Organics Regulatory Framework up for Debate

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)

The organic industry’s regulatory framework is up for discussion with a consultation process underway. Consumers, organic farmers, food manufacturers and exporters are encouraged to provide input to the consultation which will focus on potential regulatory or non-regulation options across all players in the supply chain, including small businesses. The federal department of agriculture already regulates the export of Australian organic produce to overseas markets.

Currently, Australia is one of the only developed nations in the world without a mandatory domestic standard, meaning products that are not certified may be labelled organic. Federal agriculture minister David Littleproud said the consultation will focus on regulatory and non-regulatory options to manage the importation, production, and sale of organic products within Australia.

For an industry that spans horticulture to livestock, apiary to cosmetics and from wine to desserts, it’s important that consumers can make a confident informed choice when they are making purchases. Over the next few weeks, and during the public consultation process, the organisation will focus on supporting the industry members, producers, manufacturers, exporters and consumers to provide their views on this topic that is critical to customer confidence and the future growth of organics in Australia.

Australia has the largest organic agricultural area in the world (35.7 million hectares) contributing about $2.6 billion to the Australian economy each year with revenue projected to grow at 14.6 per cent annually from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025.