Organics and Bio Dynamics
In recent years there has been a trend towards the production
and sale of organic foods with the number of certified organic
operators in Australia growing by an estimated 200 percent between
2000 and 2003. The number of certified organic operators in Australia
(including farmers, processors, exporters and retailers) totalled
an estimated 2,340 in 2003. Despite this growth organic agriculture
still only represents about 2% of Australia’s national agricultural
production.
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The organics industry has developed from a broader social movement
based on concerns about the impact of man on the planet. In the
case of agriculture this includes concerns about the impact of
farming practices on the environment and about the use of various
chemicals and plant propagation methods on human health.
Australian farmers have a very good record of meeting national
and international standards relating to safe food production and
environmental management. Also mainstream produce is usually cheaper
than organic produce. Given these factors it is likely that organics
will remain a small percentage of the fresh produce market in
this country for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless the organics
industry is currently expanding and provides a valued choice for
the consumer. It also provides a niche marketing segment that
is particularly suited to smaller scale production and a marketing
edge for the retail industry that is always looking for new categories
to merchandise.
What is Organic Farming
Organic farmers do not use synthetic chemicals and they only
use natural breeding processes for plant propagation and seed
development. They also aim to achieve a balance with nature by
using methods and materials that have a low impact on the overall
environment.
What’s the difference between Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture?
While organic farming is known for its avoidance of synthetic
chemicals, biodynamic farming is even more stringent. Biodynamic
farming aims to achieve “self sufficiency” by generating
fertilizers for crops and food for animals through natural processes
that regenerate the farm system.
Biodynamics grew out of a series of lectures by Austrian scientist
and philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924. "Biodynamic agricultural
principles emphasize living soil, the farm as a wholistic organism,
and note both the visible and invisible forces that create a healthy
eco-system". Other references relating to the development
and principles of the biodynamic movement may be obtained at www.demeter.org.au
How do I know if it is Organic ?
Organic industry bodies advise consumers that, to be completely
sure that food is organic or bio dynamic, they need to ensure
it is “Certified”.
“Certified” growers are inspected annually by independent
certifying organisations that inspect against a set of organic
or biodynamic standards. Growers, wholesalers and retailers can
be certified. All certifying organisations require producers to
identify their products with their certification number and for
retailers to display these numbers to the public. This ensures
that there is a transparent system of tracing all organic products
to their farms of origin.
What is certification?
There are two main types of organic certification. These are:
Certified Organic or Bio Dynamic (producers have
been monitored by their certifying organisation for three or more
years and have satisfied the organisation that they are meeting
required standards).
Certified in Conversion (the producer has been
monitored for one year or more, or has not yet achieved the dynamic
ecosystem required for certified Organic or Bio Dynamic status).
Will certified organic or biodynamic produce cost more?
Certified produce is generally more expensive than mainstream
produce. Factors contributing to this include the smaller scale
of production, more intensive farming resulting in higher labour
costs and certification and marketing costs. Organic supporters
maintain that organic food costs less as its production has less
long term social cost (ie impact on the environment and health).
Do you need to wash certified produce?
All produce should be washed before it is eaten regardless of
whether it is organic or mainstream. Airborne or other bacteria
or pathogens from soil, fertilisers, handling (by yourself and
others) may be present and washing is a simple and effective way
for the home cook to ensure good hygiene.
Is organic produce more nutritious?
Many people believe that organic produce is intrinsically good
because of it’s production method. There is also an increasing
body of published scientific research particularly from the organics
industry, that supports the view that organic produce may be more
nutritious and healthier. In general however, the predominant
view is that organic produce has not as yet been established scientifically
as any more nutritious than mainstream produce. Further information
on available research may be sourced from the references at the
end of this page.
Where are certified organic retailers located?
Fresh produce retailers that are certified to sell organic produce
and are registered with Marketfresh are noted in our searchable
retail guide on this website together with their certification
details.
Where do I get more information?
Further information may be obtained from the following;
“The Australian Organic Industry -A Summary “, published
by the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture Fisheries
and Forestry 2003 http://www.daff.gov.au/foodinfo
This reference provides a very comprehensive overview of the industry
in Australia.
Leu, Andre “The Benefits of Organic Food Heartwise”,
Organic Federation of Australia, www.ofa.org.au
This article provides a very good summary of scientific research
undertaken to date on the nutrition and health value of organic
and biodynamic produce.
Leu, Andre. “Organic Food Safety and Nutrients”, Well
Being Journal, Vol3 – No2, 2004, PO Box 739, North Bend,
WA 98045 USA www.wellbeingjournal.com
Other web references include:
www.demeter.org.au |
