Australia
February 28, 2007
What a difference 20 years makes.
The Biological Farmers of
Australia (BFA) has, like lines on the wall marking a
child’s growth spurts, marked its progress and growth as an
organisation. And this year, in 2007, BFA celebrates 20 years.
After two decades of organic advocacy, policy making and
standard setting, the BFA has reached a level of maturity and
influence which even the passionate originators could not have
envisaged.
Today the BFA is Australia`s main representative grouping of
organic and biodynamic interests with over 1200 members, 1600
certified organic operations and over 70% of Australia’s organic
produce estimated to carry the BFA/ ACO famous Bud logo.
‘What we’ve tried to do is to remove the mystique, make organics
mainstream,’ said Doug Haas, current Chairman of BFA since 1997.
‘Organics has to be commercially realistic and viable, otherwise
it won’t work. You have to let an industry grow; you can’t put a
lid on it. Over the last decade or so, we’ve become commercially
focused. What was a cottage industry has become a commercial
reality, which is great for many of us and those who choose
organics.
‘Our membership of primary producers and processors has
increased three fold over the years. Plus, the BFA group now
certifies approximately 70% of all of Australia’s organic
industry and that’s significant.
Mr. Haas says the rationalization of certification bodies and
greater economies of scale that BFA has achieved over the years
has allowed the BFA to spend money on services to members. ‘For
example, we have had the successful production of the Australian
Organic Journal and Australian Organic Business since 2002. Plus
there’s the popular fortnightly e-zine, The Organic Advantage.
‘Our funds allow us to run a number of workshops (sometimes
called roadshows) around Australia – from Cairns to Perth for
the benefit of all industry. We believe in developing the
industry as a whole.’
The development of standards has come a long way since the
original AQIS national standard in 1991. The most current
version is Australian Organic Standard (AOS) 2006.
Chair of BFA’s Standards Sub-committee, Dr Andrew Monk, says ‘it
is vital that the organic standard remains in industry members’
hands and is driven by those members. BFA has done this and with
additional resourcing and input from industry we will see this
remain.’
‘The increased focus on consumers and retailers is a healthy
sign for our organisation and sector as it’s where our money
comes from. It’s no use if no one buys organics. Our change of
branding some years ago from BFA to ‘Australian Certified
Organic’ with the Bud logo is about focus on the consumer and
keeping it simple.’
‘The proof is always in the organic pudding – and it has a Bud
logo emblazoned on it and is enjoyed by the majority of our fine
organic sector members. This pudding continues to grow and
that’s good news for all’, says Dr Monk. |
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