in livestock, amid rising consumer concerns that any cloned meat introduced on market will not be labelled accordingly (meat from cloned animals would be identical to a natural source and impossible to identify).

Spokesperson for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Damon Whittock says that MLA will closely monitor the attitudes of consumers and export markets but that cloned meat was not likely to enter the Australian food chain in the near future.

�Cloned cattle do exist in Australia (there are less than 100), but they are incredibly expensive to produce and used for research purposes. They do not enter the food chain.

�Food Safety Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) will make the decisions on the safety of cloned beef� and consumer attitudes will ultimately determine whether it will be accepted and hence made commercially viable,� he said.

BFA spokesperson and Standards Committee Chair, Dr. Andrew Monk says cloned meat concerns are the latest in a series of proposed food modification techniques that stringent standards for certified organic production offer an alternative to. Reproductive hormones and cloning are prohibited under the Australian Organic Standard.

�In a world of food increasingly tampered with in competition for the greatest slice of the
agri-food market, certified organic is becoming a haven for those in search of naturally produced food,� he says.

�With no planned requirement that labels identify cloned animal foods, and with the exemption of labeling of many GM foods, as well as products utilizing nanotechnology, organic logos such as the Australian Certified Organic �Bud� will hold even greater importance for consumers who care about where their food comes from, and how it is produced.�

Dr. Monk says BFA does not reject the progressive benefits of technology but takes a precautionary approach in the interests of human health and safety, while being unrepentantly focused on consumer concerns and interests.

The BFA has a vision for the organic industry in Australia - to grow organic food sales to 10 per cent of the food market in Australia by 2020. Product traceability is one good reason to buy organic and assist the organic industry to achieve its goal. More information is available at http://www.bfa.com.au

ENVIRONMENT: Biofuels not the long-term solution

The announcement that EU energy ministers have agreed to increase the share of biofuels used in transport to 10% by 2020 has drawn criticism from The House of Commons Environmental Committee that are supported by UK organic group The Soil Association on the grounds bio-crops may be unsustainable and damaging to the environment.

In a recent press release The Soil Association stated it welcomed the committee's conclusions that any expansion of biofuel production may damage rather than benefit the environment. The committee said it recognised that some biofuels were sustainable and could be used to reduce emissions, but that current biofuel technology could result in damaging land use (including water pollution and loss of biodiversity) in the UK; and the loss of crucial rainforests round the world.

It said the government should concentrate on the use of sustainable biofuels, such as waste vegetable oil and other biofuel technologies with robust measures put in place to guard against environmental damage.

Robin Maynard, Campaigns Director said:
�The Committee�s report exposes the false green mantle masking the true costs of and vested interests behind the push for biofuels. The main crops proposed for producing biofuels, oil-seed rape and sugar-beet, are simply old commodity crops seeking to revive flagging markets.

�The biotech industry is trying to use biofuels to by-pass public hostility to GM crops.�

�If the EU and UK Governments are serious about enabling agriculture to play its part in addressing climate change, they should support, sustainable organic farming which uses less energy to produce our food and brings proven benefits to the environment.�

The (Australian) Climate Institute in its report Agricultural Alliance on Climate Change has said supply of biofuel in Australia is expected to exceed the Government�s target of 350 ML by 2010, and significant further expansion of domestic biofuel production in the medium term would be possible with step changes in production technologies, or specific policy action in addition to the introduction of emissions trading.

The report said realising the benefits of increased production and use of biofuel would require all stakeholders to be involved in developing practical pathways for commercialising biofuels that were environmentally sustainable and did not disrupt food and fibre production; and would take a significant increase in research and development into prospective second generation biofuels that were relevant to Australia.

In a speech at the Energy Biotechnology Frontier Symposium last November, Professor John Manners from the CSIRO Plant Industry said there are currently three potential models of biofuel production:

1) Where the same feedstock can be used for either food or biofuel production interchangeably (eg ethanol production from sugarcane and corn in Brazil and the USA/ the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils in Europe. This model has raised the food versus fuel debate and is considered by many to be unsustainable.)

2) Where a biofuel is produced from a waste co-product of food production (Eg The production of ethanol from corn stover residues and the fibrous bagasse that remains after juice extraction from sugarcane. These are financially attractive renewable feedstocks that could be quickly adopted industries, but have a high expense of fermentation of residues.)

3) Where marginal land that is not highly suited to food production is used to produce hardy non-food crops that act as dedicated feedstocks for biofuels. (Examples of these under discussion are the grass Miscanthus as a feedstock for ethanol and the shrub Jatropha as a source of oil for biodiesel, but these will require the establishment of totally new production and processing industries. Sugarcane has many qualities that make it attractive as a feedstock for biofuel production.)

Data Link Soil Association Press Release: http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/
848d689047cb466780256a6b00298980/775949301b9f1311802573d70048d60f!OpenDocument

Data Link Climate Institute Agricultural Alliance on Climate Change Report http://www.climateinstitute.org.au//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=41

Data Link speech Professor John Manners at Energy Biotechnology Frontier Symposium: http://www.csiro.au/files/files/phb6.pdf

HEALTH: 7 top anti-cancer tips: WCRF

By Shane Heaton, BFA Nutritionist

A third of cancers are caused by diet and lack of exercise and could be prevented, according to a new report from the World Cancer Research Fund that took 200 scientists 5 years to produce. They reviewed 7,000 studies on causes of cancer and have now published the most authoritative overview of the role that food, drink, obesity and exercise play in causing cancer. So here�s their top 7 tips for a healthier life, free of cancer, followed by two more from me at the end:

1. Avoid being overweight. Excess body fat was found to trigger various cancers and a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less should be your goal. To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. For example 80kgs divided by 1.8 meters squared = 24.7. Over 25 is overweight, and over 30 is obese. Under 18.5 is considered unhealthy also.

2. To keep that weight off, the next tip is an obvious one: Exercise regularly. Thirty minutes of vigorous exercise daily, or 60 minutes of moderate exercise. If like me you know you should but don�t make the time � it's time to start.

3. Still on the theme of avoiding excess weight, the third tip is to avoid energy dense foods rich in fat and sugar. Obvious culprits are fried foods, fast food, and sugary soft drinks.

4. So on a more positive note, what should you eat? Lots of fruits and vegetables. At least 5 portions a day, though nine is better. Nutritionists actually used to recommend 9 portions of fruit and veg a day, and the advice only changed to 5 to give people eating very little fruit and veg a more realistic target! I once asked Craig Sams what he thought of the 5-a-day campaign and he replied, 'I'm not halving my fruit and veg intake for anyone!' In addition to fruits and vegetables the WCRF recommend eating cereals, grains or pulses with every meal.

5. Next is a controversial tip that was all over the media when this report was first released. Eat less red meat, and don't eat preserved meat like ham and bacon at all. Too much red meat was found to raise the risk of various cancers, and regular consumption of meats preserved with sodium nitrite, like ham and bacon, were found to raise the risk of cancer by around 10 per cent. See my additional tip 9 below for an important caveat to this advice.

6. Don't drink too much alcohol. The WCF panel recommended women should have no more than one drink a day, and men no more than two.

7. Reduce your salt intake to no more than 6 grams a day. Salt's been known to raise your blood pressure for years, but excessive consumption of salt or salty foods has now also been linked to a greater cancer risk.

So they're the WCRF�s top 7 tips for avoiding cancer, but there are at least two more I think really should be pointed out�

8. If you smoke, quit. According to the WCRF, the seven tips above �could play almost as big a role as stopping smoking in preserving us from disease.� So you can see how significant a difference stopping smoking can make � a bigger difference than the next 7 anti-cancer tips combined! If you don�t smoke, it may be a revelation to you that not exercising or eating healthily is almost as bad as smoking, so a good incentive to follow these seven tips, huh?

9. And finally, a capstone tip that the WCRF overlooked. Go organic.
Occupational and environmental exposures to pesticides have been repeatedly linked to various cancers, and dietary exposures are an unnecessary burden on your body. So yes, eat more fruit and veg as in tip number 4 above, but make them organic. You�ll feel better about eating them and probably find it easier to eat more fruit and veg because of it. Furthermore, the advice in tip 5 above needs one important caveat: If you enjoy red meat, ham and bacon, enjoy them in moderation by making them organic. Organic red meat actually contains more of various substances known to be cancer-protective, and organic ham and bacon aren�t preserved with sodium nitrite � the main risk factor leading to the WCRF advice to avoid them completely.

GOOD TASTE: Recipe: Osso Bucco

Recipe compliments of Dandaragan Beef, www.dandaraganorganicbeef.com.au
Osso Bucco ingredients:
6 oss bucco steaks
plain flour
2 tblspns butter
2 tblspns oil
� cup chopped celery
� cup chopped carrots
� cup sliced onion
4 tblspns tomato paste
1 heaped tblspn brown sugar
1 cup dry sherry
� cut water
salt & pepper to taste
finely chopped parsley
Dust meat with flour. Heat butter and oil in large frypan and fry eat until browned on both sides. Remove to large flat casserole or baking dish. Add the vegetables to frypan and fry lightly. Add tomato paste, sugar, sherry, water, salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Pour over meat, cover with lid or foil. Cook in 160�C oven until tender, about 2� hours. Sprinkle with parsley.

Serves 6
This is a tasty economical dish. It can be served with either rice or noodles and green vegetables.

A last yet essential read to complete your organic advantage -
Morris and his wife went to the state fair every year. Each year, Morris would say: �I�d love a ride in that helicopter.�
Each year Esther would reply: �I know Morris, but that helicopter ride is $50. $50 is $50.
One year Morris said: Esther, I am 85. If I don�t ride that helicopter now, I might never get another chance!
Esther said: � I know Morris, but $50 is $50!�
The pilot overheard the couple. He said: �Folks, I�ll make you a deal. I�ll take both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the whole ride and not say one word, I won�t charge you, but if you say one word, it�s $50! Morris and Esther agreed and up they went.
The pilot did all kinds of fancy aerial acrobatics but not a word was heard.
When they landed the pilot turned to Morris and said: �By golly, I�m impressed, I gave you everything I had, and not one word, I�m impressed!�
Morris replied: �Well, I was going to say something when Esther fell out, but $50 is $50!�

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The Organic Advantage Ed 95

2008-01-08T16:40:51Z

ORGANIC NEWS HEADLINES Monday 9 January 2008 - Edition 95
INDUSTRY:	BioFach international fare - Stuffed, pitted, red or sparkling?
AGRIBUSINESS:	Incentives increase for long-term viability farming
ENVIRONMENT:	Packaging - keeping it green from paddock to plate
HEALTH:	NZ organic soft drink producer confronts cola superpowers
GOOD TASTE:	Recipe: Chicken with chilli and lemon

INDUSTRY NEWS: BioFach international fare � Stuffed, pitted, red or sparkling?

Following continued world-wide growth of the organic industry, the world's largest international organic trade fair BioFach is preparing for yet another year of expansion of its exhibition next month in Germany on 21 - 24 February 08.

The exhibition's growth reflects the rapid development of the international organic industry with organic marketing structures particularly well developed in countries like the USA, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Great Britain.

Strong demand for organic in heavily populated countries like Germany and the USA is resulting in an increase of conversion to organic agriculture in those countries with a focus on agricultural enterprise. More than 31 million ha of agricultural land are currently certified organic and another 62 million ha are recognized for the collection of products from the wild worldwide. (Helga Willer, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Switzerland)

London corporate consultant Organic Monitor says that worldwide spending on organic food in 2007 will top the 40 billion US dollar mark for the first time. Although most of the world�s regions report high growth rates, the largest growth in terms of turnover can be observed in North America and Europe. Organic Monitor predicts that the 60 billion US dollar mark will be reached for worldwide sales in 2010.

New in store at this years' BioFach, organisers have announced is the arrival of the olive-focused Consumers Choice Award. Over 60 exhibitors from 10 countries showcased olive oil last year, and BioFach says there is an increasing amount of organic oil brands on market. The event will feature an Olive Oil Bar for the seventh year in a row, and participants will put dozens of organic olive oil to the taste test.

Organic wine will also be receiving special treatment. For the first time, BioFach will feature a new day-lit hall devoted solely to the international display of organic labels. There were 300 organic wine exhibitors from 13 countries in a record setting 2007, and the competition is expected to increase by a robust 20% in 2008.

Australian Certified Organic in conjunction with BioGro New Zealand will host an Australia/ New Zealand stand at BioFach Germany 21 � 24 February 2008. To register your organic product for display at the world�s premier organic event, contact the BFA office on (07) 3350 5716 or email events@bfa.com.au. Companies must be quick as places are filling fast.

AGRIBUSINESS NEWS: Incentives increase for long-term viability farming

Organic farmers are one step ahead as the push to tend land for long-term viability intensifies.

An announcement from Primary Industries Minister Tony Burke is the latest introduction to a growing number of schemes that could see farmers rewarded for protective land stewardship.

Mr. Burke last week stated the government may pay incentives to farmers on marginal or unviable properties who are prepared to modify their farming practises for sustainability; rather than solely drought relief. Mr Burke said climate change was a challenge but could also present opportunities, describing a number of techniques for re-building agricultural land that are more commonly utilised in organic systems.

�Some of the different techniques are moving away from ploughing, and what that has done both for retention of water and for reducing carbon emissions from the soil can create some really significant opportunities,� Mr. Burke said.

And pre-Christmas strengthened support from the Federal Government for a 20% carbon emission reduction target by 2020 could also profit sustainable farmers, according to a CSIRO report commissioned by The Climate Institute (and Agricultural Alliance on Climate Change).

The report stated if higher carbon prices take hold, and there is policy support for renewable energy, rural Australians stand to become valuable service providers in three areas of a low carbon future:
- Providing clean energy and electricity
- Mobilising agricultural mitigation and greenhouse gas offsets
- Supporting environmental stewardship on private land

Nicolette Boele, Director of strategic projects for The Climate Institute says now is the time for smart farmers to start filtering through strategic future possibilities.

�The changing climate makes the business of farming even more risky and unpredictable. Targeted government policy for ecosystem services could give savvy farmers on marginal agricultural land a new source of income - and help build land resilience� she says.

The report found renewable energy offered potentially major financial and other benefits to landholders and rural communities with estimates of potential wind royalties of up to $150 million a year, or more.

Land stewardship, which is currently being trialled by the government, is another area of opportunity, where land owners could be paid for their conservation efforts.

However The Climate Institute says this is subject to significant expansion of the stewardship scheme.

�Essentially the government would have to fund it (land stewardship)� said Ms. Boele.

�The indication is that they�re very interested (in backing sustainability) but we�re waiting for a solid sign of which direction they will go in.�

Mike Gooey, Executive Director of Trust for Nature has witnessed firsthand the merging of profit and land protection, and the rise of what he calls the �the eco-speculator.�

Trust for Nature, based in Victoria, aims to extend the state�s conservation areas by focusing on privately owned land. The organisation buys high conservation value land (for example, land that harbours a high proportion of endangered species), apply a conservation covenant to it (meaning it can no longer be used for development purposes in the future) and on-sells the protected result to conservation orientated owners. Many land-owners also seek to protect their land using Trust for Nature conservation covenants.

�We can�t keep up with demand for covenanting properties,� says Mr. Gooey.

�There are some very interesting incentives for conservation. This includes understanding �lost income opportunity�. With Trust for Nature conservation covenants the notional loss of value to the land can be assessed by the Australian Tax Office as an income tax deduction.�

That means when you choose to protect your land, there is potential to get back in tax what you might have received from sale of your land if you�d let it be developed.

Mr. Gooey says there are also a lot of questions around gross margins for farmers of the future to be asking.

�For example, can I add an extra �X� amount of dollars per hectare for my conservation efforts?� he says.

�Stewardship payments are happening in some areas. In Victoria there are a few tender programs � one, for example, where land owners are being paid to manage a Stringy Bark habitat for Red-tailed Black Cockatoos and another in the NSW Lachlan area involving Box Gum grassy woodlands.�

�Many farmers and agriculturists haven�t always seen the benefits, but I think that�s changing.�

Trust for Nature - http://www.trustfornature.org.au/
The Climate Institute - http://www.climateinstitute.org.au/

ENVIRONMENT: Packaging - Keeping it green from paddock to plate

In the last decade the environmentally friendly packaging industry has seen new improved production technology in materials which have become comparatively durable, functional and affordable, without leaving behind the remnants that petro plastics do.

Biodegradable and compostable packaging is a market that offers significant opportunity for organic producers and processors who want to extend the eco-awareness inherent in organic food one step further � however, the benefits should be analysed carefully against potential market pitfalls.

Richard Fine is CEO of Australian packaging supplier BioPak, a producer of packaging products which are compostable, biodegradable and derived from annually renewable resources.

�The market for these bio based materials is expanding due to the increased cost of oil based plastics and government legislation that aims to reduce waste,� he comments.

�The organic sector is currently the primary source of our sales to large retailers, who are essential to the growth of the industry. For example, we supply Coles with biodegradable trays & film for their fresh organic produce.�

Mr Fine admits there is still some work ahead in developing greener packaging for it to more competitively meet market demands on performance and cost.

�The market wants to protect the environment, but not at any cost. The next most important factor is that packaging be beneficial, safe and healthy thoughout its life cycle. Biodegradable packaging is a relatively new industry when compared to petro plastics and does have limitations that are undergoing continual research and development," he says.

�Although the price of some of our products have come down by as much as 40% in the last year, most remain about 2 to 3 times higher than the cost of regular packaging materials. With more manufacturers gearing up to meet demand and the ever increasing cost of petro plastics, it is not too far off that price will no longer be a factor in limiting the use of biopolymers.�

Dr Andrew Monk, Organic Standards Chair of the Biological Farmers of Australia comments on what organic standards require and what the future holds for packaging.

�BFA's member owned Australian Organic Standard like all key international standards around the world has a core principle of reduction of environmental impact and recycling and reusing wherever feasible," says Dr Monk.

"BFA as the leader in standards setting and regulation of organics in Australasia has an equal focus on maintaining a rigorous standard and integrity in organics including packaging, while also ensuring that our industry can deliver on consumer expectations on a sustainable basis.

"We always welcome, encourage and in future will be making mandatory, leading packaging solutions such as biodegradable and compostable packaging that delivers reduction of organics' environmental footprint" he says.

HEALTH: NZ organic soft drink producer confronts cola superpowers

NZ Soil & Health Association:

The Soil & Health Association of NZ is impressed with the Phoenix Organics �Think Before You Drink� anti-aspartame campaign, which reveals the dubious merits of the artificial sweetener on every bottle.

"Having 20,000 bottles of Phoenix Organic Cola with labels highlighting concerns with aspartame, is a great counter to Coca-Cola�s �Make Every Drop Matter� pro-aspartame campaign,� said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

�Soil & Health wants Diet Coke out of all schools in 2008 as a step towards withdrawing aspartame out of all New Zealand food and drinks, and the certified organic Phoenix drinks show there are wholesome alternatives.�

�The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) continues to claim that aspartame is one of the most studied substances in the world, yet conveniently brushes aside the fact that while all industry-funded studies do not show a problem, the overwhelming majority of independent studies do.�

�Ditching Diet Coke, enjoying organic juices and getting genuine independent research is a great new resolution for New Zealand consumers.�

To read the full press release and related news visit www.organicnz.org/.

Notes:
Aspartame (951, Equal, Nutrasweet) is an artificial sweetener found in over 6000 products including diet drinks, sugar free products, dietary supplements, sports drinks and medications.
Aspartame has been linked to many health symptoms, including those expressed as ADHD, anxiety, depression, irritability, confusion, memory loss, insomnia, dizziness, migraines, cramps, abdominal pain, numbness or tingling of extremities, rashes, chronic fatigue, and sight and personality changes. Organic standards worldwide do not allow Aspartame in certified organic foods and drinks.

GOOD TASTE: Recipe: Chicken with chilli and lemon

Gourmet Organic Herbs (www.gourmet-organics.com.au):

4 chicken breast
2 GOH Whole Chillies (finely chopped)
1 tsp GOH Oregano
1 tsp GOH Marjoram
1 lemon
100ml olive oil
salt and pepper

To make the marinade; peel the lemon, place in a mortar & pestle and crush with the dry ingredients (Whole Chillies, Marjoram, Oregano, salt & pepper) and oil. Apply this mixture to the chicken and refrigerate for 24 hours. The chicken is best cooked on a skillet for 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through (don't worry if there is some charring as this works well with the marinade flavour). Serve with green salad and steamed new potatoes.

A last yet essential read to complete your organic advantage -
On summer vacation, Josie and her son, James, went to visit Josie's Uncle Jon who owned a nice farm. While there, Uncle Jon was helping one of his cows give birth, when he noticed his four-year-old Great Nephew, James, standing at the fence, wide-eyed and soaking in the whole event.

Uncle Jon thought to himself: "Great, now I'm gonna have to explain the 'birds and bees' to him. Well, no need to jump the gun. I'll just wait and see if he has any questions, and I'll just answer them as best I can."

After Uncle Jon finished helping the cow with her birthing, he walked over to James and asked him: "Do you have any questions about what you seen here tonight?"

"Just one," the little boy whispered, eyes still wide with wonder. "How fast was that calf going when he hit the cow?"

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Your Organic Advantage
Editor: Holly Vyner

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