Industry body Australian Organic Ltd (AOL) has restructured its operations to help it lobby more effectively.
AOL will become a standalone, member-owned, not-for-profit industry services group which can lobby for domestic legislation and have easier access to international markets for organic exports.
In addition, Australian consumers will be guaranteed increased ACCC action on questionable organic claims and promised integrity and trust within the industry.
Last month, members and industry leaders cast their vote at the Australian Organic AGM – and it was an unopposed “yes” to move forward.
The new pathway was instigated by the Federal Minister for Agriculture Former Senator Barnaby Joyce, and is strongly supported by former Senator Nick Xenophon and current Senator Rex Patrick.
“In liaising with Australian Organic over the years, we understand there to be two major issues that remain unresolved for industry members,” Xenophon said.
“One is the absence of domestic legislation, which would fully protect the organic attribution claims of legitimate, industry standard-abiding business people who invest in building up their own organic brands and business.
“The second is the effective enforcement of claims that are patently not in compliance with the nationally agreed, clearly articulated organic standard.”
A national survey revealed more than two out of three households purchased organic products in the last year.
Furthermore, earlier this year, the Australian Organic Market Report revealed Australia officially held the largest amount of organically managed farmland in the world, at 53 per cent.
However, the AOL said this was still not enough to meet growing demand locally.
“The launch of the new structure allows us to collaborate, support and represent the industry more broadly,” AOL general manager Emily Arnold said.
“We are working to ensure we are unified in one national standard, which means we will be a stronger voice to lobby government and we will continue to maintain our strong focus on education and protection of the industry.”
