June 20, 2014
A three-year, $1.2 million program announced today aims to encourage growers to get organic certification.
Horticulture Australia Limited is contributing 40 per cent of the funds, and the remainder will come from Australian Organic, the largest certification body in Australia.
A major component of the program is a horticulture industry development officer who will educate and support growers with certification.
According to the 2012 Australian Organic Market Report, fruit and vegetables are the most commonly bought organic item and researchers IBISWorld predicts organic farming will double in five years.
But Australian Organic commercial general manager Joanne Barber said the certified organic horticulture sector needed help to grow and to be financially sustainable.
“We are seeing a lot of large conventional businesses growing certified organic vegetables. We are also seeing small to medium size farms struggling to keep up with demand for consistent supply of products, particularly to the major retailers,” Ms Barber said.
“The HAL funding is significant.
“It will give the industry a considerable boost because up until now there isn’t much development support for organic growers – many have to search online for agronomy solutions and they can feel quite alone.
“The funding will help certified organic farmers in Australia establish sound business plans and it will encourage new growers to the industry.
“Certified organic vegetables have a really bright future and it’s great that we will now be in the position to enable more farmers to grow organically.”
It takes three years for a farmer to achieve organic certification and they are audited every year to ensure they comply with the Australian Certified Organic Standard.
Certified organic horticulture growers manage pests and weeds without synthetic chemicals, improve soil fertility and maintain and encourage biodiversity on the farm.
