www.ofa.org.au

Organic Industry Update, April 2003

• Chairman's Report
• 'Organic Futures for Australia' - National Organic Conference Update
• OFA Website Developments
• Pricey Rice Harvest A First For Tasmania
• New Organic Maize Mill Creates Export Opportunity
• Organic To Feature At Natural Healthcare Expo 2003
• Japan Biofach - Dates moved to October for 2003   Report on 2002 event  • Update Your Directory Listing  • A Conflict of Interests ?
• The GMO Issue
	• Gene Technology Grains Committee Update
	• Farmers Reject Federal Government's Bayer GM Canola Risk Management Plan
	• Gene Regulator Throws Caution To The Wind In GE Canola Countdown
	• Commercial GMO Canola Release - Invitation to Comment
• Feature Article
	• The Benefits of Organic Food - by Andre Leu
• The OFA Website: An Evolving Project - by Dom O'Brien
• Klip's Dips Launches New Certified Beetroot Dip
• Organics Out Of The Box - Market Changes to Thursday Afternoon
• Network of Concerned Farmers Tour March 2003
• O-Organic Vegan Pesto and Minestrone Soup with Smoked Tofu
• Sheen X-100 Flame Gun
• National List Of Farmers' Markets Is Released
• Let's Look At What's On This Month
• Discussion Forum, Organic Marketplace, Australian Organic Directory, Organic Tradeline, Organic Newsline

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1. OFA Is Alive And Well
I hear on the grapevine that some organisations are questioning whether OFA still exists, and whether it is providing a service to the Australian organic industry.

This is not for me to judge - it is for you to decide.

But, for instance;

a) this Newsletter is emailed direct free to some 1,000 subscribers, i.e. Australian individuals and organisations who wish to receive the latest news on our industry;

b) in addition some hundreds more access the website to read and/or download the newsletter;

c) there are over 2,000 participants in our industry listed on our website directory, which we know is used daily by those seeking buyers or suppliers;

d) most of the daily calls to our information phoneline say they found the number on our website;

e) OFA is continually representing the industry to state and federal government agencies, especially on GM issues, supply chain issues, food safety issues, promotion, marketing and education issues, and the need for better support for the industry; and

f) OFA is the organiser for our National Conferences, and is encouraging the industry to consult and agree on the location and organisers for future regional conferences so that there is an opportunity for all of us to attend an organic conference nearby in Australia.

2. Second National Organic Conference

"ORGANIC FUTURES FOR AUSTRALIA" to be held at the University of Adelaide on 2,3 & 4 October 2003.

Readers of the autumn edition of the Australian Organic Journal should have received a copy of the conference brochure.

The arrangements for this conference are proceeding well, with over 100 potential speakers and delegates having already contacted the conference secretariat.

Cat Mills of the Conference Secretariat has a separate item in this newsletter on the Conference Update.

If you wish to receive more information, please register your interest by sending an email to ofaconf@nasaa.com.au or contact Cat Mills on (08) 8370 8455 - or c/- P.O. Box 768, Stirling, SA, 5152.

3. GM Debate Warming Up
On Thursday 13 March 2003, at the invitation of the Chairman of the Eastern Zone Gene Technology Grains Committee, I accompanied Scott Kinnear, who was representing OFA, to a meeting of the Committee. Whilst the minutes of this meeting are yet to be distributed at the time of writing (31 March 2003), it is generally known that the meeting concluded before all the agenda items were dealt with, a number of matters were postponed, and another meeting has been convened for 10 April 2003.

There seems to be increasing concern expressed by the conventional farming community, as well as by organic farmers, about the unresolved questions on the short and long term impact of the introduction of GM crops into Australia. These impacts are forecast to be economic, environmental and biological. Perhaps the greatest impact on conventional farmers is that some (perhaps many) export markets will be in doubt if GM crops are grown here.

And there certainly seems to be a reluctance from those advocating GM crops to accept any responsibility for the consequences.

Opinions on some of these issues have been expressed in the Weekly Times in recent weeks - a publication which seems willing to print both sides of the argument.

And a refreshing statement was that from Bob Carr who promised a three year moratorium on GM crops in NSW if he was re-elected. I presume that election promise will become a policy reality. This left Victoria as the only state which has still not expressed reservations about GM crops.

As I said last month, despite what seems to be increasing opposition from farmers (both organic and non-organic) in many states to the introduction of GM crops in Australia, there seems to be relentless pressure from many of our governments and the chemical companies to introduce them.

There seems to be entrenched opposition to a referendum on their introduction, which indicates that governments recognise that most people are opposed to them.

All very strange in a democracy.

Sid Cowling
OFA Chairman

'Organic Futures for Australia' (OFA) - the second Australian national organic conference
University of Adelaide, 2nd & 3rd October 2003.

Response to the Organic Futures for Australia conference 2003 has been extremely positive to date and includes submissions to present and attend, from several international delegates and associations. We view this as a good indication that the Australian organic industry is of interest abroad and has relevance not only from an agricultural/scientific basis but also for trade opportunities.

An exciting development has occurred! The Department of Primary Industry, SA has been granted funds to hold an organic dairy event in South Australia. This event will be organised separately from the OFA conference but is being added to the programme as an 'associated event'. It will be held at a separate venue on Wednesday 1 October, but delegates will be able to register for attendance to either or both events and one of the OFA 2003 conference tours will be specifically aimed at the dairy market. Further information will be posted as the details evolve.

Committees for the OFA 2003 conference have now been established and are as follows:

Organising Committee:
Sid Cowling, Chairman OFA (Chair)
Jan Denham, Past Chair NASAA
Professor Peter Cornish, University of Western Sydney
Jenny Paterson, Soil Association of South Australia
Cat Mills, Executive Officer OFA 2003 Secretariat

Programme Committee:
Professor Peter Cornish, University of Western Sydney (Chair)
David Madge, Victorian DPI, Mildura
Rod May, Deputy Chairman OFA
Tim Marshall, Organic Consultant

Publicity Committee:
Jenny Paterson, Soil Association of South Australia (Chair)
Susan Nelle, Premier's Food Council
Don Fraser, RIRDC

Tours Co-ordinator:
Rod Dyke, Soil Association of South Australia

Sponsorship details will be available online soon. Space will be dedicated to displays from all sectors of the industry and the conference committee is seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in supporting this event.

A reminder that a Call for Presentations has now been issued and the deadline for preliminary abstracts is 31 May 2003.

Finally, join the discussion about the conference themes online with other members of the organic community at The Organic Forums

For further information about the conference and/or sponsorship details, please complete the Registration of Interest Form at the conference website and return to Cat Mills of the OFA 2003 Secretariat.

An overview of past website developments and future directions is featured in the Sector Report (see menu at top). Here is an outline of developments in the past month.

Newsletter Sending Problem
Last month I received a few emails from subscribers who said they have not been receiving this monthly update. Upon investigating we found a technical problem which resulted in the update not being sent to a small number of subscribers. We believe the problem has been fixed. If you don't receive these updates directly bulletin and you are a subscriber, please let me know by sending an email to webmaster@ofa.org.au

Online Conference Discussion
As part of our development towards the second national organic conference, Organic Futures for Australia, the themes of the conference have been listed as topics for discussion at The Organic Forums. The intention of this forum is to develop a central discussion resource for the Australian organic industry. Give your thoughts about the conference themes, and all other organic related subject matter.

Consumer Membership
OFA will soon be offering consumer membership, providing a range of benefits to consumers who want to support the development of the organic industry. Stay tuned for further developments.

Seeking Contributions
Do you have something to contribute to this monthly update ? This is an industry bulletin and we would like to encourage industry contribution to it. Product reviews, company news, industry news, event reviews, information about upcoming events, and feature articles are all welcome. Please contact me at webmaster@ofa.org.au

As always, feedback about the OFA website and Organic Industry Update is encouraged.

Dom O'Brien
Website Manager

The organic wild rice has been grown on ten hectares in Northern Tasmania by Bellamy Organic Farms under contract to the United States.

Farmer David Bellamy says with yields almost twice what he budgeted for, he's now looking for more land and water to expand.

"The way the crop has grown and the yields that it is having and the costs that we've incurred all spell to the fact that we can fine-tune it and build a big enough economy of scale to make it work. There was a lot of people that couldn't resist ringing up to say it was one of the most foolish acts of farming they'd ever seen, so this has been really good to pull this off."

From the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss, today opened Australia's first dedicated organic maize and grain processing mill at Greenmount, near Toowoomba, in Queensland.

"Thanks in part to a Federal Government grant, Kialla Pure Foods now has the opportunity to expand into new and existing export markets. Demand for organic food has grown at an increasing rate over the past few years, especially in Europe," Mr Truss said.

"Several factors, including food safety scares, increased awareness of health issues, concerns over genetically modified organisms and environmental issues have driven the shift in consumer demand.

"Market demand is continuing to outstrip the supply of organic maize products.

"This new mill will immediately benefit Kialla and the Australian organic maize industry."

Last year, Kialla Holdings was one of five Queensland recipients of a $110,000 Pilot Commercialisation Project (PCP) grant as part of the Commonwealth's $20 million New Industries Development Program (NIDP).

The grants provide competitive-based funding assistance for innovative and market-driven products, services and technologies in the agricultural, processed food, fisheries and forestry industries.

"Kialla has a history of innovative leadership in the organic cereals field, marketing its products nationally and internationally," Mr Truss said.

"With the increase in organic maize production resulting from a large grower network, Kialla will have the opportunity to expand into new and existing export markets.

"Its new mill can grist 12,000 tonnes of maize a year.

"The gristed maize goes into the manufacture of flaking grits, polenta and flour for breakfast cereals, snack foods, bakery and baby foods for national and international markets."

Mr Truss said the NIDP has funded 64 Pilot Commercialisation Projects.

"The PCP scheme is designed to assist eligible Australian agribusiness to incubate innovative, niche agribusiness ventures that encourage through-chain approaches and involve at least one partner that is a small to medium agribusiness venture," he said.

Mr Truss praised Kialla for its continuing work in creating a positive future for organics in Australia

To be held at the Sydney Convention Centre June 13-15

The Natural Healthcare Expo is owned and organised by the Complementary Healthcare Council (CHC) of Australia.
Its goal is to provide leadership by promoting natural healthcare products as the primary source of sustainable health and enhanced wellness for all Australians. For the first time the expo is inviting the public to attend the event (June14,15).

The event will coincide with the Australian Fitness Expo. These shows have a synergy which is sure to provide the health concious Australian public with a reason to visit both shows. The expo will again feature specific zones for supplements, health and functional foods, beauty products, raw materials and a dedicated Organic Zone. The organic industry has a special opportunity to showcase products to the industry and public like never before. The OFA is collaborating with the CHC to support the success of the event.

For more information about how to increase your company profile, raise awareness for your products and expo participation contact:
Vee Johnson
Event Manager at NHE@chc.org.au or telephone 03 9364-5003 mobile 0422 399 818
Website www.chc.org.au

Johann-Caspar Rose
German-Australian Business Services

Dates changed for 2003
The December [of last year's Japan Biofach] date was not very practical for all concerned (exhibitors and the Japanese buyers), therefore the next "BioFach Japan" in Tokyo will be held this year from: 9 - 11 October, 2003.

As it happens, BioFach Japan 2003 will be held at the same time as a trade show called the "Natural Expo Show". [not organised by Nürnberg Global Fairs (NGF)]

As in the USA, the exhibitors at BioFach Japan 2003 will benefit from the overlapping of target groups and visitors, from organic versus natural products.

Brochures and application details will follow soon, booking for space should be made at the latest by the end of July 2003.

Below is an extract from the BioFach Japan 2002 'End of Show Report'.

By all accounts and also according to the Australian companies who have participated in the "Australian Organic Product Stand" organised by the BFA and NASAA and the companies who exhibited independently Biofach 2002 was a great success.

Official Pavilions                      Germany (22 countries)

Participating Countries             17

The OFA directory is an important resource for the Australian community, and world traders. A number of listings are displaying outdated or incomplete information about the products or company. I ask all readers whose business is listed in the online directory or the printed directory to please check your business listing and take steps to update the information. Please check even if you think your business is not listed, it may well be. There are currently around 2,000 entries.

Step 1: search for your listing by clicking here
Step 2: send an email to webmaster@ofa.org.au with the updated information

The employment history of the Agriculture Secretary for the Bush administration's, Anne Veneman, indicates a conflict of interests and a cozy relationship with corporate food giants.

Corporate Connections: Calgene/Monsanto; Pharmacia

Between her tenure at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (under George Bush Sr.) and being named head of California’s Department of Food and Agriculture in 1995, Ann Veneman served on the board of directors for Calgene Inc. In 1994, Calgene became the first company to bring genetically-engineered food, the Flavr Savr tomato, to supermarket shelves. Calgene was bought out by Monsanto, the nation’s leading biotech company, in 1997. Monsanto, in turn, became part of pharmaceutical company Pharmacia in 2000. Monsanto, which donated more than $12,000 to George Bush’s presidential bid, wants two things this year: no mandatory labeling of biotech foods and better access to international markets. Veneman also served on the International Policy Council on Agriculture, Food and Trade, a group funded by Cargill, Nestle, Kraft, and Archer Daniels Midland.

http://www.opensecrets.org/bush/cabinet/cabinet.veneman.asp

By Scott Kinnear

This committee is developing protocols to try and segregate GM crops from organic and NON GM canola crops. The OFA has a seat on this committee and on the Thursday after the tour finished in South Australia, I flew straight back to Melbourne and into a meeting of this committee. The OFA has presented a range of concerns and a follow up meeting has been set for the10th April in Melbourne. Sam Statham has been representing the OFA on this committee for the past year and has asked me to step in for the time being along with OFA Chair Sid Cowling. At the last meeting Sid Cowling and Bob Phelps and myself made up our delegation.

We have to report that there are a host of issues from buffer zones of 5 meters to a complete lack of detail about how the supply chain will work and where responsibility and liability will lie. It seems as if the Biotech companies are not responsible for much at all in the case of contamination. We have not seen the crop management plans put together by the Biotech companies so do not know the full extent of the issues we are facing.

We need as many people as possible to contact their Victorian Member of Parliament and urge them not to support a release of GM canola commercially in Victoria. We need to ask for a moratorium like in other states.
Please visit the Network of Concerned Farmers website for more info www.non-gm-farmers.com

Nationally 2 April 2003:

The Network of Concerned Farmers (NCF) rejected the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the Bayer CropScience (formerly Aventis) application for the release of Genetically Modified (GM) canola issued today by the Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).

"This RARMP does not consider the costs to farmers and the potential loss of markets. The refusal of the OGTR to assess the economic impact on Australian farmers is negligent as the OGTR can choose to include it in the assessment," Mrs Julie Newman, farmer, Newdegate, WA and NCF member said.

"The cost to farmers of segregating grain under a coexistence system is estimated to be at least 10% of the product value (AFFA Productivity Report 2002). These costs plus liability issues where a farmer must guarantee that there is no GM contamination in their grain will effectively force farmers to market as GM to remain viable," she said.

"The OGTR is prepared to accept the GM crop management plans of the product provider which means that the non-GM farmer may be required to destroy the first five metres of their crop as a buffer zone to prevent contamination. This is not addressing the problem but adding to the problem," she said.

"How can the OGTR claim there is no health or environmental issue with the release GM canola when the chemicals planned for use on these crops have not yet gained approval for use by the National Registration authority?" Mrs Newman said.

Mr Sam Statham, a NSW NCF member explained that the Canadian and American grain belts demonstrate that once GM canola is released, it is the dominant gene in the natural environment and GM free grain growing rapidly declines, as herbicide resistant volunteers start to dominate non GM crops. "The pro-GM lobby says that farmers seeking to protect their rights are denying farmers choice, but what choice exists for farmers wishing to grow GM free crops, five years after the GM canola release?" Mr Statham said.

Mr Scott Kinnear, VFF and NCF member said, "It is extraordinary that the Risk Assessment of the release of GM canola not only fails to assess economic and social impacts but fails to consider herbicide resistance and the health and environmental issues of increased herbicide use by farmers."

"Our Network will be urging farmers to speak up and reject the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (open for comment until 26 May 2003) and make the government accountable. Once GM canola is released it cannot be recalled from the environment. We are being sold out for promises with minimal, beneficial returns and a product that dominates the natural environment," Mr Kinnear said.

"We will be asking VIC, SA and QLD to join TAS, WA and NSW and reject plantings in their jurisdiction now that the Federal Government is one step away from issuing a licence," Mr Kinnear said.

For further information:
Mrs Julie Newman, WA tel: (08) 9871 1562 or mobile (0427) 711 644
Mr Scott Kinnear, VIC mobile: (0419) 881 729
Mr Sam Statham, NSW tel: (02) 6344 3215 or mobile (0428) 667 317.

Sydney 1st April 2003:

The path has been cleared for the introduction of genetically engineered (GE) canola into Australia after today's release of the risk management plan for Bayer's GE canola varieties.

Greenpeace greeted the findings of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP), which says there are no risks posed to health or environment by the release of Bayer's GE canola, with dismay, warning that the standard of risk assessment must be dramatically improved.

"Based on the same risk assessment process, tobacco and chemicals like DDT would be considered safe and welcomed into our food chain," says Greenpeace GE campaigner Jeremy Tager.

"April fools day is fitting for the release of this long awaited plan from the Office of Gene Technology Regulator," he says. "The Gene Regulator's risk assessment is based on unbridled optimism. It assumes GE organisms are safe until proven otherwise - the opposite of the precautionary principle."

The Gene Regulator assesses the environmental and health risks associated with the commercial release of GE canola. The risk assessment is based heavily on the results of field trials of the same GE organisms.

"The tests used by the Gene Regulator do not examine long-term impacts of the introduction of GE canola. This is an absolutely inexcusable failure," says Tager.

"Limited field trials in Australia have examined primarily agronomic impacts, not ecological effects. The lack of scientific knowledge concerning gene transfer and ecological impacts associated with GE genes moving into other species should be sufficient in itself to prevent approval of the commercial release of GE canola."

"Health and safety testing has been extremely limited as well," says Tager. "Compared to pharmaceutical testing, for instance, GE canola has not even completed preliminary toxicological testing, much less the testing of potential impacts on humans."

"The social and economic risks of the release of GE canola into the environment are recognised as likely to be severe, but the risk assessment does not even consider these factors."

Due to the flawed risk assessment framework, and the lack of a coherent national regulatory system, Greenpeace calls on state governments to intervene and implement moratoriums on the release of GE organisms in their state.

"Greenpeace will examine the risk assessment and make a detailed submission, but we are highly sceptical about the integrity of this process," Tager says.

Contact Jeremy Tager: 0438 679 263

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has released an Invitation to Comment on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for Commercial Release of Bayer Genetically Engineered Canola.

Australia's Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) is responsible for administering the national regulatory system that seeks to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying and managing risks posed by, or as a result of, gene technology.

In 2002, the Regulator received a licence application (DIR021) from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd (Bayer) for the commercial release of seven lines of genetically modified (GM) canola (Brassica napus) in all canola growing areas of Australia.

The GM canola proposed for release by Bayer incorporates a novel breeding system using gene technology to produce hybrid canola varieties that will be marketed under the trade name 'InVigor'. Traditional breeding techniques are used to develop hybrid plants which display improved agronomic performance (known as 'hybrid vigour') but this is the first time in Australia that gene technology would be applied commercially to achieve the same effect. The Bayer canola has also been modified to incorporate tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium which potentially provides additional weed control options when the crop is being grown.

The application and other relevant material has now been considered in detail. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has undertaken detailed research on the risks that may be posed by the proposed dealing. The Regulator has also consulted with expert groups and authorities prescribed in the Gene Technology Act 2000. As a result of this work a risk assessment and risk management plan has been prepared for public consultation.

The risk assessment concludes that this GM canola does not present any risks to human health, safety and the environment that are greater than the low level posed by conventional (non-GM) canola. Accordingly only minimal oversight requirements are included in the proposed licence conditions.

The Regulator now invites written submissions from the public and interested organisations on matters relating to the protection of human health and the environment in order to finalise this plan.

Copies of the risk assessment and risk management plan, as well as summary information and answers to some commonly asked questions can be obtained from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator website or by contacting the office direct. Copies and summaries of the licence application are also available.

Written submissions should note the application number DIR 021/2002. Please also note that issues such as the impact of genetically modified canola on markets, food labelling or the safety of insecticides and herbicides do not fall within the scope of the evaluations conducted under the Gene Technology Act 2000 as these are the responsibility of other agencies and authorities.

Submissions should reach the Regulator by close of business on 26 May 2003.
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
PO Box 100 WODEN ACT 2606
Telephone: 1800 181 030
Facsimile: 02 6271 4202
http://www.ogtr.gov.au

Many people purchase organic food because they believe it is healthier than conventionally grown food. As an industry we are constantly told that there is no evidence to support these claims. This article looks at published information that shows that organic food is substantially healthier than conventional food.

Nutrition
A recently published study shows that the current fruit and vegetables in the USA have about half the vitamin content of their counterparts in 1963. This study was based on comparing published US Department of Agriculture (USDA) figures. Faloon (2001)

A scientific study published in the Journal of Applied Nutrition in 1993 clearly showed that organic food is more nutritious than conventional food. Organically and conventionally grown apples, potatoes, pears, wheat, and sweet corn were purchased in the western suburbs of Chicago, over two years, and analysed for mineral content. The organically grown food averaged 63% higher in calcium, 73% higher in iron, 118% higher in magnesium, 178% higher in molybdenum, 91% higher in phosphorus, 125% higher in potassium and 60% higher in zinc. The organic food averaged 29% lower in mercury than the conventionally raised food. Journal of Applied Nutrition (1993)

A peer reviewed scientific article published in the Feb. 2003 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry stated that organically grown corn, strawberries and marionberries have significantly higher levels of cancer fighting antioxidants than conventionally grown foods. Some of these compounds, such as Flavonoids, are phenolic compounds that have potent antioxidant activities. Many are produced in plants in response to environmental stresses, such as insects or competing plants. They are protective compounds that act as a plant's natural defense and also have protective properties in human and animal health.

The research suggested that pesticides and herbicides disrupt the production of these protective compounds. Good soil nutrition appears to increase the levels of these natural compounds that have anti cancer, immune boosting and anti aging properties. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, (2003)

Another peer reviewed scientific study, published in European Journal of Nutrition, showed a higher level of a protective phytonutrient in organic food. Dr John Paterson and a team from the University of Strathclyde, UK, found that organic vegetable soups contain almost six times as much salicylic acid as non-organic vegetable soups. Salicylic acid is produced naturally in plants as a protective compound against stress and disease. It is responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of aspirin, and helps combat hardening of the arteries and bowel cancer.

The average level of salicylic acid in 11 brands of organic vegetable soup, on sale in Britain, was 117 nanograms per gram, compared with 20 ng/g in 24 types of non-organic soups. The highest concentration of salicylic acid, 1040 ng/g, was found in an organic carrot and coriander soup, while it was not detectable in four conventional soup brands.
Paterson, J (2002)

Two comprehensive studies have been published that compared the differences between organic and conventional foods. Both studies analyzed around 40 previously published studies. One study was conducted in the UK and the other in the USA, each independently of the other. Both studies came up with similar conclusions showing that there is overwhelming evidence that organic food is more nutritious than conventional food. One of the authors stated: 'On average our research found higher vitamin C, higher mineral levels and higher phytonutrients - plant compounds which can be effective against cancer. There's also less water in organic vegetables so pound for pound you get more carrot for your carrot.' Soil Association (2001) Worthington (2001)

It is no coincidence that the consumer demand for food supplements has grown, as the amount of minerals and vitamins decline, in conventionally farmed food. Many people cannot get the necessary quantity and quality of nutrition from food grown from synthetic chemicals.

Pathogens
In the recent past there have been a number of media stories claiming that, because organic foods are grown with manure, they contain higher levels of dangerous pathogens. On investigation, all of these stories were proved to be false and most of the media presenters apologised publicly for promoting inaccurate and misleading stories.

It is a requirement of organic certification systems that animal manures are composted, or that two non-food rotations are grown on a manured site before it can be used for small crops. A United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report concluded that the superior management practices of organic agriculture reduce E. coli and mycotoxin infections in food.

'It can be concluded that organic farming potentially reduces the risk of E. coli infection…Two studies reported by Woess found that aflatoxin M1 levels in organic milk were lower than in conventional milk…... As organically raised livestock are fed greater proportions of hay, grass and silage, there is reduced opportunity for mycotoxin contaminated feed to lead to mycotoxin contaminated milk'.

The report further stated. 'Animal feeding practices followed in organic livestock production, also lead to a reduction in contamination of food products of animal origin.'
FAO (2000)

Chemical Residues
Many studies show that most conventionally farmed foods have pesticide and other chemical residues. Repeated tests show that many of these foods can carry a cocktail of synthetic poisons. Baker (2002), Short (1994), Colborn (1996) Curl, (2003)

A growing body of science is showing that repeated exposures, to cocktails of small amounts of synthetic chemicals, have a range of adverse health effects. A recently published study shows that as little a one tenth of a part per billion of one commonly used herbicide can damage reproductive systems. Hayes (2003)

Many scientists believe these exposures, of minute quantities of agricultural chemicals, are very significant for children. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is now in the process of reducing current chemical residue levels in food to one tenth of the present levels to lessen childhood exposure. Porter (1999), Short (1994) Curl (2003)

A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found a cocktail of many toxic chemicals in the blood and urine of most Americans that they tested. Other studies show that most living organisms carry a cocktail of synthetic man made chemicals. Only now are scientists beginning to understand the detrimental effects of minutes amounts of these artificial toxins. Hayes (2002)

Peer reviewed published research has demonstrated that many of these types of chemicals are known to disrupt the hormone, nervous and immune systems. The escalating increase of certain types of cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, breast, uterine and prostate cancers are linked to agricultural and other synthetic chemicals. Similarly, a good body of scientific research also links these chemicals to the dramatic increases in autoimmune diseases such as asthma and chronic fatigue syndrome. Cancers such as Non Hodgkin's lymphoma have gone from being one of the rarest cancers to one of the fastest growing cancers amongst people exposed to agricultural chemicals. Short (1994), Colborn (1996), Cabello (2001), Buznikov (2001) Steingraber (1997), Garry (2001), Hardell (1999) Harras (1996), Nordstrom (1998),

A detailed scientific analysis of organic fruits and vegetables, published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives and Contaminants, showed that organic foods have significantly less pesticide residues than conventionally grown foods. Baker (2002)

Most importantly scientific studies are beginning to show that that eating organic food results in lower levels of these pervasive chemicals in humans.

A study published in the peer reviewed journal, Environmental Health Perspectives, found that children who eat organic foods have lower levels of one class of agricultural pesticides in their bodies. The University of Washington researchers who conducted the study concluded 'The dose estimates suggest that consumption of organic fruits, vegetables, and juice can reduce children's exposure levels from above to below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's current guidelines, thereby shifting exposures from a range of uncertain risk to a range of negligible risk. Consumption of organic produce appears to provide a relatively simple way for parents to reduce their children's exposure to OP pesticides.' Curl (2003)

Nitrates
The use of soluble chemical fertilisers has resulted in high nitrate concentrations in many conventionally farmed foods, especially in fruits and vegetables. Leafy vegetables can have the highest concentrations. The leaching of these fertilisers has also resulted in high nitrate levels in some drinking water systems around the world.

High nitrate content in food and drinking water can be converted to nitrosamines that are carcinogens. Nitrates can impair the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, and may pose a risk of methemoglobinemia. FAO (2000)

This is a condition that can occur in infants and adults with a diminished capability to secrete gastric acid. A rise in the pH in their digestive system allows bacteria to proliferate, increasing the transformation of nitrate to nitrite. When this nitrite is absorbed into the bloodstream, it oxidizes iron in the hemoglobin of red blood cells to form methemoglobin, which lacks hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying ability. In severe cases this can be one of the causes of Blue Baby syndrome, however in most cases the symptoms would be tiredness, lethargy and a general feeling of being unwell.

The nitrate content of organically grown crops is usually significantly lower than in conventionally grown products. The governments of Germany and France have encouraged conversion to organic farming in certain areas in a bid to improve water quality, particularly in relation to its nitrate content. FAO (2000)

Conclusion
The United Nations FAO states the case very succinctly. 'It has been demonstrated that organically produced foods have lower levels of pesticide and veterinary drug residues and, in many cases, lower nitrate contents. Animal feeding practices followed in organic livestock production, also lead to a reduction in contamination of food products of animal origin.' FAO (2000)

The facts show that organic food has significant health benefits because it has negligible chemical residues, pathogens and higher nutritional values when compared to conventionally farmed food.

References:
Baker B, Benbrook C.M, Groth III E, and Lutz Benbrook. K. (2002), Pesticide residues in conventional, IPM-grown and organic foods: Insights from three U.S. data sets, Published in: Food Additives and Contaminants, Volume 19, No. 5, May 2002, pages 427-446.

Buznikov G A, et al (2001), An Invertebrate Model of the Developmental Neurotoxicity of Insecticides: Effects of Chlorpyrifos and Dieldrin in Sea Urchin Embryos and Larvae, Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 109, Number 7, July 2001.

Cabello G, et al (2001), A Rat Mammary Tumor Model Induced by the
Organophosphorous Pesticides Parathion and Malathion, Possibly through Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 109, Number 5, May 2001

Charizopoulos E. and Papadopoulou-Mourkidou E. (1999), "Occurrence of Pesticides in Rain of the Axios River Basin, Greece," ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY [ES&T] Vol. 33, No. 14 (July 15, 1999), pgs. 2363-2368.

Colborn T., Dumanoski D. and Myers J. P., (1996) Our Stolen Future, www.OurStolenFuture.org, March 1996

Curl, C. L, Fenske F.A, Elgethun K, Organophosphorus Pesticide Exposure of Urban and Suburban Preschool Children with Organic and Conventional Diets, Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 111, Number 3, March 2003

Faloon W. (2001) Vegetables Without Vitamins, Life Extension Magazine, Florida March 2001

FAO (2000) Twenty Second FAO Regional Conference for Europe, Porto, Portugal, 24-28 July 2000 Agenda Item 10.1, FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY AS AFFECTED BY ORGANIC FARMING

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Foresters: Genomic Instability and Endocrine Disruption, Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 109, Number 5, May 2001.

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Hayes, T.B., et al. (2002). "Hermaphroditic, demasculinized frogs after exposure to the herbicide atrazine at low ecologically relevant doses." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 99:5476-5480, April 16, 2002,

Hayes, T.B., et al. (2003), Atrazine-Induced Hermaphroditism at 0.1 ppb in American Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens): Laboratory and Field Evidence Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 111, Number 4, April 2003

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Journal of Applied Nutrition (1993); 45:35-39. Organic Food is More Nutritious Than Conventional Food

Nordstrom M. et al, (1998), "Occupational exposures, animal exposure, and smoking as risk factors for hairy cell leukaemia evaluated in a case-control study," BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER Vol. 77 (1998), pgs. 2048-2052.

Paterson, J (2002) European Journal of Nutrition (vol. 40, p 289)

Pearce F. and Mackenzie D, (1999), "It's raining pesticides; The water falling from our skies is unfit to drink," NEW SCIENTIST April 3, 1999, pg. 23.

Porter W, et al. (1999), "Endocrine, immune and behavioral effects of aldicarb (carbamate), atrazine (triazine) and nitrate (fertilizer) mixtures at groundwater concentrations," Toxicology and Industrial Health (1999) 15, 133-150.

Short K. (1994), Quick Poison, Slow Poison, 1994, ISBN 0 85881 127 8

Soil Association (2001), Organic Farming, Food Quality and Human Health, Soil Association, Bristol House, 40-56 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6BY, United Kingdom

Steingraber S (1997), LIVING DOWNSTREAM; AN ECOLOGIST LOOKS AT CANCER AND THE ENVIRONMENT, New York: Addison-Wesley, 1997.

Worthington, V (2001) 'Nutritional Quality of Organic Versus Conventional
Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains' THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Volume 7, Number 2, 2001, pp. 161-173

The development of the OFA website is a continuing project, like many websites. Here I try to give you, the users, an overview of what we have achieved and what is planned in the near future.

Since May 2002 significant development and upgrading of the OFA website has been achieved. So far we have focused mainly on development, and in the future will be able to direct more of our efforts toward consolidating and promoting our site and services. Some of the new services and other developments of the past year are as follows.

• This OFA Organic Industry Update is growing in popularity and stature. It is an important element related to the OFA website and important for communication with industry. The subscriber list is growing quickly and feedback is good.
• Provision of important news and trade facilities to the Australian organic industry.
• The Organic Newsline - A comprehensive weekly bulletin of world organic news. Delivered by email to paid subscribers. A very comprehensive weekly roundup of world organic developments from week to week. Approximately 30 pages each issue when printed.
• The Organic Tradeline - A trade bulletin listing offers to buy and sell from organic traders around the world. Until now it has been published every 2-3 months, as of April it will be published monthly. It is free to receive and is distributed by email to over 8,000 subscribers worldwide.
• The Organic Marketplace - The online database listing offers to buy and sell. Similar in concept to the Organic Tradeline except that Organic Marketplace offers are listed on the website, not delivered by email. These services are closely tied - postings in the Organic Marketplace are also listed in the Organic Tradeline, further increasing the reach of trade offers. There are over 6,000 visitors per month to the Organic Marketplace trade listings.
• So far the process has been one of development, so at this stage subscription and awareness by Australian companies is still moderate. Promotion of the services has begun and will be focused on over the coming months.
• The OFA directory search function has recently been streamlined and simplified, allowing more effective search results.
• The OFA events calendar is now more comprehensive. A 'mirror' page of the events listings has been developed to encourage other organic websites to link to the OFA calendar. A centralised and widely accessed events calendar is beneficial for the Australian industry.
• Significant reformatting of the home page and other pages has been undertaken
• A website has been created for the 'Organic Futures for Australia' conference in October. To get there click on the link at the OFA home page (www.ofa.org.au). It will be constantly updated over the coming months.
• Banner advertising facilities have been added to the site, and advertising space will be offered to a limited extent in the future.

The past 10 months have been a process of improving the functionality of the website, and installing facilities that we can now promote to the Australian industry. Development of trade facilities by the organic industry has, in my opinion, lagged behind development in other areas, and it is important that we improve trade connections and supply networks for both local and international traders.

On the way .....
In the future we will be offering consumer membership at the site, and research is being done into a number of projects such as an automated secure payment facility, and the sale of books and other merchandise at the OFA website. We have plans to develop the discussion forum as a popular communication resource for the Australian organic industry.

Dom O'Brien
OFA Website Manager  

Klip's Dips has launched a new certified organic beetroot dip, made from local produce. It is made with a midddle eastern recipe, containing organic beetroot, organic yoghurt, honey, organic garlic, sea salt and spices. They also produce certified organic hummus, baba ganoosh, pesto and muhumara.

Steve Klipin and Lisa Siegel are the proprietors of Klip's Dips - an award winning ethical food business, located in the lush Bellingen Valley in northern NSW. Klip's Dips produces hand made certified organic dips and gourmet products. All their dips come in recyclable containers.

Steve says "our philosophy of using certified organic products means that we are honoring sustainability while nourishing the consumer".

Klip's Dips are available throughout Northern NSW, at Sydney shops specializing in organic products, and south eastern Queensland.

For more information contact them on 02 6655 3600 or 0427 551 305 Email: hummus@midcoast.com.au

Organics Out Of The Box warehouse market has changed from Saturday morning to Thursday afternoon. From 3.00 to 7.00 pm you can do all your fresh fruit and veg shopping, and much of your grocery shopping, at about 20% less than usual.

Location: 4/177 Arthur St Homebush
For more information call (02) 9763 7337

Keynote Speakers Bob and Barbara Willick from Canada	Bob presenting to a full house in Wagga

This tour was designed to bring awareness to the issues surrounding the imminent release of GM canola in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. The tour began in Brisbane on the 2nd March, then moved to Toowoomba, Sydney, Cudal (near Orange), Wagga Wagga, Albury, Bendigo, Horsham, Melbourne, Adelaide and finished in Clare.

Speakers on the tour were Bob and Barbara Willick from the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate who are sueing Monsanto and Bayer along with 960 other organic farmers for loss of income because they cannot grow organic canola anymore in Canada. Then we had Dr Judy Carmen who is an affiliate senior lecturer at Adelaide University and is spokesperson for the Public Health Association of Australia on genetic engineering. Next we had Julie Newman who is a large grain farmer with her husband in WA and they also run a seed cleaning business.

Bob and Barbara addressed the issues of contamination in Canada as well as recounting their experiences growing GM canola for four years. They had all sorts of troubles before converting to organic agriculture. Now of course they are unable to grown canola because of contamination issues.

Dr Judy Carmen outlined the health risks of GM foods and the low level of safety assessment by our regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand. She tends to stun people when she reveals that there are no human pre market trials and the GM foods are only fed to rats or other animals for four weeks or less. She outlines the reasons why we have simply no idea if these foods are causing harm because there is no monitoring program and without human pre market trials, what are we looking for.

Julie Newman outlined the cost and liability issues that surround the conventional NON GM farmers along with the organic farmers. She makes a case to say that with the minor increase in yield, less the cost of segregation and testing of product, less the cost of the technology user fee to Monsanto and Bayer, that GM farmers will be worse off. In addition she makes the case for cost and liability for the NON GM farmer should they deliver contaminated grain to the supply chain, and not realize it and cause contamination of other grain, they could be responsible for greater costs associated with rejection of product.

I spoke about the license application and the process of approval by the Federal Regulator which is expected to be finalized in June. The States then are the only avenue of stopping release. On the tour, the NSW government and opposition announced policies in support of a moratorium in the lead up to their election in March and this ensured that GM canola would not be planted in NSW for the next three years. That left Victoria and SA and QLD. We have not heard back from QLD and it seems as if they are competing with VIC to be leading biotechnology research centers attracting research investment from overseas.

In SA we met with the Minister of Agriculture who assured us that they would not allow the release of GM canola this year. In Victoria a comedy of errors within the Labor party meant that we were unable to get a meeting with any representative of the Government. To date despite written follow up requests no meeting has been forthcoming.

If you want to find out more go to the Network of Concerned Farmers Website and sign the Alternative Grains Industry Statement opposing release of GM canola and lobby hard. www.non-gm-farmers.com

For several years the people at Organic Produce have been crafting quality prepared organic meals, snacks, and condiments in Sydney's inner west. They boast a very large range of organic fast food items, distributed through a number of health food retailers. Their lines include frozen soups, frozen hotpots, finger foods, pies/pasties/quiches, salads, soups, and desserts. I recently tried two of their products - Vegan Pesto sauce, and Minestrone soup with Smoked Tofu.

The vegan pesto is apparently a big seller in the Sydney market, with regular pesto of course being off limits to vegan and lactose-intolerant people because of the cheese. I wondered how pesto would make the grade without cheese, which I assumed was an important ingredient in creating that powerful pesto flavour. What I found is that the flavour of the basil is accentuated, and of course it really should be the dominant flavour in pesto. The absence of the cheese results in a fresher tasting sauce, with the palate able to notice more of that basil potency. As much as I love the impact of parmesan (or other cheeses) in regular pesto, it does mask the impact of the basil to some extent. The use of fresh organic ingredients helps to produce a good flavour, especially from organic basil. This vegan pesto is a well balanced recipe, with the supporting ingredients (like salt and garlic) not overpowering the overall taste. It's an interesting variation on one of my favourite dishes.

The Minestrone Soup with Smoked Tofu is a full flavoured soup, big on ingredients (as in chunky bits of veg, not just liquid). Again it has that 'fuller' flavour I describe so often with organic food. A more rounded taste experience compared to a 'one dimensional' taste I often find in conventional foods. The smoked tofu was not overemphasised (for those who are not tofu fans), it seems to be a supporting ingredient to add some body to the flavour of the soup. And what is better with a hearty soup than fresh baked bread (home made in my bread machine in this case). Needless to say I was quite content after this dinner. Dipped the bread in the pesto sauce too .....

I'm can't wait to taste their sweet treats - the Fruit Flans and the Coconut & Lemon Syrup Cake sound so good.

For more information visit their website at www.organicproduce.com.au or contact Mick Gay and Shane Hillard at
Ph: (02) 9319-4009
Fax: (02) 9319-4209
Email: sales@organicproduce.com.au

I have been using one of these tools for weeding for about five years. The Sheen Flame Gun is a hand-held, kerosene powered tool. It holds some 4 litres of kerosene and will operate for 40-45 minutes before refuelling is necessary.

Thus it is a relatively light, portable weeding tool which is reasonably economical to operate, (although kerosene prices are more expensive than petrol or diesel).

It is a useful tool for the smaller market garden. With a little experience the flame can be directed to avoid damaging crops, and it is easily manipulated around trees and shrubs. It is particularly useful for weeding beds after sowing and before emergence of seedlings. The handle design and balance is good. Depending upon where the handle is held, the flame extending from the throat of the gun can be adjusted from about 20 cm to within a few millimetres of the ground.

Usually a single pass lasting a few seconds is all that is needed for broadleaf weeds. If this is repeated about a week later, taking care to avoid any crop, then usually the crop is then able to shade out any further weed growth, depending on the crops grown. For grasses a little more persistent use of the flame gun may be needed.

It does take about five minutes to heat up, but the procedure is very simple and straightforward. It can be turned off and restarted, although the latter is best whilst it is still hot, otherwise it may take a few minutes. Whilst it does need to be refilled after about 45 minutes of operation, I find this less of a burden than dealing with bottled gas and gas hoses, and the issue of a gas bottle freezing up.

The flame is a larger version of that of the old blow torch used to heat soldering irons, extending some 40 cm from the throat of the flame gun. It is prone to blowing out if the gun is pointed into a strong wind, so at such times I work downwind.

One task for which I use this tool is to minimise areas of couch and other runner grasses. I flame these areas, and then cover with black plastic. The regrowth receives no light, hence no photosynthesis takes place, and regrowth is totally reliant on the energy it can obtain from the existing root system. The exercise is repeated at about 10 day intervals. When the plastic is moved for each subsequent treatment the regrowth is much weaker. Usually after three such applications of flame the couch or other runner grass has just about given up, and the area becomes available for other plants.

I obtained my Sheen Flame Gun from Bon Trading Co of Woollahra, Sydney (02 - 9331 2510), although there may be other agents in other states. The current price is some $350.

Sid Cowling
Outtrim, Victoria

The recently formed Australian Farmers Markets Association (AFMA) has provided something that I've been wanting for a long time - a list of farmers markets around Australia. The booming interest in farmers' markets has prompted many enquiries about where people can find a list of markets in their area. Please advise notification of other and new start farmers markets to:
Jane Adams, Interim Chair, Australian Farmers Markets Association Inc at jacom@bigpond.net.au

The list is now available at the OFA website. Take a look !

Click here for details of these and other events.

• Discussion Forum
• International Organic Marketplace - Online Centre for Organic Trade - New !
• Australian Organic Directory
• Organic Tradeline - International Organic Trade Bulletin
• Organic Newsline - Weekly International Organic News Bulletin

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The OFA is the peak industry body for the Australian organic and biodynamic industry. Visit our webpage at www.ofa.org.au, or for organic industry and product enquiries click here . For information or help with this newsletter contact the OFA webmaster at webmaster@ofa.org.au. Feedback is always welcome !

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the OFA.