Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (25 reads) Misleading labelling claims made by natural cosmetic companies that are using the word “organic” on product packaging and advertising has been a major issue for Australia’s certified organic skincare and personal care companies in the domestic and Asian export markets in recent years. Nature’s Gate of the USA and Dr Organic of the UK are two products using the word “organic” on labels and in promotions in Australia. |
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (31 reads) US advocate for family-scale farming The Cornucopia Institute says that Bt corn seed treated with chemical insecticides called neonicotinoids is not only killing off corn insects but also honey bees and is just as harmful as the insecticides they are replacing.One of the most frequently mentioned benefits of genetically modified crops is a reduction in chemical pesticide use on corn and cotton. But Doug Gurian-Sherman, senior scientist, Food and Agriculture for the Union of Concerned Scientists in the USA points out that these chemicals typically kill not only pest insects but also beneficial insects that help control pests or pollinate crops. |
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (16 reads) The much anticipated biennial Australian Organic Market Report 2012 is due out later this year and surveys will begin in April to May this year. Commissioned by Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) as a Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL)-funded research program, this year’s report will include first-time-available data from the five-yearly ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) Agricultural Census and an expanded consumer and marketing chapter contributed once again by respected market research firm Mobium Group. |
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (25 reads) Receivers to Kailis Organic Olive Groves, KordaMentha, attracted over 40 potential bids for the organic olive oil company at the February 3 deadline for formal offers for the sale of the business, including interest from Australia, Asia and North America. KordaMentha aims to achieve a higher sale price than the $19.7 million Kailis paid for the 3900 hectares of freehold land and 1800 hectares of olive plantations. The processing business, which includes two large, high-volume cold extraction mills, would be sold as a going concern with distribution through 500 retailers in Australia and export links to seven countries. |
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 (19 reads) The industry’s annual organic expo has a new name and theme, Sustain, for the two consumer days, and Sustain Trade Oceania, for the trade day, two events that will showcase what’s at the cutting edge of all aspects of sustainable living. The event, known for seven years as the Organic Expo & Green Show, will be held on 20–22 July at the Royal Hall of Industries at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter.Show organiser Lena Smeaton of Smeaton Hackett Events said the show is being repositioned to take it to a new level and appeal to a wider audience. |