Two of Australia’s largest organic certifying bodies have decided that they will unite, in a milestone achievement reached over 4 years of mutual cooperation.

The Organic Growers of Australia Certified Ltd. (OGA), one of the largest certifying bodies for organics in Australia, on Sunday 29th October held its Annual General Meeting where an almost unanimous majority of members voted ‘YES’ to the move into the Biological Farmers of Australia Co-op Ltd. Group (BFA).

The BFA is Australia’s leading and largest member body for organics in Australia, and its subsidiary Australian Certified Organic, prior to this merge, certified over half of Australia’s certified organic operators.

The BFA Chairman Doug Haas said “The organic industry has now witnessed the strongest and most important coming together for the benefit of all. It was a pleasure to be involved in this great decision for BFA and OGA and particularly working with a group which bases its policies in the interests of the smaller growers.”

Pierce Cody, owner of the largest independent retailer of certified organics within Australia, says it is fantastic news. “There are currently 7 certification bodies in Australia which for a relatively small market causes considerable confusion and doubling up of resources, placing extra pressure on our fledgling industry. It is pleasing to see that two certifiers have been able to work together to deliver some much needed rationalisation of Industry. Of course we are very keen to see further of this rationalisation occur.”

Based on Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) 2005 data, the new group will certify over 1600 operations; or approximately 70% of the industry’s organic operators.

Dr Andrew Monk, Chairman of the BFA Standards Subcommittee and Managing Director of Green Planet Holdings comments “Let us not forget that these organizations are not for profit, are set up by and for their membership, to serve the ideals of the organic movement and sector. This latest process of democratic decision has clearly highlighted where the support lies in relation to the best directions forward for our industry.”

The integration of OGA into the BFA group is expected to be completed over the next few months. At this present time the OGA standard will remain as a separate AQIS approved certification stream to ACO, managed under the umbrella of the BFA group.

Michael Blakeney, General Manager for BFA explains “Once the consolidation is complete, the OGA certification stream will provide certification to those small growers who wish to target farmers’ markets and retailers. Their produce will not be eligible for the export stream. Present OGA growers who wish to have product available for export will be required to have ACO certification.

Howard Rubin, Director of OGA says it is a win-win situation for all growers. “While OGA has over the years specialized in small grower certification, these growers have in practice been subsidizing the larger growers. Now we have created a system especially for them providing a reduction in fees and simple compliance system.

“Smaller growers subject to increasing costs with other certifying bodies will likely join and grow this new small growers’ scheme. It has been a long time coming and we really appreciate the cooperation between the two Boards for achieving this great result for all.”