Australia’s certified organic sector has for the first time passed the $1 billion mark in annual direct sales, highlighting growing demand from consumers and the growing contribution and opportunity for organics within the country’s agriculture and food production.
The Australian Organic Market Report 2026, released by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), values certified organic domestic retail sales and exports at $1.02 billion in FY2024/25.
Domestic certified organic retail sales for take home consumption reached $657.6 million, up 11.9 per cent on the previous year, while certified organic exports were valued at up to $364 million.
Jackie Brian, CEO of AOL, said passing $1 billion was an important marker for an industry and that the report showed strong consumer demand for certified organic products with significant untapped potential.
“Certified organics is already a substantial Australian industry, with domestic retail sales growing almost 12 per cent and Australian organic exported to more than 40 markets around the world, but the bigger story is the opportunity still in front of us,” he said.
“For farmers, certified organic production provides an opportunity to build healthier soils, protect biodiversity, strengthen animal welfare outcomes and support human health, while accessing premium markets and connecting with consumers that recognise, value, and reward those practices.”
According to Michael Guerin, CEO of National Farmers’ Federation, the milestone highlighted opportunities for Australian farmers to respond to changing markets and consumer demand.
“This result demonstrates the value of ensuring farmers have the flexibility and support to respond to demand, innovate and capture new opportunities,” Guerin explained.
“As demand for premium food and fibre continues to grow, it is important that Australian producers have access to the markets and policy settings they need to seize those opportunities and remain competitive.”
The growth came despite sustained cost-of-living pressure. Despite price rises in line with the wider food industry, the report found volume, buyer numbers and purchase frequency all increased over the same period, and discounting activity fell.
“Consumers increasingly care about how their food is grown and produced – not just what they buy, but the farming practices and values behind it. That’s why certification matters,” added Brian.
“When Australians choose certified organic, they can trust that the product has been independently verified against organic standards, giving them confidence that what they’re buying genuinely reflects the farming and production practices they want to support.”
The report identified a key integrity loophole in the market with some consumers confused over non-certified products carrying ‘organic’ claims, highlighting the growing need for more regulations.
“As demand for organic grows, maintaining that trust is critical. Consumers need to be able to recognise certified organic easily and have confidence that when they choose organic, they’re getting what they paid for,” Brian continued.
Australia holds close to half the world's certified organic land base – around 49 per cent of the global total – giving the sector a huge platform for growth. The Asia-Pacific organic market is forecast to more than triple in value over the next decade.
Brian said the report identified barriers holding the sector back, including gaps in export market access, limited processing capacity, and the absence of a nationally consistent domestic regulatory framework for organics.
“We want more Australian farmers to be able to take advantage of organic markets, and we want consumers to have confidence that when they buy organic, they are getting certified organic,” she explained.
“The next stage of growth requires us to remove those barriers, improve market access and give Australian consumers and businesses a clear and consistent framework they can trust.
“The $1 billion figure is worth celebrating, but it should be viewed as a foundation rather than a ceiling.”
The Australian Organic Market Report 2026 is the 10th edition of AOL’s national market report and brings together government data, retail purchasing data, consumer research and industry surveys to provide a comprehensive picture of Australia’s certified organic sector.
A snapshot of the 2026 report is available here.
