Glossary

Organic

A plant grown without the use of chemicals, artificial fertilisers or hormones, an animal raised and fed on chemical-residue-free pastures and feed, dairy products from cattle that have been raised organically. Due to the absence of a uniform system for classifying organic products, the term is generally used to define any product that has not been contaminated by chemicals or chemical residues, usually raised or cultivated on land that has been chemical-free for over ten to fifteen years – in some cases thirty. All organic produce however must be certified by one of the certification bodies currently operating in Australia or the country of origin. Standards cover fresh fruit and vegetables, fruit juices, jams, other processed foods, all animal products, grains and nuts, and other goods. The national producer certification schemes currently operating in Australia are: The Biodynamic Research Institute (BDRI) which carries the Demeter label, the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA), the Organic Herb Growers of Australia (OHGA), and the Organic Vignerons Association Of Australia Inc (OVAA). These five associations are members of the Organic Produce Advisory Committee (OPAC). The national standards for organic produce that have been ratified by the Department of Primary Industries dictate that produce be assigned levels in accordance with the producer certification organisations. Biodynamic Research Institute (BDRI), which administers the Demeter standard. This organisation only certifies Biodynamic produce and is the oldest organic/bio-dynamic body in Australia.