www.ofa.org.au

The last months have been very busy for the OFA. As well as participating in key forums and events on behalf of the organic sector, we have been busy consolidating the new structure, particularly the communication between the various OFA boards.

The Organic sector continues to grow at a rapid pace around the world. In Australia key wholesalers continue to report growths of between 25-30% every year. At a recent research meeting several participants pointed out the shortages of production, especially in organic grains. One leading supermarket stated that their organic trade was growing around 30-40% per year however lack of consistent supply was stopping it from growing higher.

This issue of the Organic Update contains news from around the world showing sustained growth in the sales and consumption of organic products. All the evidence points to the urgent need to run education courses on best practice organic and biodynamic production methods to meet this ever increasing demand.

Best Regards

Andre Leu
Chair

South Australian Peak Body
On 26^th September 2005, the Organic Federation of Australia participated in an Organic Industry Collaboration Forum organised by Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia. Approximately 30 members of the South Australian organic industry, representing both organisations and individual companies, met to look at collaboration models that will develop the industry into the future.

The major outcome of the forum was a working party to form and take on responsibility for determining potential structures and time lines for a South Australian peak organic group.

OGA AGM
The Organic Growers of Australia held a well attended AGM at Forest Glen Organic Farm, near Coraki in Northern NSW.

Kenrick Riley and Howard Rubin explained the new structure where OGA is now two organisations - OGA Incorporated and the wholly owned subsidiary OGA Pty Ltd.

OGA Pty Ltd will be restricted to certification and inspection. This division will mean that OGA Inc. can offer a range of services to members that it was not permitted do when it was a certification organisation. OGA Inc will be offering advice on organic production techniques, marketing and education etc. The members will control the OGA standard and the elected board of OGA will appoint and if necessary not reappoint the director of the new company OGA Pty Ltd.

Kenrick Riley was elected as President, Don Enders – Vice President, Liz McIntyre - Secretary, and Mary Meadows - Treasurer.

RIRDC meeting
RIRDC (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation) organised a meeting between several key agricultural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), State and Commonwealth Government representatives and organic stakeholders to discuss the funding and research priorities for the organic sector.

The meeting was result of the July roundtable that decided that the best option to increase R&D was to work with RIRDC’s offer to develop joint research projects with other research organisations. This would increase the current level of organic research and capture some of the levies currently paid to other R&D corporations.

One of the outcomes was to propose a research communications manager through the OFA to collate existing research knowledge, coordinate future research and facilitate the adoption of research

A significant outcome is that the Australian research organisations are now aware of the benefits that organic research can bring to their farmers, rural industries and the wider community.

Several meeting participants pointed out the shortages of production, especially in organic grains. One leading retailer stated that their organic trade was growing around 30-40% per year however lack of consistent supply was stopping it from growing higher.

30% growth in Organic Milk in UK
According to leading organic milk suppliers, the UK is facing a shortage of organic milk. The Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative said that there had been a 30% growth in value of the overall UK organic milk market.

The trend reflects the move towards healthier family food championed by TV celebrities such as Jamie Oliver and Gillian McKeith.

Neil Burchell, Rachel's Organic managing director, stated 'Sales growth in other organic dairy products such as yogurt, butter and cream will also contribute to the shortfall in the run-up to Christmas,' he said. 'Potentially this is good news for dairy farmers,… if they commit to organic production they need to know there will be a sustained, long- term premium at the farm gate.

'This means everyone in the supply chain must accept higher prices to ensure a fair deal for all. Consumers are already showing that they are willing to pay for organic quality and milk they can trust.'

Organic milk continues to attract a farm-gate price premium - currently between 2.5p and 5p per litre - at a time when falling conventional milk prices are driving many British dairy farms out of business. Source: Organic Monitor

Whole Foods Market to Open in London
Whole Foods Market, the US chain that specialises in selling organic and natural products plans to open a store in London in next year. Whole Foods has been one of the great success stories of organic marketing. They have overturned Sam Walton’s (founder of Wal Mart- the largest US retail chain) dictum of ‘pile it high and sell it low’ that has been the basis driving down the prices received by producers. Whole Foods has shown that it is possible to return fair prices to producers and still give consumers value for their money.

"We are excited to extend the Whole Foods Market mission and brand beyond the United States and Canadian borders and into Europe," says John Mackey, chairman and chief executive officer. "The U.K. is an obvious first choice due to the advanced acceptance of organic food and the lack of a language barrier. We believe this spacious urban location positions us to duplicate the tremendous success Whole Foods Market has experienced in metropolitan cities in the U.S"

Sainsbury re-launches Organic Products
The UK supermarket Chain, Sainsbury, has re-launched its range of organic products as part of an overhaul worth many millions of pounds to coincide with its sponsorship of Organic Week.

More than 100 new products were added to the 400 plus range that has been rebranded as ‘So Organic’ with new packaging and a national ad campaign.

The new-look range includes bakery items such as bagels and croissants, organic meats, dairy products, fruit and vegetables and ambient lines such as olive oil, vinegar, tomato pure, red pesto, teabags, biscuits, cereals, soup and wine. Sainsbury has also added an organic range of dog food.

Sainsbury is trying to regain its reputation as the number one supermarket for organic produce that was lost to Tesco a few years ago. Sainsbury's organic food sales have reached 2 million pounds (A$ 6 million) a week for the first time ever.

It also plans to source 70% of all its organic primary agricultural products from the UK by the end of 2006. As part of the re-launch, customers are able to go online to trace fruit, vegetables and salads back to their farms of origin.

Survey Shows Expectant US Mothers Favour Organic Products
An online consumer survey commissioned by Whole Foods Market found that forty-two percent of all expectant and new mothers deemed eating natural or organic products important.

Organic Foods have Lower Levels of Mycotoxins
The Organic Center has released a report that shows organic farming practices can lessen the risk of dangerous mycotoxin contamination in foods, especially grain-based products. The report, Breaking the Mold – Impacts of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems on Mycotoxins in Food and Livestock Feed, analyzes scientific studies and literature comparing the incidence of mycotoxin contamination in organic vs. conventional foods.

"Our analysis found that conventional samples of food contained mycotoxins about 50 percent more frequently than the organic samples in a set of comparison studies, at average levels a little over twice as high," says Dr. Charles Benbrook, study author and Chief Scientist of The Organic Center.

The Center’s report finds that in fact organic agricultural practices often reduce the prevalence of serious fungal infections, and hence mycotoxin risks in the food supply, by promoting diversity in the microorganisms colonizing plant tissues and living in the soil; and by reducing the supply of nitrogen that is readily available to support plant – and pathogen – growth. An executive summary of the report can be found at: http://www.organic-center.org/executive_summary.pdf.

Dr Charles Benbrook Tours Australia
Dr Charles Benbrook the Chief Scientist of The Organic Center will be speaking around Australia later this year on the issue of GMOs. The details of tour can be found in the events section of this update.

Chlorpyrifos can cause Diabetes and Atherosclerosis
A scientific study published Environmental Health Perspectives in October 2005 has demonstrated a link between exposure to Chlopyrifos and the diseases of type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke etc). The Study found that a few days of exposure to chlorpyrifos at very low levels, previously considered ‘safe’, in newborn rats alters cell signaling both in the brain and in peripheral tissues, affecting the responses to a variety of neurotransmitters and hormones.

Neurotransmitters are the compounds that the regulate nervous system and hormones regulate nearly every function in living organisms including humans. The studies showed that a low level single exposure in the newborn rats resulted in the chronic health problems of diabetes and atherosclerosis in the adult males.

Chlorpyrifos belongs to a class of chemicals called organophosphates. This widely used group of pesticides was developed as nerve poisons and interfere with enzymes that allow nerves to function.

Chlorpyrifros is widely used in Australia and around the world for both household and agricultural uses. The USA has recently restricted most household and some agricultural uses of this poison because of several studies showing that it damages the developing nervous system of the unborn and children. This study adds to the growing body of published scientific studies of the chronic health problems that can occur with exposure to this pesticide at levels much lower than those permitted by regulatory authorities.

Breaking the Chains: Buy Local, Organic, and Fair Made
Between November 13 and December 31 the Organic Consumers Association will mobilize from Alaska to Argentina, working with a critical mass of global citizens to regain control of our communities, our food and commerce, and our future. Dozens of leading activists, organizations and networks have already endorsed OCA's International Call to Action.

Starting during the week of November 13-19, the OCA and allies will be mobilizing across the continent to draw attention to the devastating impact Wal-Mart and other Big Box chains are having on local economies. At the same time local activists will be highlighting opportunities and alternatives for consumers to buy local, organic, and Fair Made products and services

Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/btc.htm

United Nations recognition for "EcoV - The Global Organics & Sustainability Show"
Bendigo Exhibition Centre 5 – 7 May 2006

Eco V will be the largest eco living show, featuring organic products, to be held in Victoria. The United Nations honour is in recognition of the role of the expo in educating people to make more sustainable earth-friendly decision in their everyday lives.

The expo will have the most comprehensive display of Organic and Biodynamic products and the biggest exhibition of environmentally friendly products and services in Victoria. The Organic Federation of Australia is proud to be a gold sponsor of this important event

This regionally based expo will be arranged around the themes of Sustainable Farming Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Workplaces, and Sustainable Communities.

Further details on EcoV can be found on the website www.ecov.net.au

Brian Abbott, Director EcoV, 0404 06 1404, (03) 9889 5631 ecov@ecov.net.au

Organic Expo Sydney, 21-23 July 2006
The very successful Organic Expo will be held in Hall 3, Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney, 21,22,23 July 2006. This event will be in the larger hall to accommodate the extra stalls and people attending.

The 2006 Show will feature:

• Celebrity endorsement & appearances
• Key industry speakers & involvement
• Premier Location @ Sydney Exhibition Centre
• Creative Layout & Exciting Interest Features
• Organic Café
• Incorporating Australia/New Zealand Organic Wine Show
• Highly successful and proven show

Early Bird Discount for bookings by 31.12.05
Phone - 02 9451 4747 Email - exhibitors@organicexpo.com.au www.organicexpo.com.au

Organic Producers Association of Queensland Inc
Field Day at Keith and Rhondda Morris’s Farm, November 6^th 2005 at 10pm off "Old Tully Road", about 7k north of Tully, Qld.

AGM and GM at Beerwah December 4^th 2005 at 4pm to 6pm at Les and Marj Nicholl’s farm at Beerwah, about 40 minutes north of Brisbane. There will be a farm visit organized, with the AGM and GM, "not necessarily in that order" held at Sandy Creek Organic Farm nearby. The Farm walk starts at 2pm. Sandy Creek Organic Farm is located at 2471 Old Gympie rd Beerwah.
Enquires: Keith Morris
Tel; 1300 889177 Mob; 0500581469 Fax; 0740680469 E-mail: kmo91141@bigpond.net.au

Biodynamic Workshops
Biodynamic AgriCulture Australia
P.O.Box 54, Bellingen NSW 2454
ph 02 6655 0566 fax 02 6655 0565

Nov 1-2, 05	Biodynamics for Viticulture	Cowaramup, WA
Nov 5 & 6, 05	Permaculture meets Biodynamics	Nabiac, NSW
Nov 9 & 10, 05	Biodynamics for Horticulture & Market Gardening	Beerwah, QLD
Nov 14, 05	Biodynamics for Broadacre Cropping & Pasture Mngt	Wandoan, QLD
Nov 16-17, 05	Biodynamics for Horticulture & Pasture Management	Yeppoon, QLD
Nov 26-27, 05	Biodynamics for Dairy, Horticulture & Pasture Mngt	Paris Creek, SA
Nov 29-30, 05	Biodynamics for Viticulture & Grazing	Naracoorte, SA
Dec 2 & 3, 05	Biodynamic Dairy Farming	Warragul, VIC
Dec 5 & 6, 05	Biodynamics for Viticulture	Sutton Grange, VIC

Peaceful Gardens Organic Cooking School Program For 05/06
Phone 03 56640109 for bookings! @Koonwarra, South Gippsland, Victoria.
November:
Saturday 5^th And off to market we go! 8.30am – 3pm
Tour the local Koonwarra farmers’ market with Maria, select the best produce and turn your purchases into beautiful meals!
Tuesday 15^th Edible Christmas Gifts 9 – 4pm There is no greater pleasure than the giving of gifts & making those gifts yourself, just takes the biscuit!
Saturday 19^th Festive Cooking ! 9.30am – 5pm
Glazed ham, pates, mince pies, puddings and Christmas
Wednesday 23^rd Strawberry fields & strawberry yields! 8.45am – 1pm
Strawberry picking and jamming with Tina
Tuesday 29^th Easy nourishing holiday food for when its too hot to cook! 9– 4pm

December:
Friday 2^nd Farm harvest - picking & jamming 8.45am-1pm Learn how to select fruit & make jam.
Saturday 3^rd Harvest Pantry! To the Market to Make it 8.30am – 3pm
Friday 9^th Preserving a way of life! - with Fowlers Vacola 8.45am – 3pm
Saturday 10^th Chocolate Lovers Workshop! 9- 3pm Tina’s chocolate Christmas trees in one lesson.
Tuesday 13^th Have a berry good Christmas! Jam and biscuits! 9 – 1pm
Friday 30^th Kids Farmberry Tour 10yrs – 14yrs 9 – 1pm . Jams & Biscuits

GeneEthics to host national tour by Dr Charles Benbrook, US GE critic
In the wake of recent revelations of widespread GE contamination of conventional canola crops, US agricultural economist Dr Charles Benbrook will offer an important and timely analysis of the US experience of growing genetically engineered crops. He brings almost twenty years experience as an adviser and policy analyst at the highest levels of the US government. Dr Benbrook was the Executive Director of the Board on Agriculture of the US National Academy of Sciences for seven years, and has carried out extensive research on the economic and environmental impacts of growing genetically engineered crops.

The GeneEthics Network Australia is hosting Dr Benbrook for a national tour from 28 November - 9 December. The tour will travel through all states' capital cities, Orange, Horsham and Mt Gambier. Check the GeneEthics website http://www.geneethics.org/ for details of industry and public meetings, and supporters' dinners near you, or contact georgia@geneethics.org for more information.

Itinerary
Mon 28/11 day-time government meetings in Sydney evening supporters’ dinner in Canberra
Tue 29/11 day-time government & industry meetings in Canberra evening supporters’ dinner in Sydney
Wed 30/11 day-time government & industry meetings in Sydney evening public meeting in Orange
Thu 1/12 day-time industry meetings in Orange evening public meeting in Brisbane
Fri 2/12 day-time government & industry meetings in Brisbane
Mon 5/12 day-time government & industry meetings in Melbourne evening supporters’ dinner in Hobart
Tue 6/12 day-time government & industry meetings in Hobart evening public meeting in Horsham
Wed 7/12 day-time industry meeting in Horsham, visit Mt Gambier evening supporters' dinner Adelaide
Thu 8/12 day-time government & industry meetings in Adelaide evening supporters’ dinner Perth
Fri 9/12 day-time government & industry meetings in Perth

"EcoV - The Global Organics & Sustainability Show"
Bendigo Exhibition Centre 5 – 7 May 2006
Further details on EcoV can be found on the website www.ecov.net.au
0404 06 1404 (03) 9889 5631 ecov@ecov.net.au

Organic Expo Sydney, 21-23 July 2006
The very successful Organic Expo will held again in Darling Harbour, Sydney, 21-23 July 2006