The organic industry is booming in Western Australia (WA) with the demand for products exceeding supply. With concerns about food safety, health, the environment and the sustainability of our food production systems more Western Australians are choosing organically and biodynamically produced food.

The peak body for the industry in Western Australia, the Organic Growers Association, will host the first Organic & Biodynamic Conference in Western Australia on June 6th and 7th in Mandurah. The conference will be of great interest to farmers, consumers, health professionals and others. Farmers, scientists and other experts include Scott Kinear from Victoria and Jan Denham from New South Wales who will speak on organic and biodynamic farming practices, certification and labelling, quality assurance and marketing.

A choice of a tour to organic olive and wine growers including lunch and tastings or an intensive workshop on soil testing are running on the Saturday. An exhibition by input suppliers and an organic dinner are included in the conference allowing lots of opportunity for invaluable networking.

The conference is part of a Green Skills' project to develop the organic industry in Western Australia. Funding bodies include the Department of Transport & Regional Services, the Department of Agriculture and the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation.