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Local growers and sellers of organic produce have backed calls by consumer advocate Choice for a single certification system for the $400 million industry. But they warn that over-regulation could force smaller producers out of the market.

Choice has called for an overhaul of "confusing and potentially misleading" labelling on Australian organic products and says until a national standard is introduced, consumers cannot be sure they are getting what they are paying for.

At present, any grower can claim to use organic methods in production and there is no legislation in Australia to govern the accuracy of these claims. Seven different organic accreditation agencies operate in Australia, adding to the confusion.

High Vale Organic and Biodynamic Fruit Orchard owner John Della Franca said if products did not carry a certifying label from one of seven bodies, consumers could not assume they were organic.

"Unless it has the BFA, NASAA, Demeter or any of the other logos on it ... they're the ones the consumer needs to be wary of," he said.

"Its much easier in retail because they have the sharp-looking advertising and organic stamped all over it and people just don't know to look for the certifying logos."

Organic Valley WA and Essex St Organic Wine Bar Cafe proprietor Sheryl Small agreed that a clearer labelling system was needed, but warned against too much red tape.

A draft Standards Australia national standard for organic goods is expected to be released for public comment in June.


Source: Countryman (Western Australia)
 

A group of experts from within the Pacific are working to create a set of standards that would enable the region's organic farmers to market their products internationally.

Organic certification and standards that are currently in draft form would allow the region to tap into the growing global organic market; Organic Monitor values the global market for organic food & drink at US $38.6 billion in 2006.

Last year, Fiji joined the growing list of Pacific countries that have established national organics association to facilitate the entry into the global market.

The Fiji Organics Association was launched by the interim Minister for Primary Industries, Joketani Cokanasiga. FOA chairman Sant Kumar said the United States and the European Union were the largest markets for organic products.

Mr Kumar said while FOA had about 40 members, more farmers were being encouraged to get involved in organic farming. He said crops that are currently certified by FOA are cold-pressed coconut oil, spices from Spices of Fiji Limited and noni juice.

Meanwhile, the Regional Organic Task Force that is responsible for drawing up suitable regional standards had its second meeting this week. The meeting was held at Raffles Gateway Hotel, Nadi, and involved ROTF members reviewing the second draft of the Pacific organic standards before finalising the document.

The meeting is being organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. It is believed that harmonising Pacific standards would facilitate certification, reduce costs and take forward a Pacific story to the global organic market.

At present, farmers exporting organic produce are at the whim of importing countries and the standards they have established, which are often linked to more stringent international standards.


Related Article: #7002-40 The Global Market for Organic Food & Drink 

Source: Fiji Times (Australia)

New Zealand honey manufacturer Comvita has developed a new skin and body care range made with Manuka honey.

The Huni line contains a blend of natural ingredients sourced from sustainable sources. The Manuka honey used in the range is said to help promote the rapid regeneration of skin cells and the creation of new collagen to firm and tone skin. The formula also contains kowhai and kawakawa leaves, propolis and keratin protein extract, and coconut and palm oils. The range comprises a cleanser, toning mist, hydrating body lotion, day and night creams and three fragranced soaps.

Organic Monitor Comment
Comvita's diversification into the natural personal care products market comes as no surprise. It is sometimes easier for organic & natural food companies to develop  'chemically-clean' natural skin care products than for conventional cosmetic companies to formulate new ones. Another advantage that natural & organic food companies have is that they have established brands and a loyal customer base. Expect to see more natural & organic food companies follow Comvita's lead in the coming year.


Related Article:Global Natural Cosmetic Sales Approaching US $7 Billion

Source: Cosmetics Business / Organic Monitor