The Times Australia
The Times Australia
.

The Coalition introduces common sense plan for organic products to be actually organic


The Coalition is introducing common sense legislation to ensure organic products being sold and consumed across the domestic and export markets are actually organic.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the National Organic Standard Bill 2024 is a no brainer because it will improve the domestic regulation of organics.

“The Coalition is proud to introduce the Bill for a National Organic Standard to manage domestic organic products and the import of organic products into Australia,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It defies logic that organic products currently aren’t required to be certified or comply with any particular organic standard, but can still call themselves organic. Products in Australia can claim to be organic with as little as two per cent of the ingredients being certified organic. In comparison, organic products sold for export require 95 per cent organic ingredients.

“The difference is misleading on consumers and unfair on sellers who are doing the right thing. It leads to lack of information and accountability, which impacts consumer confidence in organic products, increases costs for organic businesses and hinders market growth. The Coalition is determined to fix this problem so organic consumers can know they are getting the real deal and will be comparing (organic) apples to apples.”

The Coalition’s Bill will:

Require businesses that sell organic produce to meet the National Organic Standard.

Require importers to meet the National Organic Standard, or similar.

There will be exemptions to be certified if the annual turnover of organic produce doesn’t exceed $25,000.

Make the current export standard - National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce - the National Organic Standard.

Enable audits, compliance and enforcement.

Impose penalties for selling or intending to sell organic product if it doesn’t meet the National Organic Standard.

Provide a transition period of three years.

Require an Independent Review after six years.

Kialla Foods owner Quentin Kennedy said the lack of equivalence for his Greenmount-based business, which exports over 40 per cent primarily into Japan and Korea, was costing export sales every day.

“We have many multi-ingredient products which are fully compliant to the National Standard but simply cannot be exported to Korea due to the lack of international equivalence,” Mr Kennedy said.

“This lack of equivalence is significant in terms of lost sales each year. Organic production and compliance is difficult enough as it is, without this further impediment to growing sales.”

Australia is the last nation in the OECD to not have a regulatory framework for the use of the word ‘organic’.

A 16-member expert panel, the Organic Industry Advisory Group, was set up in 2020 to advise how to advance Australia’s domestic regulatory framework.

“The current regulatory framework is not fit for purpose,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The former Coalition government had started a pathway to setting an Australian standard for the organics industry, worth over $2 billion annually, by setting up an industry-led advisory group, which laid down the pathway to complete this reform.

“Labor’s lack of action has resulted in an unworkable and costly dual system, where products for export and the domestic market are subject to different standards.”

 

Sydney once produced its own food – but urban development has devoured the city’s food bowl

For much of Sydney’s history, the city supported its population with crops, orchards, dairies, abattoirs, oy...

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

There’s a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here’s what to know

The Australian government announced last week there’s a new vaccine[1] for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunisation Program for all children. This vaccine replaces pr...

What Makes a Small Group Tour of Italy So Memorable?

Traveling to Italy is on almost every bucket list. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sparkling canals of Venice, the country is filled with sights, flavors, and experiences ...

Latest data suggests Australia is overcoming its sugar addiction

Australia is now meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines[1] on sugar, which recommend keeping sugar below 10% of daily energy intake. New data[2] published ...

Do you really need a dental check-up and clean every 6 months?

Just over half of Australian adults[1] saw a dental practitioner in the past 12 months, most commonly for a check-up[2]. But have you been told you should get a check-up and c...

What is a Compounding Pharmacy and Why Do You Need One in Melbourne?

Ever picked up a prescription and thought, this pill is too big, too bitter, or full of things I cannot have? That is where a compounding chemist becomes important. A compounding p...