Page 19 - Food&Drink Magazine May 2022

widely used and understood by many of Australia’s organic operators. Additionally, our current trade framework is founded on the Australian Government owned standard.
Implementing the National Standard at the domestic level will solve the three big issues facing the organic industry – consumer confidence, operator credibility and market access.
PATH TO REGULATION
Since February 2019, AOL has been working with the Australian Government, relevant departments and agencies, as well as industry stakeholders to advocate for domestic regulation of the organic industry.
The first major step towards domestic regulation was achieved in December 2020, with the establishment of the Organic Industry Advisory Group (OIAG), consisting of producers and organic industry stakeholders. The OIAG met regularly in the first six months
of 2021, with a significant majority identifying legislation as the preferred option for domestic regulation.
Since that time, a formal consultative process
involving the OIAG, as well as industry and consumers, has taken place. This has included public consultation via business and consumer surveys and roundtable meetings with organic and boarder industry stakeholders.
In February 2022, a regulation impact statement process was announced, allowing stakeholders the opportunity to have their say on the regulation options put forward.
A report collating the responses to the consultative process is being finalised by the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, however as the federal election has now been called, all government departments are in caretaker
mode, and the
outcomes are not expected to be released until later this year.
The steps taken so far are positive for Australia’s organic industry, and also for the many consumers who are actively seeking a lifestyle supported by genuine and authentic organic products.
On behalf of its members, AOL looks forward to the recommendations and the successful implementation of domestic regulation for the organic industry.
In the absence of a mandatory domestic standard, AOL strongly encourages consumers
to check the
product label
for organic
certification. The ‘Bud’ certification logo is the most trusted organic logo in Australia and is recognised by 62 per cent of shoppers and can be found on more than 32,000 products across supermarkets, bottle shops and local farmers markets.
More information about domestic regulation of the organic industry is available at austorganic.com/industry/ domestic-regulation. ✷
www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au | May 2022 | Food&Drink business | 19