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The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) und the Foundation Ecology and Agriculture (SÖL) will present the latest statistics about organic agriculture worldwide at BioFach 2008. The results of this year’s study titled “The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics and Emerging Trends 2008” will be presented at the world’s largest trade fair for organic products on Friday February 22nd 2008 at 10:00 in Room Shanghai. The study shows that 30.4 million hectares are currently certified according to organic standards (data as at the end of 2006). Australia continues to account for the largest certified organic surface area, with 12.3 million hectares, followed...

Within the organic sector, it remains important that innovation and enterprise be recognised and rewarded where appropriate. I have already commented on the importance and functionality of the producers cooperative, particularly in marginal economies where establishment costs of farming equipment and primary infrastructure might be shared amongst several members. The additional benefits of this model might include the ability to distribute practical agricultural knowledge and experience and to negotiate improved terms of trade. Producer Cooperatives in prosperous regions often have the additional resources which enable them to undertake more sophisticated operations. This might include capacity to engage specialist technical consultants, managerial...

A recent decision by Australia’s Victorian and New South Wales State Governments to allow the planting of GE herbicide tolerant canola represents a significant blow for both Australia’s organic industry and those seeking out alternatives to Genetically Engineered food. “The announcement today by Victorian and NSW governments that they will allow the planting of Genetically Engineered food crops next year is a major affront to the organic food industry, and in turn consumers in Australia”, said Scott Kinnear, BFA GMO spokesperson today. “The planting of GE herbicide tolerant canola will make it impossible to know whether organic or non-GE farmers are at risk, where GE canola has been planted and its pollen remains...

Christmas is approaching quickly so it’s probably time to begin stocking up on the organically certified snack and finger foods. I’ve decided to avoid most of the unhealthy ones this year. These include salt laden chips, peanuts, toffee, marshmallow, and those syrupy rum balls which Granddad likes. To avoid harsh judgments from all and sundry, it’s important to come up with alternative snacks which reasonable minded people will accept and enjoy. Here’s a list which comes readily to mind. Rice crackers offer a healthy alternative to potato chips. These authentic Japanese snacks are baked instead of fried, consequently they rate low in the unhealthy saturated fats. Better brands depend on natural ingredients like seaweed,...

This weekend Australians will vote in the 2007 Federal election. A vote for the status quo – John Howard’s conservative government – will ensure Australia continues to ignore the global imperative to reduce carbon emissions and its need to behave in an ecologically responsible manner. It was only a matter of months ago that John Howard publicly challenged the notion and validity of climate change and global warming. Not surprisingly the Howard Government will, if re-elected, continue with its plans to mine and export uranium. They have also signalled their clear intention to build nuclear power stations within Australia. Perhaps most alarmingly, the current Government’s policies, which clearly favour large multinationals, have the potential...