The Australian Certified Organic Standard 2013 - an updated rulebook for organic production, manufacturing, processing and retailing - has just been released.
Certifying body, Australian Organic, said the most noticeable changes in the updated standard were in poultry, wine, horticulture, cottage industries and aquaculture.
The standard, which prescribes the practice requirements of all businesses certified with Australian Certified Organic, is reviewed every three years to ensure it meets industry expectations and changes with new practices and research.
Australian Certified Organic products are identified by the Bud symbol that appears on the majority of certified organic produce in Australia.
Recent developments in the free range egg market mean organic industry standards for poultry must uphold strict standards that are objective, enforceable, in line with consumer expectations and practical for producers. In the new standard, stocking densities for layers and meat chooks have been prescribed for poultry on fixed pastures and rotational stocking.
The standards also include additional requirements for the winemaking process, including those relating to additives.
In addition, horticulture and viticulture producers who use copper to manage disease must restrict their copper usage to 6kg per hectare per year.
Australian Organic also recently launched a consumer campaign fronted by celebrity chef and Australian Organic ambassador Pete Evans.
The One Logo Says It All campaign shows Australians what to look for when purchasing organic products to ensure they can be confident in their choices.
The recognisable Australian Certified Organic logo guarantees the product to be free range, GM free, pasture-fed, water efficient and biodiversity friendly as well as grown free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics.
