Work to develop an Australian standard for organic products, including fruit and vegetables, meat and processed foods, has started and is expected to be finalised in 2008.
Deputy chief executive from Standards Australia, Colin Blair, said the Australian Standard would provide a framework for the organic industry and would deal with production, processing, marketing and transportation.
“It will also provide clear definitions of what is organic and what is not,” Blair said.
“This new Australian Standard will clear up the confusion once and for all.
“This will be the first Australian Standard for the domestic organic market and once complete it will have widespread industry, consumer and government support,” he said.
At its first meeting on 7 May the Committee developing the new Australian Standard agreed to:
• use the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service organic standard currently used for export as the base for the new Australian Standard for the domestic industry
• reassess the balance of the committee developing the Standard to ensure that all key stakeholders are represented.
