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Oceania
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03/04/08 |
Australia:
Growing Support for Single Organic
Standard |
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)
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17/03/08 |
Fiji: National Organic
Standards in the Pipeline |
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)
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12/03/08 |
New Zealand: Comvita
Enters Natural Personal Care Market |
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
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