When you’re strolling through the aisles of your local supermarket, you might feel a sense of satisfaction as you reach for products stamped with the ‘organic’ label. It’s a choice that feels good for your health and the environment. But what if that label wasn’t as trustworthy as you thought? It turns out, Australian consumers who pay a premium for ‘organic’ goods might not be getting what they bargained for.
Currently, in Australia, the term ‘organic’ can be used liberally, without producers having to meet any specific standards or certifications when selling domestically. This has led to a marketplace where falsely labelled ‘organic’ products are, unfortunately, rife on the shelves, leaving shoppers in the dark about the true nature of their purchases.
The issue has caught the attention of the Coalition, which is urging the Albanese government to back a bill introduced to the federal parliament. This bill aims to establish a legal definition for ‘organic’ and restrict its use to goods that genuinely meet the criteria.
Sonya Dowling, an organic poultry producer from Enviroganic Farm in New South Wales, has witnessed firsthand the confusion and deception this lack of regulation causes. She’s seen her business name used on non-supplied chicken, misleading consumers who trust the ‘organic’ label and are willing to pay more for what they believe to be a superior product.
This isn’t just a problem for poultry. It extends to cosmetics, fruits, vegetables, and a range of other goods. The absence of a mandatory domestic standard means that products sold within Australia can claim to be ‘organic’ without being certified or containing 100% organic ingredients. This contrasts sharply with the stringent national standard for exported organic goods, which requires producers to have their practices audited and certified by an accredited body.
The proposed legislation would bring the export standard home, making it a mandatory requirement for all goods sold in Australia. This would not only protect consumers but also benefit genuine organic producers. Jackie Brian, CEO of Australian Organic Limited, points out that Australia is the last developed country without domestic regulation for its organics industry. A national standard would level the playing field for certified organic operators who currently face unfair competition from those making false claims.
Moreover, aligning domestic and export standards could simplify the process for producers looking to sell their goods internationally. Currently, Australian organic products are not always recognised as equivalent by major trading partners due to the lack of a domestic regulatory framework.
Despite the clear benefits, the path to a domestic standard has been rocky, with internal politics among organic groups and government hesitation cited as obstacles. However, with potential support from the Greens and a government inquiry set to report back soon, there’s hope for progress.
Most organic retailers, producers, and even the peak body for the Australian wine industry have expressed support for a domestic standard. The agriculture department acknowledges the need for regulation to build consumer trust and prevent unfair claims. Yet, concerns about the financial impact on smaller operators have been raised. The Coalition’s bill proposes a three-year transition period for certification and exempts operators with an annual turnover of less than $25,000 to mitigate these concerns.
As we await the government’s stance, it’s clear that the call for clearer rules around ‘organic’ and other ‘green’ terms is growing louder. Erin Turner, chief executive of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, emphasises the need for clarity to avoid consumer confusion and ensure that ‘organic’ means genuinely organic.
Have you ever felt misled by ‘organic’ labels? What are your thoughts on the need for a domestic standard for organic products in Australia? We’d love to hear your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
Also read: Alcohol and cancer: Is it time for warning labels in Australia?
