Australian Organic Standard, Industry Resources, Biological Farmers Association

Dear industry member or interested party,

We have put a hold on the final release of the ACOS 2010 (formerly AOS 2006) due to some remaining items requiring resolution and some new additions and new segments proposed from industry.

This has followed extensive consultation with industry and stakeholders over the past 12 months and also with relevant regulatory authorities and government agencies.

We expect that by mid 2010 if not prior the final version of the ACOS 2010 will be released for use.

In the meantime the AOS 2006 and its related amendments (either communicated to certified operators and/or listed on this site) remain relevant and in place. This includes the additions of farmers markets and other updates available for free download from the BFA website

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 effective May 2009
New Cosmetics Standard
Farmers Markets Criteria
Nanotechnology Standard
Standards Australia new base organic standard draft
BFA policy document on the Standards Australia proposed base organic standard

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
___________________________________________________

Changes to the AOS effective May 2009:
Click here to read changes made to the Australian Organic Standard (AOS) effective May 2009. These changes are to be incorporated into the new edition of the AOS expected to be released at the end of the 2009 calendar year.

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

New Cosmetics Standard:
The BFA has had in place a cosmetics standard for some six years now. It has been kept simple, based upon the existing food standards.
Further to strong market growth for this sector in recent years, there has been recognition of the need to further expand on the current standards and clarify issues specific to processing of cosmetics.
The Australian Organic Standard (AOS) now has a new working document that will be included in the next version of AOS to be published in 2008 while in the meantime operators are able to begin incorporating these new standards into their practices.
The AQIS National Standard has also recently released new provisions for cosmetics/ beauty products.
The AOS revisions for cosmetics are more detailed than the AQIS minimum requirements.
The AOS is stricter than either the international Eco-cert or Soil Association allowances. Note that at all times importing country requirements still need to be met (eg there is no allowance to use the JAS mark on cosmetics).

The BFA�s newly revised standard for cosmetics has been created via extensive consultation with industry, utilizing the services and input of the BFA Cosmetics Subcommittee.

All credit goes to the efforts and input of industry members including in particular the Cosmetics Subcommittee members for their hard work and support.

To download the revised cosmetics standard, click here.
___________________________________________________

Farmers Markets Criteria is as follows:
Requirements for certification of organic farmers markets and other markets the following criteria is a new working document to be included in the next version of AOS which outlines those requirements for certification of markets where organic produce/ products are sold. Click here to download.
___________________________________________________

Nanotechnology Standard:
Nanotechnology products and processes are prohibited in all aspects of organic production systems and products.

This includes:

(i) Prohibition of formulations of substances approved for farming inputs which include manufactured nanoparticle ingredients or intentionally formulated nanoparticle size emulsions.
(ii) Prohibition of all manufactured nanoparticle additives and ingredients in processed products, for example cosmetics, clothing or foods.

A particle shall be considered to be a nanoparticle where:

� The mean particle size is 300nm or less in one dimension or more; and
� The minimum particle size is 200nm or less in one dimension or more

In light of the growing evidence that human made nanoparticles introduce novel toxicity risks, this prohibition applies to intentionally manufactured nanoparticle additives and ingredients and the intentional formulation of nanoparticle size emulsions.

The BFA recognises that nanoparticles also occur in nature, for example as a byproduct of forest fires, volcanoes and salt spray. The BFA also recognises that nanoparticles may be produced incidentally, as a byproduct of high energy processes such as milling, grinding or combustion. This prohibition does not apply to the presence in certified organic products of naturally occurring nanoparticles, for example from nanoparticles in volcanic soils, or incidentally produced (non-manufactured) nanoparticles, for example occurring in flour as a by product of the traditional milling process.

Standards Australia new proposed base Organic Standard

The base organic standard draft from Standards Australia for organic and bio-dynamic product was closed for comment in September 2008 and further news will be reported on this to members going forward. Should you have any questions please contact standards@bfa.com.au.

BFA policy document on the Standards Australia proposed base organic standard:
Click here to read the BFA's position and policy on the proposed base standards through Standards Australia.