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| INDUSTRY NEWS: |
Extra steps urged for international organic market protection |
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A Chinese certification body has reminded Australian organic operators to consider Transaction Certificates (TC's) on the export market, to ensure they are better protected against the possibility of dealing with fraudulent operators.
A recent case from the Organic Food Development Centre of China (OFDC) has highlighted the issue; with the discovery a potential supplier of organic food stuffs to Australia was falsely claiming organic certification with OFDC.
Upon closer inspection it was revealed the supplier's certificate was fraudulent.
A spokesperson for OFDC says the case is not common.
''I've rarely heard of an episode like this,'' he said.
But he said a good way for Australian operators to take additional measures to protect themselves was to utilise the OFDC's Transaction Certificate system.
''TC's can verify the (organic accreditation) of products in specific transactions.
''This way, when (Australian) operators purchase organic products certified by OFDC, they can not only check the certificate straight away by contacting us, they also obtain the original TC which is certified by OFDC.
''The variety and amount of product in the TC will be checked carefully by OFDC staff according to the supplier's certificate issued by OFDC.
He says this ''lowers the risk of a ''fake certificate'' and decreased the chance Australian organic companies would become involved with operators who could threaten their organic status.
Ms. Akiko Nicholls, Managing Director of Australian Certified Organic (ACO) says while the case was a concern, it was also a sign of the growth of the organic industry.
''The forged certificate carried the OFDC company seal as well as a signature of OFDC president. It was impossible to tell whether it was genuine or fake by looking at it.
''Extra checks for imported products such as checking the TC issued by an organic agency are becoming important for Australian operators to protect their products and brands - in terms of both product quality, and reputation.''
For more information contact Australian Certified Organic Ph: (07) 3350 5906 E : info@aco.net.au |
| >AGRIBUSINESS NEWS: |
Appeal for Australian Government to clean up its organic export act |
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Does our government really understand the importance of a strong export industry?
The Federal Government's intended elimination of financial support for organic and other exporters has drawn a sharp response from the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), the nation's premier organic representative body.
From July 1 the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) will recover all costs for the management of their activities pertaining to the export of organic products.
BFA's view is that without a concurrent overhaul of the Export Orders Act the government's move will double charges and red tape while simultaneously dampening opportunities for export.
The proposed changes will see the AQIS export program for organic products (along with other commodity export programs) being stripped of the 40 % government co-contribution.
In addition, expected rises in costs for management will be factored into the charges, which will result in a rise of more than 50% in program costs, to be charged directly to the commercial exporters.
According to Dr Andrew Monk, BFA Director and Organic Standards Convenor, the only way to offset the negative impact of the proposed changes and to prevent bureaucratic doubling-up is to institute simultaneous changes to the Export Orders Act for organic produce.
Dr Monk cites Australian Certified Organic's (ACO's) successful history of achieving direct overseas market access for clients.
''Given AQIS's limited jurisdiction, it has been up to ACO and other certification agencies to manage the integrity of certified organic claims as the consumers' best means of ensuring they get what they pay for,'' he says.
''ACO has led Australia in achieving export accreditation in the US, Japan, and other countries and in cutting through red tape to ensure that there are choices in world marketplaces for small and large operators alike.
''With direct accreditation achieved with such countries as Japan and the US, the need for AQIS jurisdiction on export orders to these destinations should be eliminated.
''BFA will be working with AQIS and the Government to achieve a positive outcome for the organic industry.
''However, in the absence of an overhaul of the Act and with the elimination of any residual support for export activity, export growth will be hampered at a critical juncture in our country's economic cycle.''
Some observers say that a move to full cost recovery could threaten thousands of Australian rural jobs, particularly given this will be applied to all commodity groups.
''It's ironic that that this should happen at a time when many other governments are protecting domestic markets while enhancing and supporting export activities,'' says Dr Monk.
''Not only will new Government regulations load more costs onto exporters, they are also giving a green light to the import of Philippine bananas into Australia in a move that could put the whole industry, organic and conventional, at risk. It seems we’re getting the worst of both worlds.''
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| ENVIRONMENT NEWS: |
Microbes make their mark with some (humified) help |
Turning soil around is just a small matter of well applied microbes, according to Rhonda Daly of YLAD Living Soils.
If anyone knows, she will. Last year, on-farm trials of YLAD's humified compost applications returned results that have prompted even the most chemical intensive operators to consider alternatives.
''We saw the base saturation of calcium on a farm in lease country lifted by 12 % (from 38 % to 50 %) in the space of a year,'' says Rhonda.
''And a dairy farmer in Wagga who put 120 kg of urea in one paddock, and compost and gypsum in the other produced higher, greener pasture in the composted paddock, with no nitrogen use whatsoever.
''This is something we're incredibly excited to witness - it's evidence farmers don't have to wait five or ten years to restore the structure of their soil if they start now, and are genuinely committed to methods that emphasise soil health as a top priority.''
She says even organic farmers could look harder at how to handle the small things in their soil life.
''I do think there are instances where organic farmers focus just on the 'lack of' synthetic farm chemicals, and not enough on regenerating their soil, humus, and microbial activity.''
She says the benefit of humified compost in particular is in the processing - beginning with the decomposition of plant and animal feedstock by microbial and thermophilic (heat) methods, and followed by the build-up of long chain polymers of humus which contain beneficial microbial population.
''Organic matter is not humus unless it has been through the body of a microbe,'' she says.
''I'm not a great advocate of raw manure - there tends to be a high level of nitrate, which actually burns out organic matter.
''Humified compost by comparison is produced over a 10 week aerobic controlled cycle, creating an optimal environment for microbes to flourish.
''Microbes then actively multiple when applied to soil.''
Rhonda says interest in the humified compost process over the past 12 months has flourished from all sectors - ''humified compost has gone on everything from broad acre, viticulture and pasture, to horticultural operations.''
She says it indicates many Australian farmers are ready for change.
''We've set up 24 compost turners round Australian over the past two and a half years, and people are beginning to make it locally for themselves.''
She says while farmers are beginning to understand that harsh chemicals and salt based solutions could destroy their soil's structure, there was still a long way to go.
''Australian farming practises still reportedly remove around 7 tonnes of topsoil each year.''
She says once soil balance is on the road to being restored, benefits were abundant.
''For example, we've had reports back to us that the water-holding capacity of the farmers' properties has raised substantially after some months of managing land under a soil health program.
''Insect attacks on healthy plants are also less frequent. A strong plant in good soil is much more equipped to stave off disease and problems in its environment, naturally.
''And natural soil restoration allows nutrients to become available to plants - they can access the phosphorous locked in soil and nitrogen from the atmosphere.''
For more information contact Rhonda Daly Ph - 02 6382 2165
Or visit http://www.yladlivingsoils.com.au/
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| HEALTH NEWS: |
Figuring out farming families - does chemical-free make a difference? |
Research being conducted in North Qld could help Australia better understand the complex dynamics of farming families.
PHD student Connar McShane from James Cook University in Townsville is investigating the part relationships have to play in rural businesses.
She says the study will help develop measures to evaluate the role of immediate and extended families in a farming business context; and may help clarify how everyday challenges can be overcome.
With no conclusive results as yet (studies are set to continue for the next 18 months), Connar says some interesting trends have been observed after interviewing predominantly Qld based farmers. (The study will extend nationally this year).
''Farmers operate under a unique family business structure that is not seen in any other organisational structure.
''Very often farming family members operate in dual roles at home, or in the business. This means they are also forced to deal with stress in a unique way - for example, it is very difficult for problems at work to stay at work, or home problems to stay at home.''
She says based on observation alone, there appear to be many benefits to a business based on a family foundation.
''Including 'knowing exactly how other people in the business like things done', a high motivation to achieve, and passing on knowledge to children,'' she says.
But she says issues revolving around the farm are likely to take precedence over family time.
''It would appear business problems do get 'top priority' - though many farmers see this time spent away from the home front as an investment in the farm for the next generation.''
She says interestingly, the issues that affect farmers and their families could be noticeably different for families who farm organically.
''A conventional farmer at the moment is worried about the price of fertilisers predominantly; and the increased operational costs that entails.
''In Qld, farmers are also concerned about the effects government policies like the 'Reef Rescue Plan' (designed to minimise farm and other chemical residue runoff into the Great Barrier Reef); or a Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme could have on them.
''But when I spoke to an organic farmer, the same issues weren't as relevant. They don't have fertiliser prices to think about, obviously, and they approach issues from a different angle.''
She says the last organic farmer interviewed - ''a small producer'' - was more concerned with having organic farming methods recognised in the wider farming community.
''For him, the issue was still about acceptance to some degree. His concerns were related to the damage chemicals were doing to the land, and a desire to have organic farm techniques more commonly taken up as a solution.
''Time away from his family was more focused on learning more about organic production methods - attending courses and seminars; trialling growing methods and so on.''
She says producers in any industry interested in learning more, or getting involved in the study, are encouraged to get in touch.
''The more farmers on board, the better!
''There has been limited research conducted of this type (on farming families) which is Australian focused, and we'd like it to be relevant to as broad a geographic range of people as possible,'' she says.
To get involved or f or more information contact Connar McShane
E: connar.mcshane@jcu.edu.au
Ph: (07) 4781 6022
Mobile: 0419 714 077 |
| GOOD TASTE NEWS: |
A ewe's view for luxury organic cheese in Australia |
Those looking for a tasteful product at the top-end of the cheese aisle can satisfy their cravings in style and sustainably, thanks to Grandvewe Cheeses (Tasmania).
Grandvewe's efforts in a truly unique market - they are the only creators of La Mancha cheese from In-Conversion certified organic sheep's milk in Australia - have set the mouths of food connoisseurs watering.
Their La Mancha was recently announced as a finalist in this year's Vogue Entertainment + Travel produce awards, and last year drew comment from the Spanish Ambassador to Australia.
''He couldn't believe our La Mancha (named after the province in Spain famous for Manchego Sheep's milk cheese) was not a product of Spain!'' says Diane Rae, Grandvewe owner.
The business's efforts are also being recognised on the shelf - Grandvewe's premium handmade cheeses currently fetch a higher price than any other block on the domestic market, retailing for around $110/kg.
Diane says the healthy premium comes from an increasing recognition of the value of artisan produce, where ingredients are sourced and processed with painstaking care.
''The majority of our customers are 'cellar door' - we have around 30,000 tourists visiting the farm and cheese factory each year - and we cannot produce enough cheese to keep up with them,'' says Diane.
Having farmed organically for 15 years, she believes organic production methods are key to her cheese's success.
''With any cheese, the quality of milk is critical - without good milk, you won't get good cheese, no matter how skilled a cheese maker you are.
''Raised in a Tasmanian environment, under organic farm methods, the milk we use in our cheese is outstanding - rich, creamy and thick.''
She says keeping such a tight control on ingredients means Grandvewe cheeses will always be subject to limited availability.
''Once we have used the (In-Conversion certified organic) sheep's milk we produce here, there is literally nowhere else we can source it from in Australia,'' she says.
She says despite this, the popularity of La Mancha is growing by word of mouth.
''There is a strong market for our La Mancha from the gourmet and culinary market, who appreciate the fact that it is completely 'ewe-nique' - pardon the pun! - and seek it especially.
''And then there are those who are interested in it for health reasons - sheep's milk tends to be kinder to those who are dairy intolerant.''
She says La Mancha is also increasingly recognised by eco-eaters.
''Obviously there's the fact that it's certified organic - and also the fact that the cheese comes from sheep, which we selected because they are less damaging to the land than cattle,'' says Diane.
She says she does not believe organic is more difficult than farming conventionally.
''And there are so many benefits besides - you get a strong healthy animal and a product that people can genuinely appreciate.''
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.................................................................................. Just when you thought you were safe...
Gardening officially declared dangerous
The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) has warned over-zestful gardeners they could be digging themselves into a hole.
They say gardeners returning to activities like pruning, mowing, and weeding after winter months - without a warm up - are in as much danger as if they were engaging in a competitive sport.
''It's like a footballer returning to the game without training,'' quipped Dr Ian Drysdale, College Principal.
He said injuries covered everything from blisters and weeder's wrists, to slipped disks.
Read more at: www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/5011927/Spring-gardening-is-a-dangerous-sport-claim-doctors.html
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