Australian Organic Limited
Celebrating 3 Years As the Peak Industry Body
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Contents Executive Summary
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Key Achievements & Milestones: 2018
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2018 Highlights
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Key Achievements & Milestones: 2019
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2019 Highlights
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Key Achievements & Milestones: 2020
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2020 Highlights
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Key Achievements & Milestones: 2021
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2021 Highlights
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This publication has been produced for members and associates of Australian Organic Limited.
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Australian Organic Limited Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body We’re excited to celebrate with you our 3 years as Peak Industry Body! In the 2017 AGM, Australian Organic Limited members voted to demerge from our certification subsidiary to pursue the pathway to becoming the peak industry body. On 1 July 2018, Australian Organic Limited (AOL) was officially its own entity and since then has worked tirelessly to support its members and the broader industry to reach its full potential. When looking back over the past three years it is astonishing to see how far the organisation has progressed; from a young, eager advocacy body making its way in Canberra, to today, engaged at the highest levels with Ministers across many Departments along with a plethora of respected Industry counterparts. AOL wouldn’t be the strong representative body without the support of its Members and when we say members we mean those who proudly display the Bud logo on your business, your product and your profile. Every member displaying the Bud logo supports the progress of this amazing industry on issues that matter. AOL advocates on behalf of your business every day through consistent, measured progress towards domestic regulatory reform; negotiating biosecurity changes with organic interests in mind; supplying data and information to support trade negotiations; investing in consumer and commercial research; supporting operators when it matters; and facilitating discussion through industry led committees protecting the interests and future of our diverse and maturing industry. AOL also hosts extraordinary activities and campaigns developed to promote the industry, such as Australia’s largest organic campaign, Australian Organic Awareness Month; the only Organic Industry Awards of its kind; the refreshed Organic Schools Program; four purpose-built websites and new member portal; social media networks for Industry, Consumer, Education & Trade; in conjunction with regular information sharing though emails, and our quarterly industry e-magazine. Yes, we have come far, but we still have far to go. Australian Organic Limited, your organisation, will continue to promote and protect the interests of its members and the organic industry. AOL thanks you for your support these last 32 years. We promise to work tirelessly to give value back to the industry that supported us. Enjoy the pages that follow, it’s certainly been a privilege to represent you.
Niki Ford Chief Executive Officer Australian Organic Limited
Martin Meek Chairman Australian Organic Limited
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
Key Achievements & Milestones: 2018 After the demerge from its subsidiary certification arm, Australian Organic Limited began its work towards becoming peak industry body.
July AOL Board meeting, VFF Melbourne
August Open Forum Board and Industry Meetings, Brisbane AICD training: NFP Capacity Building Governance Workshop #1 AOL Board meeting, Brisbane
September Australian Organic Awareness Month 2018 (AOAM): • Woolworths & Coles retail partnership / 350 independent retail POS activations • Ambassadors Luke Hines & Lola Berry / Luke Hines Studio 10 appearance • Bud Organic Club launched : Australia’s largest organic consumer platform • Trade Membership established AOL Board meeting, virtual
October Open Forum Board and Industry Meetings, Sydney AICD training: NFP Capacity Building Governance Workshop #2 AOL Board meeting, Brisbane
November AOL AGM, Canberra / New Director: Leo Watling AOL Advisory Committees established 5th Annual Industry Awards evening AFGC Membership National Biosecurity forum: AOL represented organic industry AOL Board meeting, Brisbane & Canberra
December New General Manager: Niki Ford AOL Board meeting, Brisbane
Australian Organic Limited
2018 Highlights
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
Key Achievements & Milestones: 2019 2019 saw a successful array of events and achievements including establishing a new Chairman, CEO and Board members, establishing key partnerships and memberships with industry organisations, hosting industry forums and events including the 6th Annual Industry Awards, and the launch of the 2019 Australian Organic Market Report.
January New Chair - Martin Meek AOL Board meeting, Brisbane AOL Member visit: Greater Sydney & Greater Melbourne Woolworths & Coles organic industry engagement
February New Director - Bernadette Favis AOL Board meeting, Brisbane NFF Membership established AOL Industry Forum: Export Organics First meeting with DAWE regarding domestic regulation First meeting with Opposition: Joel Fitzgibbon regarding domestic regulation ACCC - Misleading Claims submission
March International Trade visit to USA: established relationships with international counterparts OISCC meeting attendance
April AOL Board meeting, virtual AOL Member visit to Toowoomba & surrounds
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May AOL Board meeting, Brisbane Australian Organic Market Report 2019 NFF Members Council AOL Member visit: Melbourne Woolworths Marketing team engagement Naturally Good Expo: AOL stand and speaker seminar
June AOL Board meeting, virtual OISCC meeting attendance
July AOL appoints Niki Ford as first Chief Executive Officer AOL facilitates first meeting between organic growers & DAWE Biosecurity teams regarding Grain Import Crisis Technical Advice provided to industry on Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) contamination issue KPMG & Grain Growers Sustainability Framework: AOL represents organic industry Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Grain; Horticulture; Vigneron; Allowed Input; Livestock; Emerging Gene Technology
August AOL Member visit: Western Australia & South Australia AOL Industry Forum: Retail Ready (SA) WA Government discussions regarding domestic regulation AOL lobbies Minister for Industry on proposed Gene Technology amendments & domestic regulation discussion Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Vigneron & Emerging Gene Technology
September Australian Organic Awareness Month 2019 (AOAM): • Woolworths & Coles retail partnership • 500 independent retail POS activations • Ambassadors Luke Hines & Elle Halliwell / LIVE TV Studio 10 with Luke Hines • BBQ at Parliament House with 80 Parliamentarians • ACOCL & AUS-QUAL certification body sponsors • Bud Organic Club gains nearly 2,000 sign-ups New Director: Sonya Dowling OISCC meeting attendance KPMG & Grain Growers Sustainability Framework # 2: AOL represents organic industry AOL lobbies Shadow Trade Minister on proposed Gene Technology Amendments Domestic regulations discussions with Qld Government & Minister McKenzie
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
2019 continued October New Director: Iain Scholes Andrew Monk & Quentin Kennedy retire as Directors after 50 years of combined service Niki Ford guest speaker at 4th China Special Food Conference AOL Industry Forum: Connecting With Your Consumer (VIC, NSW, QLD) AOL engages FSANZ in discussion regarding domestic regulation pathways Advisory Committees facilitated: Vigneron & Horticulture OISCC meeting attendance
November License Agreement signed with ACOCL & AUS-QUAL AOL AGM in Melbourne 5 Year Strategic Plan delivered to AOL members 6th Annual Industry Awards evening in Melbourne Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Allowed Inputs & Emerging Gene Technology
December Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Vigneron & Livestock NSW Government discussions regarding domestic regulation ACCC meeting regarding misleading claims Southern Cross University visit with Professor Carlo Leifert and research team
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2019 Highlights
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
Key Achievements & Milestones: 2020 At the beginning of 2020, Australia witnessed the devastating impacts of the Black Summer bushfires and flooding, before the world came to a halt with the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these events, AOL continued to support the resilient organic industry which saw significant growth as consumers turned towards healthy alternatives.
January AOL forms emergency taskforce for Bushfire Crisis Parliament House Ministerial Roundtables: Bushfires (AOL represents industry) Industry web page featuring Gov & Standard FAQs & Certification Fact Sheet: Fire Retardant General Advice AOL Member visit to South Australia AUS-QUAL Licence training Biosecurity plant stakeholders meeting, Canberra: AOL invited to represent industry AOL engages Minister Sukkar’s office in discussion regarding Information Standard as a pathway to domestic regulation AOL team volunteer at Foodbank, Brisbane
February AOL Member visit to Far North Queensland and Tasmania Tasmanian Government discussions regarding domestic regulation TOP and Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association meeting OISCC meeting attendance ABC Organic Gardener partnership established
March COVID-19: AOL operations & events go virtual with COVID-19 resources on website Trade Organic website and export program launched First meeting with Minister Littleproud that launched the domestic regulatory review process Parliament House Ministerial Roundtables for COVID-19: AOL represents industry NFF weekly COVID-19 telecom: AOL lobbies for agricultural workers & ‘essential’ status for certification and auditing Victoria Government discussions regarding domestic regulation E-magazine relaunched: Australian Organic Connect Issue 1 Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Allowed Input
April ABC Landline episode recorded at AOL office with Niki Ford ATMAC Grant formalised Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Horticulture
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May Industry webinar series launched: Getting Social Savvy; Surviving COVID-19 AOL Podcast launched: Australian Organic Collective New AOL 5 Year Strategic Plan finalised AOL provides support to DFAT regarding organic trade opportunities: UK FTA OISCC meeting attendance
June AOL Domestic Regulation Discussion Paper delivered to Minister Littleproud & Treasury highlighting importance of regulatory reform & potential pathways Industry webinars: Going Digital; Using Customer Feedback to Grow Your Business Domestic regulation mentioned in NFF’s Get Australia Growing Policy Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Grain ACTask Force meeting facilitated: Fire Crisis CEO Niki Ford awarded NFF DiALP Niki Ford appointed to the ACCC Agriculture Consultative Committee OISCC meeting attendance: AOL presents domestic regulation work to committee members Australian Organic Connect Issue 2 published ABC Landline episode airs on TV
July Australian Organic Limited & Bud Organic Club websites relaunched New website member portals & Organic Directory launched AOL hosts Woolworths buyer & QA training webinar Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Allowed Input & Livestock AOL engagement with DAWE surrounding new Taiwan and JAS Livestock equivalence arrangements
August PASE Grant formalised Niki Ford invited to present on Bellamy’s corporate video Standards Australia FT-032: AOL provided submission to retire MP100 standard Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Allowed Input & Livestock
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
2020 continued September Australian Organic Awareness Month 2020 (AOAM): • 3 major supermarkets + 500 independent retail POS activations • Ambassador Lincoln Lewis / Live TV insert on 2 TV stations • Woolworths in-store POS • ACOCL, AUS-QUAL & NCO certification bodies supporting • First international sponsor / first consumer box launched and sold out Australian Organic Connect Issue 3 published Industry webinar series: Why Certify? Niki Ford invited to present on PURE Blonde corporate video ACCC Perishable Ag Products review submission OISCC meeting attendance
October Organic Schools Program relaunched with new website & teaching content Trade Organic website and webinar series launched under ATMAC grant Trade Organic Export Masterclass: Sweden New PR agency engaged: Blue Hill PR Bud Organic Club launches new social media pages Niki Ford invited to present on Bellamy’s product launch video
November First virtual AGM Grain Committee: strategic planning workshop Standards Australia FT-032 Committee convened to decide future of AS6000 & MP100, AOL asked by NFF to represent industry during FT-032 process NFF Members Council attendance OISCC meeting attendance DAWE Market Access Engagement meeting attendance AOL successfully engages with ACCC to have Organic Claims webpage updated to include National Standard
December Minister Littleproud announces Organics Industry Advisory Group (OIAG) AOL YouTube channel overhaul First Christmas campaign developed Avian Influenza consultation ACCC Perishable Goods Inquiry submission ACOCL License Agreement Audit ACOCL ACOS audit training Kalbar ESS Positional Statement provided on mining proposal DAF Qld Protected Cropping consultation FSANZ High Risk Horticulture consultation Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Grain, Horticulture & Livestock Australian Organic Connect Issue 4 published
Australian Organic Limited
2020 Highlights
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
Key Achievements & Milestones: 2021 As the world comes to terms with the long-term affects of the pandemic, AOL continues to navigate the changes in border closures and Government health advice, with many events rescheduled or postponed. However, the organisation was able to achieve participation in an array of events during the first half of the year.
January Relaunch & judging of Australian Organic Wine Awards OAIG meetings attendance ACOS 2021 Information Sessions 2 & 3 ACOS 2021 Information Session for ACOCL International engagement with DFAT representatives regarding potential trade opportunities Container growing & Livestock Pain Relief Member Survey & NSsC submission
February AOL provides support to DFAT regarding organic trade opportunities NFF Regionalisation Agenda Policy Paper: inclusion of organic production Member visit: Canberra, Batlow & Riverina Region OIAG meeting attendance Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Grain & Horticulture Trade Organic Export Masterclass: Germany AOL industry webinar: Organic Certification for Processors & Manufacturers
March OIAG Interim Report released to Minister Littleproud with heavy AOL influence Apiaceae Seed Treatment: organic exemption Export Control Act: Organic Rules acknowledges National Standard ACOS 2021 harmonised version published First Organic Earth Week campaign: Todd Sampson seminar OISCC meeting attendance OIAG meetings attendance AOL Member visits: Mulloon Institute & Bauer’s Organic Farm Australian Organic Connect Issue 5 published Trade Organic Asia webinar series launched: Export Connect & Asialink Trade Organic Export Masterclass: Singapore & UK
April Australian Organic Wine Awards 2020 winners announced OIAG meeting attendance OISCC meeting attendance AOL Member visits: SA Khapra Beetle Taskforce established South Australia Government discussions regarding domestic regulation Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Grain Trade Organic Export Masterclass: Hong Kong
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May Advisory Committees restructure NFF Members Council OIAG meetings attendance AFI Advocacy Consultation participation OISCC meeting attendance Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Grain & Horticulture AOL provides support to DFAT & DAWE regarding organic trade opportunities: UK FTA First Mother’s Day Consumer Box for sale AOS videos launched Naturally Good Expo: AOL stand and speaker seminar / Beef Australia - seminar AOL industry webinar: Certification for Primary Producers Niki Ford invited to explain the changes organic consumers face in domestic market in ABC interview with Fauzia Ibrahim Trade Organic Export Masterclass: United Arab Emirates
June AOL invited to present to AFGC Trade Group on organic regulation framework OIAG final meeting attendance OIAG Final Report released to Minister Littleproud with AOL contributing significantly to the process Apiaceae Seed Treatment: organic alternative treatment discussions with DAWE & Hort Innovations Niki Ford meets with Minister Littleproud to present the first copy of the Australian Organic Market Report 2021 & discuss domestic regulatory review process Australian Organic Market Report 2021 launch and industry roadshow (physical & virtual) Advisory Committee meetings facilitated: Grain Trade Organic Export Masterclass: Thailand
July Meeting with Cabinet Minister offices New AOL operational structure and team members Phase 1 IDL restructure implemented AOL successfully negotiates with DAWE for Organic Approved Biosecurity treatments using modified atmospheres in Organic Cereal imports from High Risk Khapra Beetle countries. DAWE postponed the rollout of the obligatory treatments to certify modified atmosphere treatment centres overseas. AgForce Conference Presentation; AOS Webinar on Classroom Application Niki Ford hosts National Retail Association on organic tour AOL attends NFF sustainable development committee Minister Littleproud delivers OIAG Report Bud Guarantee media campaign, videos & web page launched Australian Organic Connect Issue 6 published Trade Organic Export Masterclass: Malaysia
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
2021 Highlights
Australian Organic Limited
The most effective way to address critical issues facing your organic business and support the industry is by joining Australian Organic Limited
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Celebrating 3 Years as Peak Industry Body
Who is Australian Organic Limited? Australian Organic Limited (AOL) is the peak national body advocating on behalf of its members and often more broadly the organic sectors it represents. Established nearly 35 years ago, AOL is a for purpose organisation, established by industry for industry. AOL’s work is underpinned by the most recognised organic mark, ‘The Bud’ now recognised as 62% of all Australian shoppers. The success of the Bud wouldn’t be possible without the support of the industry.
Why Join Australian Organic Limited? Together we are stronger To ensure a well chartered future, the AOL Board and Executive developed a clear five year Strategic Plan. Now into our third year, AOL has established a clear approach to represent the organic industry through measured and considered dialogue. Our core pillars to Protect and Promote the interests of the industry and to Engage and Consult with government and key sectors is imperative in supporting our industry’s greatest challenges and opportunities.
Protect The rights of the consumer and the integrity of the industry.
Promote To establish the value of certified organic and build trust through education and awareness to consumers.
Engage To deliver on the needs of the organic industry, to execute the plan and remove barriers to trade.
Consult To identify industry and sector needs and plan a clear path forward.
The Australian Certified Organic Bud certification logo is the most recognised organic trust mark amongst Australian shoppers and has been so for over a decade.
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How do we use our member funds? We are working for you Australian Organic Limited continues to invest Industry Development Levys (IDLs) and membership fees into progressing the organic industry by the following key activities: • Drive Domestic Regulation: AOL is the driving force behind the domestic regulatory review and a key member of the Organics Industry Advisory Group (OIAG) established by the Hon. Minister Littleproud. • Promote Consumer Awareness: AOL established Australia’s largest annual organic campaign Australian Organic Awareness Month to support the growing demand for organic consumption and educate on the importance of looking for certification marks. • Engage with Federal & State Government: AOL continues to develop relationships with Ministers, Departments and key industry partners such as the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC). • Provide Market Analysis: AOL invested in consumer and commercial research by supplying data and information to support trade negotiations. • Lobby ACCC on “fake organic” products: AOL works with the ACCC on misleading claims and has successfully negotiated the inclusion of the National Standard for Organic & Biodynamic produce on the ACCC website and has been appointed a position on the ACCC Agricultural Consultative Committee. • Assist Organic Importers: AOL has driven significant outcomes for organic importers regarding mandatory biosecurity changes relating to seeds and khapra beetle through fostering strong relationships with federal and state Biosecurity teams. • Support Export Opportunities: Provided the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade input into Free Trade Agreements, collaborated with international industry counterparts and launched an export website, Trade Organic, and Masterclass program that provides resources on organic exports and international markets. • Educate New Generations: Launched the new Australian Organic Schools Program to encourage learning about organic principles and practices in Australian schools.
Membership Structure & Fees Certified Operator
Associate Non-Voting
Associate Voting
$275 incl. GST
$550 incl. GST
$1,800 incl. GST
ACOS Operators licensed to the Bud; includes AGM voting rights.
For any business, organisation For any business, organisation or individual. or individual, includes AGM voting rights.
Become a member today and join the strongest voice to support your organic business. Contact Marie Deletoille | E: marie.deletoille@austorganic.com | T: 07 3350 5716
56%
of organic shoppers check for certification marks on organic product labels.
62%
of shoppers recognise the Australian Certified Organic Bud certification logo (up from 51% in 2019).
Australian Organic Limited PO Box 820 (18 Eton Street) Nundah Qld 4012 E: membership@austorganic.com | T: 07 3350 5716 W: austorganic.com