www.ofa.org.au

Welcome to Dr Els Wynen
Dr Els Wynen has joined the board of the OFA. Els has a long history in the organic sector as a researcher and economist. Els was one of the founders of NASAA, the Journal of Organic Systems, the International Society of Organic Farming Research, a previous member of the RIRDC Organic Advisory Committee and has written numerous scientific and economic papers on organic issues. She will bring a valuable set of skills to the OFA Board.

The World Organic Sector Continues Rapid Growth
This edition of the Organic Update features the continuous expansion of the organic sector around the world.

Directors Report
The Director’s Report that gives an overview on the activities of the OFA can be found in this newsletter.

Membership
The day to day running of the OFA is funded through membership subscriptions – not government funding. Like many organisations, the OFA applies for funds under various programs. These funds are used for specific purposes such as EMS workshops, Conference Sponsorship and Sector Roundtables that benefit the whole organic sector. They are not used for the day to day running of the OFA.

We need financial members to ensure that we have funds to work on your behalf. Please support the organic sector by joining us.

Best Regards
Andre Leu
Chair

RIRDC 5 Year Organic Plan
The new RIRDC 5 year plan for organic research and development will be launched at the Rutherglen Research Station organic field day. A key feature of this plan will be joint projects with the other research and development corporations to increase organic research. The priority areas will be grains, dairy, meat and livestock and horticulture. The OFA has been actively involved in the development of this plan and will have a major role in its implementation.

More details can be found in the events section of this newsletter.

The Australian Standard - Owning the Standard
Concern has been expressed over the ownership of the copyright of Australian Standards

• It is possible for the organic sector to own the copyright of the standard through a ‘Standards Setting Organisation’.

• Based on the experience of other industries, this will cost several hundred thousand dollars a year in secretariat and management costs and will have to be paid for by the approx. 2700 certified producers in Australia.

• By allowing Standards Australia to own the copyright we can receive these services for free, resulting in a considerable cost saving for certified producers.

• In the future when the sector is larger and we have better economies of scale, we can have a ‘Standards Setting Organisation’ that will own the copyright and the costs will not be as great for individual producers.

• Standards Australia does not write the standard. Their role is restricted to secretarial and managerial support. The standard will be written by representatives of the organic sector who have demonstrated skills in writing or knowledge of organic standards.

• The organic sector will control the content of the standard.
  For more details http://www.ofa.org.au/newsletter_menu.html

Organic Food into Day Care Centres
The Organic Traders and Consumers Network (OTACnet) has started a campaign to introduce organic food into Day Care Centres. Day care centres provide preschoolers with lunches. OTACnet has identified as fundamental that babies and young children should be given good food that is produced without artificial colourings and flavouring, GMO's, preservatives and free of artificial pesticides and herbicides. These formative years are when children are building up their immune systems and are most vulnerable to toxins and poor nutrition. If you would like to be involved and have ideas etc please contact Helen at OTACnet.helen@otacnet.com.au

Organic Personal Care Products
In July this year OTACnet facilitated the personal care working group made up of manufacturers products to bring the different areas of industry together to form a National domestic body care standard. Lets make Australia a world first. Please contact Catriona if you are manufacturing an organic body care product. catrionamac@optusnet.com.au
Catriona Macmillan is a co- founder of OTACnet and a member of the OFA Consumers Advisory Board.

Swedish Organic Market Up 40 %
Last year's market growth in Sweden exceeded all expectations. According to Statistics Sweden, organic sales in the country of 9 million people rose by 40 % to A$800 million. Some product groups also achieved a distinctly higher rise. The sale of organic meat almost doubled to 94 % and 77 % more organic vegetables were sold than in the year before. www.organic-market.info

Organic Cotton Sales Expected to Triple By 2008
Sales of organic cotton are increasing rapidly and are set to triple from currently US $900 million to $ 2.6 billion at the end of 2008 as retailers and brands make new commitments to sustainable textile production. Nike, Marks and Spencer, CO-OP, Patagonia, Timberland and Wal-Mart already sell organic lines – Reebok, C&A, Hennes & Mauritz, Target and Next have just joined in. There were more than 30 apparel retailers committing to organic programmes and around 1200 companies working through the supply chain on these projects.

Global Organic Textiles Standard
The rapid rises in the sale organic textiles such as cotton has seen the development of the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS). OTA (USA), Soil Association (UK), Japanese Organic Cotton Association (Japan), IVN (Germany) and IMO (CH) will adopt this standard. www.organic-market.info

Czech Market Expected to Expand Strongly
In 2005, Czechs spent a total of more than A$ 24 million on organic products. A major increase is expected in the Czech organic market within the next five years, reaching A$ 90 million in 2011. According to the Green Marketing agency, the Czech market could experience a yearly growth of up to 40 percent over the next five years.www.organic-market.info

First Centre for Marketing Organic Products in Granada, Spain
The Spanish State of Granada will have a large logistics centre for marketing Andalusian organic products in October. The organic growing area in the province of Granada has increased by altogether 46 % in the first half of 2006, as announced by Manuel Ganzález de Molina, Director General of Organic Agriculture. The new logistics centre in Pinos Puentes is the result of an agreement between producers and the Andalusian state government. Its main task is to supply bulk consumers like hospitals and school canteens, which will have organic food on the menu in future. The state government will also organize actions in October to attempt to push both conversion and further development of organic agriculture. www.diariogranadahoy.com

Indian States Backs Organic Production
Kerala is gradually turning to organically grown pepper, turmeric, coffee, tea, pineapple and other horticultural produce to help marginal farmers earn more money.

Under the action plan a dozen clusters are being created for the promotion of horticulture through organic farming methods. So far 350 farmers have been certified for organic produce. Flowers, bananas, cashews, cocoa and mangoes will follow. One of the main export markets is the Middle East. With its organic produce, Kerala is focusing on projecting itself as a health destination in terms of not only ayurveda but also healthy food. www.teluguportal.net

Vietnam: Organic Vegetable Growing Improves Food Quality
A programme aimed at lifting the quality of vegetables is attracting more and more farmers in the northern provinces. Under the programme, provinces and cities have set a target to expand organic vegetable cultivation to 12,000 to 14,000 ha by 2010, which accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of land used for vegetable cultivation in the provinces.

In Hanoi, the capital, there are 100 shops and supermarkets selling organic vegetables, according to Vietnam News. http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn

The following Director’s Report was delivered by the Chair at the AGM in Sydney on July 21 2006
This has been a very productive year for the OFA. The two year restructure process is going to plan. We are pleased with the ever growing level of support that that we are receiving across the whole organic sector.

OFA Board Members are Volunteers
OFA board members give their time and in many cases pay their own expenses to promote, to lobby, to educate and to develop our sector. The current OFA board has been very active over the last year engaging in numerous activities on behalf of our industry. Examples of these are:

An Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
One of the critical priorities has been to get a regulatory process to protect the integrity of organic and biodynamic produce from fraud and misrepresentation. An Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce through Standards Australia was identified as the best option after two stakeholder workshops and discussions with the Australian Government. The OFA, with support for NASAA has been championing this approach. The OFA submitted an application to Standards Australia in January this year (2006).

Standards Australia agreed to start the process to develop an Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce on June 6. This is a significant step forward as this new standard will be the document that defines the organic sector and will underpin the integrity of organic and biodynamic produce. It will be used by regulatory agencies like FSANZ and the ACCC to stop fraud and misrepresentation.

For more details http://www.ofa.org.au/newsletter_menu.html

The RIRDC Five Year Plan.
OFA board members have been actively involved in the new RIRDC five year plan for research and development for the organic sector. RIRDC is the main organisation that funds organic research and this new plan is critical to our future development.

OFA Ltd
OFA is now registered as a not for profit company limited by guarantee, the Organic Federation of Australia Ltd. This was proposed as part of the restructure process as a better model for a national organisation. The disadvantage of our previous structure, an incorporated association, is that commercial activity is limited to the State in which the entity is incorporated. The change will give us a greater range of opportunities to fund our organisation and sector development activities, rather than just relying on membership fees.

Business and Marketing Plan
The OFA selected Kev Morgan of the Centre for Organic & Resource Enterprises (CORE) from 11 consultants to develop our business and marketing plans. The funding has come from the Australian Government’s Industry Partnerships Program. The purpose of this planning process is to develop a professional program and funding sources to enable the OFA to promote the organic sector and to fund the activities we undertake on behalf of our sector.

The OFA Secretariat
We now have a part time secretariat to give administrative support to the work of the OFA boards.

EMS Workshop
The OFA hosted a facilitated workshop in Sydney on March 21 looking at how to improve the Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that already exist in organic farming systems. The meeting consisted of farmers from every state in Australia, representatives of Certifiers and experts in environmental systems.

Third OFA National Organic Conference July 22&23
The Theme: ‘Organics – Solutions to Climate Change’ was selected to put organic agriculture in the climate change loop with government, researchers, conservation organisations, media and the general public. Up to now we have been ignored, yet climate change is one of the greatest issues that we face and organic farming can help ameliorate it.

Meeting of All Advisory Boards
Thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Industry Partnerships Program all the advisory boards had a facilitated workshops in Sydney on March 20 and July 21 to set their priorities.

Setting up the OFA Trust
We have started the process of setting up the OFA trust. The trust will be used to generate funding for research and development and funding OFA activities that benefit the organic sector.

Representation
The OFA represents the industry on a range of forums and industry events such as RIRDC, EcoV, Grow Organic Conference, Recycled Organics, Enviro 06, OEICC, Codex etc

Education and awareness programs
OFA board members have been involved in running a range of workshops, seminars and courses on all aspects of organic agriculture

Media
Board members have been involved in a wide range of media to promote organics.

Organic Update
Thousands of subscribers receive the OFA Organic Update, a regular electronic newsletter about organic issues in Australia and around the world.

Industry Inquiries
OFA board members answer thousands of email inquiries and over 1500 telephone inquiries every year.

Website http://www.ofa.org.au
Our website continues to grow and is accessed by over 500,000 people a year.

Lobby Activities
The OFA has put considerable effort into developing a credible relationship with Australian Government. This has been very positive with the government supporting an Australian Standard, environmental management systems and industry events like EcoV, Organic Expo and the Third National Conference etc. Very significantly the government recognises the importance of the OFA as the peak body and has assisted with our restructure with critical funding through the Industry Partnerships Program. The perception of the organic sector is changing within government and this bodes well for our future.

I would like to thank the numerous industry organisations and individuals who continue support the OFA, Dom O’Brien for all the unpaid work on our Website, DAFF, AQIS, RIRDC, the Hon Sussan Ley MP and her office and Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck for supporting the OFA and the organic sector. Thank you to all OFA board members for all the hard work they have done on a voluntary basis for the OFA and the Australian organic sector.

Thank You to Members
Most importantly I would like to thank all our members. You are very important to us, because without your contributions we would not have the funds to operate this organisation and to work on behalf of all of us to ensure that the organic sector has an expanding and vibrant future. We appreciate your continued membership.

Rutherglen Organic Field Day Organic Agriculture – Food for the Future
A half day field day at: DPI, Rutherglen Centre, Friday 20th October 2006, 9:30 - 12:30
PROGRAM INCLUDES: The launch of the new RIRDC 5 year plan for organic research and development, International market development, Establishing perennial pastures, Organic prime lamb finishing systems, Ecological farming, Producer livestock marketing group, Speciality Grain in organic farming, Organic viticulture and horticulture 12:00 Plot Inspection and FREE Organic lamb lunch provided by Rutherglen Premium Lamb

To book or information: Viv Burnett or Michelle Smith (02) 6030 4500

Managing the Carbon Cycle
Kingaroy, QLD 25-26^th OCT 2006
Canberra, ACT 22-23^th NOV 2006
This information packed two day ‘Managing the Carbon Cycle’ Forum will showcase emerging initiatives and innovative management practices in the rapidly changing arena of carbon accounting and trading in ‘carbon credits’ and will be of enormous benefit to policy makers, research, agency and consultancy staff, landholders, landcarers, conservation farming groups, catchment management authorities, educators, students and environmentalists.

For more info: www.amazingcarbon.com

Biodynamic Workshops
The one-day introductory biodynamic agriculture workshops will be farm based:
31 October, "Waratah", PEAK HILL hosted by Ray and Judi Unger
2 November, "Inverary Downs", SPRING RIDGE, hosted by Cam McKellar.
3 November, "Old Dunreath", TAMWORTH hosted by Darren Greentree
9 November, "Billabong", INVERELL, hosted by Glen Morris

The applications of the biodynamic preparations create and support many changes in soil and crop. Biodynamic farmers notice major improvements in soil structure; development of deeper top soil with deeper and more vigorous rooting; healthier, disease resistant crops. Increased humus improves water holding capacity and provides a certain amount of drought tolerance.
Cost: $137.50 inclusive of GST. This covers a workshop manual and refreshments but not lunch. We request participants to bring lunch and a chair.

The 21st Centrury Farmer - 23-24 October
Bruce Tainio, from the USA, will be keynote speaker. Bruce is one of the world 's cutting edge scientists in Biological Farm Management Systems.
RSVP: 17 October 2006 – Bruce Hood, PO Box 1109, Naracoorte SA 5271
Enquires: Ross Carter: Tel (08) 8753 2230 or Huck Shepherd: (Tel) 0427 642 034

Inaugural Ethical & Organic Fair
The Hughenden Hotel will be hosting a 3 course
Organic Dinner on Friday 1^st December and an Organic
Cocktail Party on Saturday 2^nd December.
Bookings for both are essential by contacting the Hughenden Hotel on:
02 9363 4863 or admin@hughendehotel.com.au

Veg Out Farmers’ Market
1st Saturday of every month 8.30am-1pm
Chaucer Street, St Kilda (just behind Acland Street and Luna Park)

Collingwood Children’s Farm Farmers’ Market
2nd Saturday every month 8.00am–1pm
St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Gasworks Farmers’ Market
3rd Sat every month 8.30am–1pm
Graham Street, Albert Park. (cnr Pickles St)

Disclaimer
This message contains privileged and confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee named above.

The Organic Federation of Australia Ltd uses virus scanning software, but makes no representation or warranty regarding the virus free status of this message or of any attachment. No attachment has been sent with this email and the opening of any attachment is at the recipient's risk and the Organic Federation of Australia Ltd shall not be responsible for any consequences of so doing.