JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
• Consumers, organic farmers, food manufacturers and exporters are encouraged to have their say on improving Australia’s domestic organic regulatory framework
• The consultation will focus on potential regulatory or non-regulation options across all players in the supply chain, including small businesses
Consumers, organic farmers, food manufacturers and exporters are encouraged to have their say on improving Australia’s domestic organic regulatory framework.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said an upcoming consultation will focus on potential regulatory or non-regulation options across the supply chain, including small businesses.
“My department already regulates the export of Australian organic produce to overseas markets. This consultation will focus on regulatory and non-regulatory options to manage the importation, production, and sale of organic products within Australia. We want to support growth in the industry, as well as give consumers the confidence the products they purchase are genuinely organic,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Earlier this year I asked the Organics Industry Advisory Group to explore a range of options to advance Australia’s domestic regulatory framework. I want to be clear about the costs, and what will work best for the organics industry.
“My department’s consultation process will consider the views of all concerned and provide a better understanding of the sector. There will be opportunities for everyone to have their say through a consultation Regulation Impact Statement.”
Senator for NSW Perin Davey said the announcement of the consultation process represented an opportunity to improve and clarify the status of Australian-grown organic produce.
“We do have a large and thriving organics industry here in Australia, which employs many people in rural and regional areas and will be a key contributor in helping the agriculture sector achieve its goal of becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030,” Senator Davey said.
“Many consumers may not realise that this is not just about food – the organics industry also produces a range of products like textiles and cosmetics – these days you can find an organic category across a huge array of different products.
“I welcome this announcement by Minister Littleproud and see it as a terrific opportunity to improve the relevant regulatory framework and grow the value of the industry by improving access to markets, reducing unnecessary regulation and drive greater economic efficiencies.
The consultation process will open soon. To find out more visit: www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/food/organic-biodynamic/organic-industry-advisory-group
Fast Facts:
• Government will seek stakeholder views on regulatory and non-regulatory options, including through a consultation Regulation Impact Statement and a robust cost-benefit analysis in late 2021/early 2022.
• The global organic food & beverages market was estimated at $220 billion in 2019 (Globenewswire 2021) with over 71.5 million hectares of farmland certified organic globally (IFOAM – Organics International, 2020).
• Australia has the largest organic agricultural area in the world (35.7 million hectares).
• The organics industry contributes approximately $2.6 billion to the Australian economy each year with revenue projected to grow at 14.6% annually from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025 (IBIS World, 2020).