Australian Organic Guide to what is Organic

 
- What is Certified Organic?
- Look for the Bud!
- Understanding Organic Standards

First-ever free easy consumer guide to the organic standards

Have you ever asked yourself: What is the difference between organic and non-organic honey? Milk? Meat? Clothing?

The answers all lie within the newly launched free, downloadable consumer guide to the Australian Certified Organic Standard. The Standard is the most widely used in Australia encompassing the rules which apply to organic operators using the recognisable Australian Certified Organic logo, among others.

For the first time in Australia there is an easy reference guide to the Standards – a welcome alternative to the full version (a technically worded document spanning 125 pages).

The guide is preceded by a fabulous brief including “all those questions about organics you wanted to know but were afraid to ask….” and concludes with 20 good reasons to buy organic all backed by the latest peer reviewed research.

Download the guide free at this link!

Organic produce is grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMOs with a focus on environmentally sustainable practices. 

Organic systems are an innovative method of farming and production focused on soil and land health, and balanced eco-systems. Techniques used in organic agriculture deliver a diverse range of benefits and their potential is increasingly being recognised in the development of sustainable food and fibre technology for the future.

Organic food is not just chemical-free. Organic farmers take a holistic approach to food production and handling, and the whole system is linked - Soil. Plants. Animals. Food. People. Environment. Health.

To read more on the benefits of organic CLICK HERE.

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Why choose Certified Organic?

Consumers cannot be guaranteed that a product is organic unless it displays an organic certification logo such as the Australian Certified Organic 'Bud' logo.

An organic certification logo protects consumers from misleading claims and is the mark of a genuine organic product which has been audited all along the production chain from paddock to plate to comply with strict organic standards.

When buying products that display the 'Bud' consumers are guaranteed their purchase is the real article. An item displaying the ‘Bud’ has been produced with the health and welfare of consumers, animals and the environment in mind.

The Australian Certified Organic (ACO) Bud logo is Australia’s best recognised organic mark, and appears on about 80% of products at the retail level.

Always look for the Bud!

What is the Australian Organic Standard?

The Australian Organic Standard (AOS) outlines requirements for operators wishing to attain certification. This includes records required, inputs allowed, and minimum practices required.

Ultimately, certification to the AOS allows certified operators to use the BUD logo which is a customers' guarantee of organic integrity.

Australian Organic (formery BFA Ltd) has 12 independent Technical Sub-Committees made up of Australian Organic members, and other experts in their field. The Committees advise the Australian Organic on necessary amendments to the Standards and other relevant policy issues. This rigorous consultation process ensures standards remain high, yet attainable.

Whilst in some instances the AOS goes further than requirements by AQIS, the benefits not only enhance the sustainability of the system itself, but serve to improve product integrity. As a result, the customer, both domestically and internationally, recognises this difference and demands produce carrying the Australian Certified Organic BUD logo.

Click here to download the current AOS 2010
 
Alternatively, contact the Australian Organic office on 07 3350 5716 or via our Contact Page to order your hardcopy.