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Organics and Bio-Dynamics Overview
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) regulates Organic Certification in Australian under its Organic and Bio-dynamic Program. AQIS in turn accredits independent organizations to operate organic certification schemes.
The Organic Federation of Australia (OFA) is not a certifier but is a peak industry body that provides a way of unifying all farmers, primary producers, industries and groups who operate within the organics industry.
Two of the most recognised certification bodies in Australia are BFA and NASSA.
Biological Farmers Assoc. (BFA) - www.bfa.com.au - has the certification standard 'Australian Certified Organic'
National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia Ltd (NASAA) - www.nasaa.com.au - has the following certification standard.
NASAA is an international association of organic operators. Operators... 'endeavour to use sustainable organic agricultural practices, which maintain a balance of productivity with low impact on the environment, thus preserving the ecological quality of the land for future use.'
NASAA Organic Standards:
This Standard comprises four sections. They outline the:
GENERAL PRINCIPLES behind organic agriculture
RECOMMENDATIONS which should be put into place where appropriate.
STANDARDS are the minimum requirements which must be met, and the
DEROGATIONS represent possible exceptions to a standard
AIMS AND PRINCIPLES (edited extract)
Healthy soil is the prerequisite for healthy plants, animals and products. The maintenance of soil health by ecologically sound means is at the heart of organic production systems and consequently production systems not based on soil (eg hydroponic systems) are not acceptable under the organic Standard.
4) To maintain and increase long term productivity of soil;
5) To promote wise use of land, water and vegetation and minimise off farm effects of agriculture on aquatic and terrestrial systems;
6) To foster local and regional production and distribution;
7) To use renewable resources as much as possible;
8) To maintain and increase long-term fertility and biological activity of soils using locally adapted cultural, biological and mechanical methods as opposed to input reliance;
9) To maintain and encourage agricultural and natural biodiversity on the farm and surrounds through sustainable production systems and protection of plant and wildlife habitats;
10) To provide balanced nutrients, optimise opportunities to cycle nutrients within the farm, to recycle nutrients and energy that leave the farm or other farms in food and fibre products that are not consumed (i.e. organic waste containing energy and nutrients), with the aim of feeding the soil ecosystem;
12) To maintain or increase as appropriate the genetic diversity of domesticated and native plants, animals and other organisms on the farm (this precludes the use of Genetic Engineering)
13) To allow everyone involved in organic production a quality of life to cover their basic needs and obtain adequate return and satisfaction from their work, including a safe working environment;
14) To progress towards an entire organic production chain, which is both socially just and ecologically responsible; and
15) To recognise the importance of and protect and learn from, indigenous knowledge and traditional farming systems.
The Organic Management Plan (OAP) is the first step in the certification process. The plan outlines procedures for reducing or eliminating risks associated with certification and identifies opportunities to achieve the objectives of organic aims and principles. It describes the method of monitoring these procedures and resultant performances to ensure ongoing compliance to this Standard. It needs to include a description of the operating conditions and an explanation of how each of the following points will be addressed and monitored (where applicable):
Soil management
The principal aim of nutrient management on organic farms is to supply nutrients to the plant via the soil rather than directly to the plant. For example, permitted fertilisers are assimilated into the soil by soil organisms and the nutrients slowly released to the plants.
Fertility management
Material of microbial, plant or animal origin shall form the basis of the fertility program. Nutrients and fertility enhancing products shall be applied in a way that protects soil, water quality and biodiversity. Fertilisers and soil conditioners shall be limited to Composted Animal Manures (Certified Organic), Fish Fertilisers made from uncontaminated inland pest fish, Seaweed fertilisers from uncontaminated seaweed collected under licence, Composted Mushroom compost, Certified mulches.
Soil erosion
with particular attention to active gully erosion and riparian areas
Crop rotations
Weed management
Pest management
Synthetic pesticides, including insecticides, fungicides, miticides and herbicides, are prohibited from use. Metaldehyde in traps for slugs and snails is prohibited.
Disease management
Windbreaks and buffer zones
Biodiversity
Animal health
Water management
Organic farming methods aim to maintain water quality on and off the farm and to use water efficiently and responsibly, whether in irrigated or rain fed farming systems.
Other Obligations
1. 5% of Organic farmland has to be set aside for perennial grasses and trees/shrubs
2. Clearing of native vegetation for new crop farming or grazing land is prohibited.
3. No GMO products
Bio-Dynamics
Bio-dynamics is often referred to as ‘advanced organic farming’. It is chemical free and is based on the dynamic interplay of soil life, using appropriate land management practices that are in harmony with nature. Developed in Europe by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, it was brought to Australia in 1951.
The Bio-Dynamic Research Institute was founded in 1957, and is involved in research of the Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Method. In 1967 it was vested with the rights and supervision of the DEMETER Trademark in Australia. Part of this role is the certification of DEMETER quality products. This activity is recognised by the Australian Government through the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) which audits Organic and Bio-Dynamic Standards to meet international requirements.
Demeter is the Goddess of the harvest and fertility. www.demeter.org.au/about.html
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