In an Australian first, global logistics company 20cube has been certified to handle and transport organic products both domestically and internationally.
The National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA) has partnered with 20cube as part of its efforts to boost domestic and export opportunities for Australian organic produce, particularly in China.
NASAA general manager Ben Copeman said the 20cube deal NASAA will offer organic producers complete product integrity from the paddock to the retailer’s shelf.
“NASAA Certified Operators can now have all their certifications including NASAA, NOP, JAS, Chinese and Korean completed in one annual inspection by one inspector at the one time representing significant savings in time, logistics and expenses.
“We can offer the distribution and outlets in China via our partnerships with CHC (Beijing WuYuHuaXia Management and Technique Center) and the Chinese Chamber of International Commerce, and can now deliver real supply chain visibility with 20cube,” he said.
“This deal will also help to enhance Australia’s reputation for clean and green food production with China’s rising middle class, who are demanding more Western-style, luxury food.”
20cube director, consulting and supply chain solutions John McNally said company employees had completed the same certification course as NASAA inspectors and last year carried out 30 biosecurity inspections in 14 countries.
“We understand the investment organic producers make to maintain their organic certification. They expect the supply chain will maintain the integrity of their products and demand the highest standards from their logistics and distribution partners,” he said.
In August 2014, long term NASAA employee, Wenpeng You was approved to undertake organic inspections within Australia for all organic categories: Plant Production, Processing, Animal Breeding and Aquaculture.
You is one of only a handful of inspectors who are approved to inspect to all four organic categories, and he is the first outside China to gain approval to inspect products according to Chinese regulations.