Australian Organic has developed a three year, $1.2 million program to help the industry keep up with the domestic and international increase in demand.
Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is contributing 40 per cent of the funds, and the remainder necessary for the project will be provided by Australian Organic.
The funds will go towards a horticulture industry development officer, who will educate and support growers with Australian Certified Organic certification.
According to the Australian Organic Market Report 2012, fruit and vegetables are the most commonly bought organic item and researchers IBISWorld predicts organic farming will double in five years.
Australian Organic’s Commercial General Manager Joanne Barber said the certified organic horticulture sector needs help to grow and to be financially sustainable.
Barber said, “We are seeing a lot of large conventional businesses growing certified organic vegetables. We are also seeing small to medium size farms struggling to keep up with demand for consistent supply of products, particularly to the major retailers.
“The HAL funding is significant. It will give the industry a considerable boost because up until now there isn’t much development support for organic growers,” she said.
“The funding will help certified organic farmers in Australia establish sound business plans and it will encourage new growers to the industry. Certified organic vegetables have a really bright future and it’s great that we will now be in the position to enable more farmers to grow organically."
It takes three years for a farmer to achieve organic certification and they are audited every year to ensure they comply with the Australian Certified Organic Standard.