Abstract
Organic/biodynamic production is a system that rests upon a broad range of
philosophical and practical action strategies, which directly contribute to a
healthy biosphere and people. It does not use synthetic chemicals, artificial
high input fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. In fact, it
promotes enhanced biological activity through integrated management in its
pathway to sustainability.
There is a dramatic global shift towards organic/sustainable agricultural
systems and it is a significant emerging agricultural industry in Australia.
Currently, Australia has close to 2000 certified organic producers, processors
and retailers of organic food and fiber products. They operate in diverse
industries, including grains and pulses, horticulture, viticulture, beef and
pork, dairy and honey. Collectively these enterprises account for products
estimated to be valued at $180 million annually at the farm gate.
Organic markets are emerging worldwide, mainly in response to the increasing
consumer concerns about food health and safety, and a community desire for
sustainable food production. With an almost unprecedented demand for a
commodity in scarce supply, marketing opportunities abound, but an equally
serious challenge to the organic industry is shaping a sustainable future and
bringing all sectors of the community with it. Challenges of addressing the
growing sophistication of an informed consumer, the rapid loss of natural
resources, rural viability and terms of trade are big questions for Australia,
which in part are now addressed by organic agriculture. Notwithstanding its
successes, the research and development needs of the growing organic sector
are enormous.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
- The number of certified organic farms in Australia and their location.
- Different kinds of agricultural products that are grown or produced on
certified organic farms.
- What are the characteristics of the operators of certified organic farms?
- What type of relationships do organic farmers have with these downstream
supply chain businesses?
- The type of involvement the farmers have, or wish to have, in
collaborative forms of marketing.
- The ongoing growth of the world' s most rapidly expanding food sector.
- How might the marketplace adapt to alternative supply models?
- How does Organic Agriculture best illustrate the many improvements
required in natural resource management, particularly in the Australian
environment?
- Alternative production and supply chain models that might prove beneficial
in breathing life back into rural communities?
- How can policymakers use the shift, so successfully illustrated in organic
agriculture, as a model for innovative economic and social changes?
REPORT FEATURES
The organic agriculture industry in Australia is certainly more than the sum
of its farmers. It is composed of processors, retailers, input providers,
certifying organizations, and a range of other individuals and organizations.
Yet, sustainable agriculture, both in Australia and globally, originated with
the voluntary efforts of like-minded farmers. It was their innovation that
provided the base for the vibrant industry evident today. The aim of this
report is to provide a profile of the Australian organic industry at the farm
level. Chapter 3 sets out to answer the assessment and review of Australian
organic sales and production. As you proceed with Chapter 4, the report
addresses organic food supply chain and marketing. The sound management of its
supply chain relationships. Ensuring that relationships between farmers and
other supply chain members are well structured. Providing meaningful feedback
on market needs is crucial to establishing and sustaining demand-focused
supply chains.
Chapter 5 examines how processors, wholesalers, and distributors
(post-farm-gate supply chain participants), view the sustainable agriculture
industry and its development. It also examines the role processors,
wholesalers and distributors currently play, and how they see the future.
Chapter 6 reports consumer trends and profiles. Chapter 7 discusses organic
food exports and import indicators and what certifying organization labels are
displayed on organic produce sold in stores in Australia. As the reader goes
through chapter 8, the report contains organic food in overseas market.
Legislative framework and regulations are discussed in chapter 9 and finally
chapter talks about government initiatives and assistance.
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