Organic Industries
A voice for Australia's organic industries

An organic industry roadmap

Industry unites to establish a new peak body

Today, in an expression of unity at the Love Organic symposium in Canberra, Australia’s organic industries agreed to establish a new peak body that is the voice for Australia’s organic industries in regard to policy and market access.

Organic Industries of Australia is an incorporated association that will now perform the functions of the Australia Organic Industry Working Group (AOIWG) as a forum for consulting with Government on policy matters.

The new peak body will also work with all organic leaders to consider various options for the establishment of a permanent peak body. These options include merging functions with Australian Organic Ltd, merging with the Organic Federation of Australia, and considering other actions to demonstrate unity of purpose across all certified organic operators.

The independent chair of the AOIWG, and the President of the Organic Industries of Australia, is Greg McNamara. He said ‘as a rapidly growing and diverse industry, spanning food and cosmetic production, manufacturing and distribution, one common vision has emerged: “To create a unified voice for Australia’s organic industries to negotiate policy reforms with Governments and that helps the industry capitalise on the growing global demand for organic products”’.

This vision was endorsed by all industry delegates.

Last night, Parliamentarians enjoyed a delicious BBQ and beverages at a Love Organic event hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Industries. The Prime Minister, the Hon Malcom Turnbull MP, addressed the gathering and acknowledged the importance to the Australian economy of the organic sector and the growth in organic production and exports.

The industry welcomed the opportunity to celebrate its world class organic produce and its unified purpose to represent all certified organic operators. There will be an opportunity over coming months for all organic operators to have their say on the work of the peak body.

Background

140 industry delegates attended the Love Organic symposium in Canberra on 14 & 15 February. The symposium considered issues around establishing a unified peak body.

The Australian Organic Industry Working Group was a collaboration of industry leaders from across Australia collaborating on establishing a harmonised national voice for all organic producers, certifiers and the supply chain.