|
Organic Federation of Australia Organic Update September 04 |
|
|
|
OFA AGM Dec 3-4
The two day event will include a field trip to visit a range of organic farms, an organic feast and a workshop on the proposed changes to the OFA structure.
It is envisaged that this will be the last AGM under the existing structure. The draft of the proposed restructure developed by the Industry Working Group will be available by then. The workshop will be an excellent opportunity for members to contribute to this process.
We are encouraging all members to attend and participate in the field trips, the organic feast and workshop. Full details will be sent out later.
It is election time and while it is important that the OFA remains politically neutral, we do believe that we need to highlight the policies that feature organic agriculture. We hope that other political parties take notice.
Greens Senator, Bob Brown plans to spend $100 million over five years on expanding organic agriculture focussing on marketing, international trade, standards, research and training.
Senator Brown stated that Australian governments are ignoring organic agriculture even though it is the fastest growing agriculture sector in the world. He said that "It's growing at 15 per cent a year but there's no national co-ordination as they have in Europe. People want organic foods, not GE-contaminated foods but the big corporations through GE, are getting all the runs with the politicians in Canberra."
The Democrats have also proposed to actively support organic agriculture. Senator Nick Cherry announced their agricultural policy stating that "The Democrats are calling for a national development program for organic produce, with greater public awareness of direct selling from organic producers to consumers through Farmers' Markets and co-operatives."
Certificate IV in Organic Agriculture
Robyn Francis (representing Permaculture), Robyn Neeson NSW DPI and Chris Brunswick-Hullock TAS DPIWE have also contributed to this important project
The unit is on the RTCA website now for public comment and feedback to be reviewed at the end October.
http://www.rtca.com.au/RP/New_Sectors/New_Sectors_Main.htm (click on Organic on the left hand menu)
|
|
OGA -- from 15 back-yarders to a national organic food body
After more than 15 years, the Organic Herb Growers of Australia has dropped the "H" from its banner. The change to Organic Growers of Australia (OGA) came as the body’s membership went past 700 – a strong growth rate since its founding by 15 "quarter-acre farmers" around a NSW Northern Rivers dinner table in 1987.
One of Australia’s six fully accredited organic certification bodies, OGA now has more than 500 Australian farmers involved in a certified organic food program. A few members still grow herbs – and many more use them for medicines or pest control – but most OGA members now grow vegetables, fruit, livestock, tree and field crops, bush foods, eggs, and manufactured goods.
OGA president Howard Rubin recalls the energetic and committed growers who first saw the need to establish a herb industry in Australia. "In those days, most of us grew culinary herbs," Mr Rubin said. "We started supplying a wide range of fresh herbs to supermarkets and restaurants who had never had them before. Until then, most of Australia’s cooking herbs were dried imports. We also developed standard bunch sizes so buyers and sellers both knew what they were getting.
"Even back then, we knew the herbs had to be organic to satisfy flavour demands and to ensure the sustainability of the fragile soils we were all growing in. So, in 1990, we developed an organic audit and certification system which further broadened our members’ access into local and overseas organic markets" Mr Rubin said. This system, which was recognised for international export by AQIS and the Australia Government in 1993, is also accredited with JAS for direct export to the Japanese market.
OGA certifies all farm products and livestock, plus processing and manufacturing plants. In addition, OGA is a friendly and efficient national body which enjoys an excellent reputation with trade and industry for organic quality and reliability.
It keeps its annual membership and certification fees to a minimum and does not charge any levies on organic sales. All members receive THE MAG, a bi-monthly magazine which covers what’s going on in OGA, what’s going on in the organic industry here and around the world, along with interesting articles on soil health, plant health, growing tips and techniques, and profiles of other organic farmers.
For more information contact:
Organic Growers of Australia Inc
PO Box 6171, South Lismore NSW 2480
Ph (02) 6622 0100, Fax (02) 6622 0900
Email: oga@nrg.com.au
www.organicgrowers.org.au
|
|
Dear All,
Welcome to the first IFOAM 2005 Bulletin – these Bulletins will be published on a regular basis with the aim of keeping everyone in the organic movement up to date with the IFOAM Congress planning and associated activities.
Support from regional groups such as yours, is an important avenue for promoting the Congress activities which will hopefully see a strong participation in the Congress from members of the Australian organic community.
We hope that you will support the promotion of this event, as it will give an unprecedented focus on organic systems in Australia in the lead-up to the Congress and during the week of Congress activities.
The 15th IFOAM Conference will be held in Adelaide from the 21st to the 23rd September 2005 with the Opening Ceremony being held late afternoon on Tuesday 20th September.
For the first time the Conference will be composed of 3 concurrent conferences with all combining for the plenary sessions of keynote speakers in the morning.
In previous years the IFOAM Organic Viticulture Conference has been held in the days prior to the IFOAM Conference.
We also had a request from the scientific community to a scientific conference in the program of events and this is being organized in conjunction with ISOFAR (International Society of Organic Agriculture Research).
This will see an interesting and varied conference that will have much interest and options for all participating.
Other events: a. Organic Fair and Festival September 24th and 25th – this event will be for the general public and bring a focus on organic systems for the consumers of Adelaide and SA along with visitors to SA.
b. ISOFAR Annual Meeting Saturday 24th September.
c. IFOAM General Assembly Sunday 25th to Tuesday 27th September.
The main committee is comprised of the following with sub-committees for specific tasks:
In conjunction with IFOAM potential keynote speakers have been approached as to their availability and once all responses are received the Committee will decide on keynote speakers – as with every conference there is always the chance that due to unforeseen circumstances keynote speakers withdraw – the committee will ensure that potential replacements are available.
Upon expressions of interest from different groups the Committee decided to tender for tours and allow the industry to be involved.
The "Tours Tender" is attached and if any groups wish to propose a tour we would be happy to accept it.
One suggestion for local groups is your group to be involved in the decisions as to what is visited and work in conjunction with a travel agency to supply the logistics.
"Call for Submissions" for the presentations at the conference are well under way and we encourage the local organic growers, processors, consumers to consider presenting a paper especially for innovative and new ideas and systems.
The "Call for Submissions" close on December 15th.
Attached is the "Call for Submissions" for electronic circulation if applicable.
If you would like printed "Call for Submissions" for your next
mail out please contact me.
The conference website www.nasaa.com.au/ifoam2005 has further details and will be regularly updated as plans are finalized.
If any groups would like information for their website we do have a web page that we can send to you.
In the time leading up to the 15th IFOAM World Congress it would be helpful with the Committee’s setting of deadlines if you could send me information on your publications – eg mail outs, electronic, how often and the deadlines for articles etc.
If there is any further information you would like please do not hesitate to contact me and I thank you for your co-operation.
Best Regards,
Jan Denham,
Conference Co-ordinator.
Phone: 03 5027 9249
E-mail: karra2@iinet.net.au
|
|
Permaculture Design Course, October 11-29
Tutors: Robyn Francis, Janelle Schafer & Peter Hardwick
This course is an excellent starting point for people interested in permaculture for both personal and professional applications. Completion of a PDC is essential for all permaculture teachers and those intending to undertake accredited training (Permaculture Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma) at Djanbung Gardens in 2005 and also for the accredited training offered at the Permaforest Trust. Please email for details.
NB. Dates for 2005 PDC’s – see below and email for details
Bushfoods in Permaculture & Restoration Ecology, November 8-12
Tutor: Peter Hardwick
5 information-packed days with leading bushfood pioneer includes garden to table delights, insights into Indigenous ethno-botany, integrating natives foods, fibre, utility and habitat plants into permaculture and bush regen systems and introduction to commercial bushfoods production.
Working in Other Cultures, November 17-20
Tutor: Robyn Francis & Guests
Essential training for those interested in working with Indigenous communities, multi-cultural groups, and undertaking volunteer work overseas – ties to Accredited Permaculture Training Certificate IV.
Working in Overseas Permaculture Projects, November 22-27th
Tutor: Robyn Francis & guests
For people working/intending to work in sustainable community aid programmes in Third World countries and areas of need. Course topics include appropriate technology and housing, tropical & dryland food production, health & nutrition, community centred development facilitation & basic project management - ties to Accredited Permaculture Training at Diploma level.
Note: people who have completed this training in the past are now involved in exciting projects facilitating change in India & Nepal, Indonesia, East Timor, South East Asia, South & Central Americas, Africa and Middle East.
2005 Accredited Full-time courses & internships
This full time training provides a unique opportunity to gain an AQTF national qualification in Permaculture through the new Accredited Permaculture Training program in the ‘living classroom’ at Djanbung Gardens. Qualifications available:
Certificate III in Permaculture: implementation trade skills – putting it into practice
Certificate IV in Permaculture: rural & urban design and community project facilitation
Diploma of Permaculture: design consultant, ecovillage & community design, management
Training will be conducted 3-4 days per week and be compliant with Austudy requirements.
Prior completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is required for these courses.
Course information and registration now available by email.
Short course training will also be available during 2005.
PDC dates for 2005: January 10-28, July 4-22, Oct 31-Nov 18
Contact: Robyn Francis <robyn@permaculture.com.au>
|
|
|
|
1. GERMAN GENETIC ENGINEERING ACT MEETS EU RESISTANCE
Many items of the Genetic Engineering Act passed by the German parliament in mid June are rated critically by the EU Commission. The act has been regarded as a major advance by the organic movement because of the joint and several liability of genetic engineering users. The coexistence provisions also contravene applicable EU law, according to a report by the Lebensmittelzeitung. The Ministry of Agriculture is currently working on a reply to the Brussels authority. The Genetic Engineering Act also still needs to be passed by the German federal council.
2. SWISS RETAIL FOOD TRADE BACKS QUALITY
The biggest Swiss multiple Migros is opposing a threatening "invasion" by Aldi with qualities other than just the price. Migros wants to increasingly develop its quality label under the name "Engagement", which has achieved a turnover of 1.8 milliard francs until now. The "Engagement" series is to be increased to 2.5 milliard CHF by 2010. The group turns over 285 million CHF a year with organic products and 410 million CHF with an Eco label. This label stands for environment-friendly production of clothing, home textiles and shoes. Turnover grew by 8 % in the organic segment last year. Other labels represent fair trade products, such as Max Havelaar, Dolphin Safe, Marine and Forest Stewardship Council. 3.7 million CHF turnover has already been achieved for organic cotton clothing. The total turnover of Migros last year was 20 milliard CHF (13 milliard EUR).
http://www.engagement.ch/d/produkte/labels.php3
3. MORE ORGANIC MEAT SOLD IN DENMARK
Three supermarket chains belonging to the Coop food group sold 52 % more organic meat in the first four months of this year than in the same period last year. Coop assumes this is attributable to a sales promotion campaign launched in November 2003, which was accompanied by a price cut of about 10 %. This favourable growth in demand has led to another boost in Coop Denmark's commitment to organic pork and beef, reports the ZMP Organic Market Forum. 19 different organic product variants are currently offered in the meat segment and these are to be even more highlighted in future by better labelling.
4. ORGANIC FRESHNESS UNDER SCRUTINY
Bioland Bavaria has started a test by scientists from the Institute of Agricultural Engineering in Potsdam to determine the freshness of fruit and vegetables. The label sensors attached to the packaging are to provide information about temperature. Other information such as the origin and the date of picking can also be integrated in the storage medium, which is currently still of cheque card size. The price of the reusable intelligent labels is to be reduced from the present slightly less than 10 EUR. The purpose of the special labels is to improve traceability, so that it is easier to determine, for example, when the cooling chain was interrupted.
5. UK: BIG BOOST FOR ORGANIC FOOD IN SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS
In a review of the British market for organic food, the Government said that three-quarters of UK households buy some organic food. The UK market is expected to grow at around 9 % in the next few years. The Government will aim to get more organic food into schools and hospitals, and will also encourage local organic food sales through farmers' markets and box schemes.
In view of the mounting concern about the rapid growth in obesity and other diet-related illnesses, the report identifies as a priority exploring "how organic produce can contribute to the Government's public health agenda".
"Local food outlets such as box schemes and farmers' markets have been recognized as viable alternatives to supermarkets", says Peter Melchett, Policy Director of the Soil Association. "There is a clear message that farmers can capitalize on supplying local markets. The report notes the work the Soil Association has done to grow local markets, and particularly to improve access to organic food in disadvantaged communities".
http://www.organicts.com
6. LEGAL CONTROL SOON FOR ORGANIC FARMING IN CHINA
There have been no standard regulations for organic farming and marketing in China until now. Various provinces have had their own standards for individual products, reports the Organic Market Forum. An expert meeting for the preparation of Chinese regulations took place in 2003.
Special attention will be given to compatibility with existing laws in the USA, Europe and Japan to avoid export problems. The present draft is arranged in various sections: production (including aquaculture and bees), labelling/marketing, processing, and management systems. Organic products imported into China must meet the Chinese standards about to be implemented. The regional governments are motivated by the Beijing activities to support the development of the organic food sector.
7. ALMOST EVERY TENTH LITRE OF MILK IN AUSTRIA ORGANIC
With an annual organic production quantity of 26,300 t, the fresh white liquid is the most important product group in Austrian organic agriculture. This production corresponds to a value of 27 million EUR per year. Organic fresh milk holds top position with 9.2 % of total milk consumption. Organic yoghurt achieves a figure of 8 % and sour cream 5 %, reports the Austrian magazine Ernte (4/04). This means milk products are one of the Austrians' most popular organic products after the potatoes product group. The buyer range for organic milk was determined as 20 % in a study by the marketing company RollAMA.
It was also determined that the number of casual buyers of organic products is dropping and the number of intensive users rising.
8. ORGANIC OLIVE OIL AMONG THE LEADERS
Öko-Test was determined to know: How good is olive oil with the Extra Vergine label really? What is offered as "native olive oil extra" is "often only average", according to the Frankfurt testers. Of the 21 oils tested, six achieved the category "Very good", 10 "Good" and five only "Adequate". The five organic oils tested were all in the first two ratings. Oils from Naturata, Heirler Cenovis and Rapunzel were judged as "Very good" and the Alnatura and Byodo olive oils as "Good".
http://www.oekotest.de
9. EU-COMMISSION POSTPONES SEEDS DECISION
The IFOAM EU Group welcomes the news that President Prodi has withdrawn a proposal for a Decision "establishing minimum thresholds for adventitious or technically unavoidable traces of genetically modified seeds in other products" from the agenda of the College of Commissioners. The Commission was not able to agree on the revised proposal that would allow for GM contamination of seeds of maize and oilseed-rape up to 0.3 percent. This is a massive success for the organic movement, for all organic farmers, processors, retailers, traders and consumers", said Francis Blake, President of the IFOAM EU Group.
The IFOAM EU Group urges the new Commission to follow the recommendation of the European Parliament to set up thresholds at the reliable detection level of 0.1 %. The Commissioner designate for Agriculture, Else Mariann Fischer Boel has already supported the call for seed purity. She stated in the Council of Ministers, in her role as Danish Agriculture Minister, "in order to secure the best possible conditions for co-existence, Denmark finds that thresholds in any forthcoming proposal should be set at detection level (0.1)."
NEWS TICKER
* Aldi now sells only organic grapes in Holland. The discounter came under public criticism after 60-75 % of the grapes in the past years were contaminated with tremendously high pesticide residues.
* Organic farming grew by 17 % in the Netherlands last year, so that 3.7 % of the agricultural area is now farmed organically.
Source: http://www.biofach.de
CALL FOR PAPERS FOR BIOFACH CONGRESS 2005
For the first time we are asking all exhibitors and representatives of the national and international organic market to indicate proposals for topics for the BioFach Congress 2005 until the 15 September 2004. Please use the form in the Internet under www.biofach.com for your proposals or ask the BioFach Team! Every year almost 4.000 trade visitors meet at BioFach Congress to present current trends, topics and studies and also to discuss them controversially. BioFach Congress is almost free of charge. Approximately 100 presentations are taking place parallel to BioFach, of which two-thirds are congress presentations and the rest are company presentations. In general we separate between topics for the international audience and the German speaking audience. All presentations should deal with topics which are relevant for the actors in the market of organic products. For product or company presentations please use Form V. All forms are available online in pdf format under www.biofach.com.
BioFach Team: Phone +49 (0)9 11. 86 06-86 38 or fax +49 (0)9 11. 86 06-86 45
|
|
3rd IFOAM International Coffee Conference
6-8 October 2004
Kampala, Uganda
Fax: +256-41-232912
www.organiccoffeeconference.org
Email: ngabirano@ugandacoffee.org
Collingwood Children's Farm Farmers’ Market
Saturday 9th October and the second Saturday of every month
St Heliers Street, Abbotsford (Mel ref 44 G5)
8.00 am – 1.00 pm.
$2 donation goes direct to the farm, and you can stay all day
BYO Plastic bags to re-use, baskets, boxes and trolleys; we’re Melbourne’s first plastic bag free market
For more information please contact: Miranda Sharp on 0429 146 627
BioFach America
October 15-17, 2004
Organic Products Expo
Washington, D.C., USA
www.expoeast.com/organic.cfm
Terra Madre: World Meeting of Food Communities (A SlowFood Event)
October 20-23, 2004
Turin, Italy
Email: terramadre@slowfood.it
www.terramadre2004.org
IFOAM Summit 2004 - Towards Adelaide 2005
The First International Biodynamic Wine Forum
November 8-9, 2004
Bonn, Germany
Email: t.cierpka@ifoam.org
19-21 November 2004, La Trobe University in Beechworth, Victoria
Michelle Bell-Turner
Ph 07 40952194 Intl: 617 40952194
email: michelle@biodynamicwineforum.com.au
web: www.biodynamicwineforum.com.au
Bookings email: booking@biodynamicwineforum.com.au
Middle East Natural Products Expo - 2004
December 5-7, 2004
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
www.globallinksdubai.com
Email: info@globallinksdubai.com
International Conference on
Sustainable Crop Production In Stress Environments:
Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), India
Dates : February 9-12
Dr. V.S. Tomar, Director of Research Services, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Adhartal, Jabalpur 482 004 (M.P.),
Phone: +91-761-2481074 (O), Fax: +91-761-2481074,E-mail:tomarvs@mailcity.com, drsjnkvv@sancharnet.in
BioFach
February 24-27, 2005
Nuremberg, Germany
info@nuernbergmesse.de
www.biofach.de
15th IFOAM World Congress
September 19-23 2005
Adelaide, Australia
Fax: +61 8 8339 7800
http://www.nasaa.com.au/ifoam/
E-mail: ifoam2005@nasaa.com.au