Australia: Draft Organic Standard

Consumers can soon be confident that the organic products they choose are truly organic as the development of an Australian Standard for the organic and biodynamic industry nears completion. Once finalised, the Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products will establish one uniform standard to address industry and government needs and consumer uncertainty around marketing and labelling claims on organic products. (Picture: BfA, Australia)

Developed by a broadly based committee of key stakeholders, the draft Australian Standard stipulates requirements for the production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic and biodynamic products. It places particular emphasis on farming and management practices which promote the use of renewable resources and conservation of soil, water and energy resources.

Unprocessed products from plants, animals and fungi such as fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, mushroom and fibres, as well as processed products such as processed food, cosmetics and skincare products which are labelled ‘organic’ are covered in the draft Standard. Mr Colin Blair, Deputy CEO of Standards Australia said the draft establishes minimum requirements to be met by growers and manufacturers for products that can be labelled ‘organic’ or ‘biodynamic’, creating a level playing field for growers, retailers and consumers.

The draft Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products and supporting material is available for public comment from 21 July 2008. Members of the public and interested parties are encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback to Standards Australia by 22 September 2008. Standards Australia is working towards publishing the Australian Standard by December 2008.
 
www.standards.org.au