Rules for Organic in Australia

"THE ORGANICS industry is finally to have a single standard that many hope will protect shoppers from being duped by false labels.

No longer a cottage industry, organics are worth $500million a year in Australia, with consumption growing at 25 per cent to 40 per cent every year.

"Organic water" is the product cited most often as making a mockery of the system, contributing to cynicism and distrust.

Australia does have a standard for exported organics, but not for domestic products so there is nothing to stop any producer claiming to be "organic". Even among foods that are certified organic, the system is not consistent. Australia has eight certifying groups, which use their own criteria.

Organic Federation of Australia chairman Andre Leu cites chickens and eggs that have been certified organic despite the use of synthetic amino acids, and organic water a product that he says no reputable organic standard anywhere in the world would allow."

Read the article