A new Australian Standard is currently being developed for organic products, including processed foods, to govern the production, processing, marketing and transportation within the industry.
Standards Australia deputy chief executive Colin Blair said the new standard will provide clear definition of what is organic, as well as specify requirements for primary production, transport, storage, preparation, packaging and marketing of organic products.
Australia’s $500 million organic industry is currently self-regulated, with different groups adhering to variations of a standard developed by the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service for export.
The Standard is expected to be finalised in 2008 and will be initially introduced as a voluntary scheme.
The Council of Australia Primary Industry Ministers has indicated the new Australian Standard will form the basis of industry regulation.