Australia’s budding organic market
The Australian organic market can be divided into various operation types: producers, processors, retailers, exporters, transporters, and storage-providers. Farmers account for the largest share of certified organic operations. A wide range of products are organically produced or grown in Australia, particularly vegetables, fruit, beef, and dairy products. While organic farming has challenges compared to traditional farming practices, many organic farmers in Australia have recognized certain benefits. According to a recent survey, environmental, sustainability, and profitability were listed as reasons for growing organically in the country.Interestingly, unlike other major organic-producing countries, certification is not required for a product supplied in Australia to be described as “organic”. Less than two-thirds of survey respondents involved in organic operations were organically certified in Australia. However, if an organic claim is made, for example, if the product is certified by an organic certification body, the business must be able to prove those claims. Many certifying bodies, such as the Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS), base their certification on the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce. Outside the domestic market, all facilities used to prepare, produce, or store products due for export must be certified as an organic operation.
