Organic: “If it’s not certified, take it back”

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:59:43 +1000

Some consumers remain unaware of the importance to look for a trusted organic logo on organic products to guarantee they are getting what they are paying for. Recent misinformed media claims about organic baby foods have reinforced this issue, warns Dr Andrew Monk, Director, The Biological Farmers of Australia.

“To be assured you are buying trustworthy organic products, you need to look for a recognised mark. The Choice award-winning Australian Certified Organic ‘Bud’ logo is found on the majority of organic products in Australia. Products which use the ‘Bud’ are regularly audited to ensure they meet the Australian Certified Organic Standard, while also undergoing market testing, unannounced and retail audits,” said Dr Monk.

Organic product sales defy European economic trends; Australian companies prepare for BioFach Germany

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:27:46 +1000

 BioFach Germany is a mainstay event for the organics industry worldwide. Every year a number of Australian organic companies participate in this world organic trade fair and the financial forecasts of this coming year appears not to deter them.

Herman Claassens, Director of Australian Culinary Foods (ACF) says that the Biological Farmers of Australia continues to work in collaboration with ACF for growing the presence of Australian organic products on international retail shelves.

“While Europe’s financial woes might make one assume otherwise, most sales reports would indicate that many Australian organic products have the opportunity to establish or grow trade for their product via BioFach Germany.

“If recent results are anything to go by, this year will continue to gain positive outcomes for the Australian organic export trade,” he said.

BFA acquires CleanFood Organic Magazine; shoppers to become organic savvy

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:42:13 +1000

The organic industry’s representative body, Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), has made its next major step towards fulfilling its consumer education commitments.

The well loved CleanFood Organic magazine has been purchased by the not-for-profit group. Its founder and editor Mr Malcolm McGuire, will join BFA’s publications team to develop the magazine as part of a number of consumer information resources.

“This is brilliant for consumers and industry – both of which have been calling for greater consumer support and resources,” says BFA General Manager Holly Vyner.

Australian Organic Producer magazine - summer 2011/12 edition OUT NOW!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:22:51 +1000

HIGHLIGHTS from Australian Organic Producer Summer 2011/12 Edition

Time to take that step to reduce fertiliser use by Joel Williams
Reducing chemical inputs is key to moving towards biological agricultural practices. While many producers may not be ready to move to fully organic production, biological farming methods will reduce their chemical inputs and put them on the roads to conversion.

In this article, Joel Williams takes a look at how producers can make the move away from chemical inputs by reducing their fertiliser use, understanding what nutrients their crops might be deficient in, and developing skills in biological farming methods.

Preventative medicine as part of holistic livestock management by Nadia Wong
Managing livestock within the realms of organic farming brings with it certain challenges. Animal welfare and care is an important part of organic agriculture to both livestock managers and consumers. Nadia Wong has a strong interest in veterinary practices which support management of livestock within the organic industry. In this article, she explores a range of problems faced within the livestock industry for producers following organic management principles.
 

AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED ORGANIC MAGAZINE - FINAL 2011 EDITION OUT NOW!

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:09:04 +1000

FINAL 2011 EDITION OUT NOW!

…the quarterly magazine for those wanting to learn about retail, trade and consumer trends in the organic industry. With features on  food, health, childcare, retail, cosmetics and more,  the Australian Certified Organic Magazine is a winning combination.                                                                                                                   

The No. 1 Voice of Australian Organics

Reaching more of the Australian organic industry than any other publication, the Australian Certified Organic magazine is an essential resource for anyone involved in the organic industry – from farmers and processors through to suppliers, retailers and consumers.
At the forefront of trade and industry trends and all the latest research, innovation, news and events, ACOM is a ‘must read’ for anyone with an interest in organics.