A Queensland strawberry farmer, the head of Australia’s largest organic mushroom producer, and a Victorian dairy company were among 10 award winners at the 8th Australian Organic Industry Awards on Friday night. Held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley in Lovedale, NSW, peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL) announced the night’s honourees, who collectively span an impressive and diverse range of certified organic products from fresh produce, dairy and meat, to pantry items and pharmaceutical ingredients.
Research released last week showing 8% of Australian people in a test population had traces of weed killer glyphosate in their urine has further brought to light the need for consumers to be aware of chemical use in the food supply chain. The research, conducted by the University of Queensland, comes after earlier reports in the media highlighting a number of concerns surrounding the limited understanding of the amount of chemicals on produce.
Australia's vibrant and growing organic industry and the broad-reaching benefits of choosing to buy organic are again being celebrated this September during Australian Organic Awareness Month. Each year, as the season turns from winter to spring, the spotlight shines on the advantages of going organic, from the health-conscious buyer wanting to eliminate unnatural chemicals in their diet to supporting the market-leading work of producers in animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
In light of renewed biosecurity threats for Australian farms, AOL has placed an order for more visitor signs branded with the Bud logo. The signs will remind visitors to consider biosecurity threats before entering the property, as well as informing guests that they are entering a certified organic property or paddock where specific treatment and harvesting practices may be in place.
Australian Organic Limited’s inaugural Conference was held in Brisbane on 21-22 July, with approximately 200 delegates gathering to discuss change and transformation in the organics industry. The two-day event covered a breadth of pressing topics in the organics space, including supply chains & traceability, climate change, sustainable packaging, soil & biologicals, consumer trends and much more.
The AIFST21 Convention will now be held as a virtual event over four days in October.
AOL has been invited to discuss with 3rd Year Food Science students the recent research it commissioned the School of Agriculture and Food at the University of Melbourne to conduct.
Entrepreneurs from all over the globe are invited to come together online for three days of insights and advice from US and NZ business leaders who will help companies large and small “up your game,” whether you are adjusting to the new environment, seeking to export or in a position to grow a healthy sustainable business.
The final round of the Australian Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants program is now open, with $13 million in grants over two years to help farmers and land managers improve their understanding and management of their soil.