Organic
certification standards don’t
stop at the farm. These standards also
ensure that processed foods are produced
without the use of synthetic additives,
such as artificial colourings, artificial
flavours, artificial preservatives and
other synthetic processing aids.
Transport and storage
issues are also regulated by organic
certification standards.
Any organic product
sold in the Australia must by law display
a certification symbol or number. When
you see an organic/biodynamic symbol,
you can be sure that the product complies
with minimum government standards. These
standards are set by AQIS and meet international
standards. There are various certification
bodies that certify products which are
available in Australia. Each certification
body has its own symbol.
If in doubt
Always check for the symbol/number
of recognised certification bodies.
Where produce is sold loose, proof of
certification must be available to consumers.
If the retailer cannot prove certification
of the produce being sold, then find
out who their supplier is and ask them
about their certification.
Certification
Authorities
Australian Certification Authorities -
Australian
Certified Organic (ACO)
Australian Certified Organic (ACO)
is Australia’s largest certifier
for organic and biodynamic produce
and has over 1500 operators within
its certification system. ACO is
a fully-owned subsidiary of Biological
Farmers of Australia (BFA)
The
National Association For Sustainable
Agriculture Australia Ltd (NASAA)
The National Association for
Sustainable Agriculture, Australia
(NASAA) is the nation's leading
organic certifier – focused
on providing quality, cost efficient
organic certification services.
With operations both in Australia
and Overseas, the company provides
certification and inspection services,
which assist in facilitating market
access throughout the world for
NASAA certifieds organic product.
PO Box 768, Stirling SA 5152
Ph 08 8370 8455 Fax 08 8370 8381
Website: www.nasaa.com.au
Organic
Growers Of Australia (OGA)
OGA audits and certifies more than
600 farmers and processors around
Australia. Members produce everything
from fruit and vegetables, to herbs,
tree and field crops, bush foods,
livestock and processed goods.
The oldest certification organisation
in Australia is the Bio-Dynamic
Research Institute (BDRI) which
administers the Demeter standard.
This organisation only certifies
Biodynamic produce.
PO Box 434, Mowbray Heights TAS
7248
Ph/ Fax 03 6266 0330
Regulatory
mark
NATIONAL
CERTIFIED REGULATORY MARK (VOLUNTARY)
Following the agreement of certifying
organisations, AQIS has recently
developed an ‘Australian Government
Certified’ regulatory mark.
The mark does not replace the logos
of certifying organisations but
will help provide greater assurance
for consumers wishing to purchase
certified organic and biodynamic
produce. While the mark is voluntary,
its use is governed by formal conditions
enforced by AQIS.
AQIS Australian Quarantine
& Inspection Service
Ph 02 6271 6638 Fax 02 6272 3238
