Biological Farmers of Australia´s jubilee

BFA (Biological Farmers of Australia), Australia’s leading representative group for organic and biodynamic products, is celebrating its 20th birthday this year. The organisation has a new trade magazine, ACOM (Australian Certified Organic Magazine) which covers important issues in the organic trade. In Australia, there is a high level of interest in organic products on the home market and from abroad. A comprehensive report on the situation in the country will be available next year.

(Pictures: BFA)

The new trade magazine was launched recently at this year’s Organic Expo in Melbourne. ACOM is published by BFA and is a new version of the group’s former Australian Organic Journal. The magazine keeps the entire supply chain up-to-date with important news, advice, developments and trends and thereby assists everyone in the organic trade. The editors emphasise the fact that the information is current and readily available to everyone. ACOM offers a space to network, communicate and promote issues relevant to adapting to the growing needs of the industry. Currently, ACOM is being distributed to operators of certifying bodies, the media, the government and other subscribers.

In 1994, BFA launched its first magazine as a quarterly journal with a circulation of only 500 copies. ACOM was published with 8,000 copies that were distributed all over Australia. The current edition of the magazine features, among other subjects, a special report on wholesale and distribution, a new concept of carbon-neutral farming,  biodegradable packaging and bio-dynamics.

BFA is Australia’s main representative grouping of organic and biodynamic interests, and today more than 70 % of Australia’s organic produce carry BFA’s Bud Logo. It is a well-resourced, financially stable and professional organisation with more than 1,200 members. According to BFA’s guideline to assist the development of the industry as a whole, the organisation also runs a number of workshops not only for clients but also for anyone in the industry. The current version of the certification standard is the “Australian Organic Standard 2006”.

There is regular demand from domestic and international buyers for Australian organic produce. However, the development of the supply chain has been hindered by a lack of basic information about volumes, seasonality, continuity and quality. A comprehensive Australian organic market report to identify and plan for the growth of the industry is not yet available. The University of New England, on behalf of BFA, is currently conducting a survey to document and report on the size and scope of the Australian organic domestic and export markets. Therefore, a survey is being distributed to all certified organic producers and operators and can be downloaded at www.bfa.com.au. The results from what is destined to be an annual survey are expected to be published in 2008.

The report for 2006 published some information, although not comprehensive, on the organic sector in Australia. While in the year 1990 there were fewer than 500 producers in the country, the number grew to 862 in 1995 and 1,691 in 2006. In 1990, there were fewer than 50 processors and marketers. This number has increased as well, and reached 876 in 2006. The total land area dedicated to organic agriculture in 1990 was 0.15 million ha in 1990 and increased to 12.3 million ha in 2006.

Major traders around Australia reported that sales of horticultural produce increased in 2006 by approximately the same percentage as in 2005 (around 25%). Beef production had the second largest number of organic licensed operators after horticulture. Production grew by approximately 30% in 2006. However, many store cattle were sold to the conventional market due to the drought, which hampered the supply of organic feed for finishing stock. The growth in supplying the US market with Australian organic beef is currently constrained by the difficulty of meeting the required USDA standards. Lamb production grew by around 70% during 2006, with supermarkets driving this growth. Demand continues to grow, and supply is still not sufficient to meet the current demand. International demand is also showing signs of growth. The premium for organic lamb is similar to that of beef, averaging approximately 25%.

Wholesalers’ demand for organic chicken meat grew by approximately 30% in 2006. The premium for organic chicken meat remains steady at around 200% above the price of conventional chicken. Egg production rose by approximately 35% during 2006 in a market where demand far exceeded supply. Feed supply is the main limiting factor to the growth of the eggs/poultry sector.

Retail sales in 2006 were estimated to be more than Australian $ 400 million (€ 250 million). In all states, there was an increase in the number of independent organic retailers and restaurants. In addition, in 2006 the larger conventional supermarkets increased their private label organic ranges as well as expanding shelf space and sales of organic produce and processed products.

Australia also promotes its products at the annual fair “Organic Expo”. The third fair was held from 7th to 9th September this year and was very well attended. 7,000 visitors came to this event, including 6 % from overseas. Over 200 exhibitors from all over Australia were present and created striking stand displays. Many new products were introduced. For the first time, Organic Expo Awards were handed out. Over 60 certified organic products, from olive oil to breakfast cereals, linen and nappies, competed for gold across the categories best organic food product, best organic product (food and non-food), best new organic product and most innovative product. The overall winner, Ladybird Organics, won three awards.

(Picture: Organic Expo).

http://www.bfa.com.au