More than 95 per cent of comments in a Senate inquiry supported the adoption of domestic regulation in Australia’s organic industry.
The Senate Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport is currently considering the merits of the National Organic Standard Bill 2024, which was introduced to Parliament in November to define the term “organic” and close a loophole that allowed some producers to label products as ‘organic’ despite having only 2 per cent organic content.
Australia is the only OECD country that does not provide this protection to consumers or the thousands of organic growers that go through the demanding certification and annual audit process.
“This would create a level playing field, which is a win for consumers who want truth in labelling and an endorsement of the robust process that certified organic producers go through,” said Jackie Brian, the CEO of peak advocacy group Australian Organic Limited.
“The National Organic Standard Bill is the best and easiest way to achieve this, and we welcome the support given to this simple and practical solution from across the political spectrum.”
The Senate Inquiry was scheduled to report by the end of January, but it has been extended until February 11.
Bridget McKenzie, a national senator, introduced the National Organic Standard Bill as a Private Senators’ Bill in November. Brian stated the National Organic Standard Bill would provide much-needed consumer protection.
“We know from survey data that consumers are being misled by labels that make unverified organic claims, which is unfair to those buyers and unfair to the producers who go through the lengthy and rigorous process of attaining organic certification,” he said.
According to Australian Organic, Australia accounts for 60 per cent of the world’s certified organic farmland (53 million hectares) but only 1.36 per cent of worldwide organic retail sales.
Organic consumer and dietitian from Hervey Bay Ashleigh Kelly expressed frustration with the existing labelling scenario. According to her, clear regulations and an easy means to identify organic products would eliminate the guessing.
In 2022, The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund provided $1 million in grants to two Australian farmers, helping meet future demand for organic fruit and vegetables.
