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Dear industry member or interested party,

The current draft version of the ACOS 2010 can now be viewed online.

To view the draft version (track changes are included) please CLICK HERE

If you would like further information please email standards@bfa.com.au or phone 07 3350 5716. 


          
Australian organic standards

Contents of this page:
Australian Organic Standard (AOS) 2006
Changes to the AOS updated May 2010


Australian Organic Standard (AOS) 2006:

Click here to download the current AOS 2006

(Note: this file is 2MB - if you are on dial up or other slow connection it may take a long time to download. Please ensure that you have the latest version of Adobe Reader which is free to download at www.adobe.com)
 
Alternatively, contact the BFA office on 07 3350 5716 email:
info@bfa.com.au to order your hardcopy.
Click here to download a list of changes from Organic Standard V.6 to AOS 2006.

The Standard which certifies you as Australian Certified organic and allows you to use the BUD logo on your product. This Standard is current from 1 March 2006 and took effect on the 1st July 2006.

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 your customers' guarantee of organic integrity.
It is the only organic standard which gives accountability of organic status from "paddock to plate" for the organic industry in Australia. In addition to organic criteria, the Standard includes certification for biodynamic production systems, as well as criteria for the registration of agricultural input products.

The BFA has 12 independent Technical Sub-Committees made up of BFA members, and other experts in their field. The Committees advise the BFA 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.

Comment from industry members and the public is welcome. We will assess all feedback via our technical and standards committees and ensure that such suggestions are compliant with relevant regulations. We will not be replying to comments unless specifically requested. We will however do our best to accommodate views and interests of industry wherever we are able.
Email to:
standards@bfa.com.au
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Changes to the AOS:
Click here to read changes made to the Australian Organic Standard (AOS), updated May 2010. These changes are to be incorporated into the new edition of the AOS expected to be released at the end of the 2010 calendar year.

Changes apply to the following sections: Processing, Packaging and Labelling; Primary Production; Livestock; Poultry; Pigs; Honey; Mushrooms; Special Projects.
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