11.10.05 - Press Release S.A. Organic Producers - back
Press Release
10 October 20005
Out of discussions at the recent International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) conference, the Organic Federation of Australia and Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia took the opportunity to conduct an Organic Industry Collaboration Forum. A number of certified organic/biodynamic grower/farmer forum participants determined that, in addition to structures for organizations and individual companies of industry, there was the need for structures for ‘grass roots’ organic producers.
This small group of certified organic/biodynamic growers/farmers are in the stage of founding a new ‘grass roots’ producer group in the form of a new branch of the Agricultural Bureau of SA Inc to primarily focus on organic/biodynamic agriculture.
The idea comes out of the need the organizers believe, for better networking in order to improve communication, to exchange ideas and experience, thoughts and problems as well as to act as one voice concerning representation of projects to other interested parties (certification bodies, government or market), but still maintaining individuality. After establishment one of the goals is to assist other farmers to come into the industry and to support them in their effort to gain certification.
There are about 160 certified members from different certification bodies in the state. The organizers hope to overcome the current fragmentation within the organic industry and to achieve a good turn out of interested growers at the first “get-together”.
This first meeting will be on the 23rd October 2005 at B.-d. Farm Paris Creek at Meadows in the Adelaide Hills from 10am to 3pm. Organic lunch will be provided. The idea is to lay the foundation of this new group incorporating all interested certified growers and establishing a group structure.
The aim is also to inspire young certified org / biodynamic farmers to work together, to get to know each other and to develop pride in their achievements in organic farming.
The group would like to set up this initial meeting to give certified farmers a voice and to listen to each other in their needs, so that the group can then develop further solutions to these needs rather then a prefabricated system.
For information please contact: 8528 5330, 8556 3456, 8388 3339.
