China Needs Organic Education

"A push for safe and clean food in Asian countries and China in particular, sees Chinese agents actively seeking organic producers in Australia for large volume and immediate orders; and could lead to a collaborative Chinese-Australian approach to biological farm training, says Craig Sobey, Chairman of the Central Victorian Organic Network (CVON). Mr. Sobey said while China is set to boom, farming remains central to their way of life in many provinces.

He says there is now strong government support for the development of biological farming systems that reduce the plaguing effects of chemical use, such as contaminated water and that Australia is seen by Chinese consumers as the a benchmark in the production of ‘safe food.’

“All our overseas marketing excursions have shown us that Australian produce in the eyes of an Asian consumer, is like the Volvo of food – there is absolute recognition of its safety,” he said.

“Asian pacific countries are very concerned about the potential of an unreliable food chain and risks this poses for their children. That’s driving up demand for products like Australian organic, but it’s also driving the need for a collaborated information network.”

Mr. Sobey said though it was in its early infancy, there were plans underway for a project that could see Chinese agricultural students study biological systems in Australia."

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