No hormones, no pesticides, no toxic chemicals, antibiotics or fertilisers, no food additives.
What is organic?
Organic is 100% natural - pure and simple.
Organic food systems work within the bounds of the natural sequences of their environment.
They do not rely on synthetic farm fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides or drenches.
Organic food contains no harmful preservatives or additives and is GMO free.
The cornerstone of organic production is healthy soil.
Organic farmers work hard to build strong lands for a sustainable food production system 'for the future'.
Certified organic food production must account for animal welfare, land restoration and re-vegetation.
It is commonly heard that organic is 'the way food used to be!' - and today, organic blends the very best of science and ingenuity with centuries of agricultural expertise. The organic market considers not just financial, but environmental and social returns.
Is organic better for you?
More and more evidence is showing organic food can have higher nutritional value.
Recent international studies have found organic plant based foods contain on average 25% more beneficial nutrients than non-organic equivalents.
And when it comes to the 'bigger environmental picture' there's no doubt organic adds value.
How do I know it's organic?
Looking for a 'Certified Organic' logo is the only way to guarantee the integrity of your food. A certification stamp means organic farmers and value-adders have been audited to comply with strict standards.
It takes three years to become an Australian Certified Organic producer, proof that organic operators are committed to making sure their customers are not exposed to any unwanted extras.
Key data from the Australian Organic Market Report 2010
More than 60% of Australian households now buy organic on occasion, up from 40% in 2008
Organic domestic retail sales have grown over 50% in two years (from $623M to $947M)
In 2010, retail sales are expected to pass the $1B mark
Some stand our performers include: essential oils production (up 155%) feeding the growing cosmetics sector, Poultry (eggs) (75%); Milk & dairy (36%); Fruit & wine (16.5%); while the main processors for the meat sector have reportedly grown in turnover by 25% in the past year
The organic industry employs an estimated 25,000 people domestically, while organic farmers tend to be younger on average than non-organic farmers
Operator growth numbers continues to rise, in a sustainable manner (4-5% PA), delivering higher farm gate values for the average operator (as the market expands)
For more details on the Australian Organic Market Report 2010, click here
