----- Forwarded by Danielle Cole/FACILITIES on 07/04/03 12:16 PM -----
"Cameron Little"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To:
"ecoliving-permaculture"
Sent by: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[EMAIL PROTECTED] cc:
.cat.org.au Subject:
[ecoliving-permaculture] Organic Vegetable
producers and input
suppliers needed!
07/04/03 11:09 AM
(Embedded image moved to file: pic11323.gif) New rule to ensure integrity of organic vegetables 3 July 2003 New organic production standards will soon be introduced to ensure all seeds and seedlings used in organic production are organically raised. On 1 January 2004 a clause, which has permitted organic producers unable to source organic seeds or seedlings to use conventionally produced material, will cease to exist. The Australian Organic Industry, in recognition of the potential issues organic vegetable producers may encounter in sourcing organic planting material, has commissioned a 6-month study to increase awareness of the new rule and determine industry needs. NSW Agriculture's organic industry liaison officer, Robyn Neeson and vegetable research horticulturist, Greg Howell will coordinate the Rural Industry Research and Development Corporation funded project. "The ultimate objective of the project will be to assist the industry to make the transition to fully organic seeds and seedlings as smooth as possible. And to do that we need to fully understand the current situation and plan for industry needs in the future," Ms Neeson said. The project will produce a database of organic vegetable producers and input suppliers of seeds, seedlings, fertilisers, pest control and other relevant products. It also plans to present the industry with a set of production guidelines for organic vegetable seedlings. The industry estimates up to 15 million organic vegetable seedlings are currently required each year. And with industry expansion estimated at 15 per cent annually this demand could increase significantly over the coming years. Ms Neeson said potential opportunities could come out of the new ruling. "The new rule will drive the suppliers of seed and seedlings to reconsider how their current production techniques comply with the requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce," she said. "While some may decide to cease supply to this market, others will see it as a market opportunity and diversify or expand their production. Organic seedling production will require the use of organically approved potting media, fertilisers and pesticides, and this requirement could lead to the development of new products." Industry representatives from NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia will be invited to attend information and networking workshops to learn more about the new rule and discuss issues which may affect their ability to meet its requirements. Organic producers and input suppliers who would like to be included in the database or participate in the workshops should contact Robyn Neeson or Greg Howell on (02) 6951 2611. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Issued by: Bernadette York, NSW Agriculture (02) 6391 3533 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.agric.nsw.gov.au/news/releases This message is intended for the addressee named and may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient or received it in error, please delete the message and notify sender. Views expressed are those of the individual sender and are not necessarily the views of their organisation.
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