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Organic produce finds a free range as market grows
18 Aug 2003
Consumers are shaking off a perception of organic food as the province of hippies and alternative lifestylers, ensuring that organic farming is one of Australia's fastest-growing niche industries.
In 1990, annual retail sales of organic produce totalled about $28 million, and the variety of foods available was restricted to some fruit, vegetables and a few dairy products. This year, sales are expected to come close to $200 million.
Organic produce is grown or farmed without the use of herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified organisms at any stage of production. It's still a small player in the agricultural industry, with only 2,200 certified organic farms across Australia, representing less than 2 per cent of all primary producers. But it's on the increase.
The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation says organic farming is set to grow by 40 per cent in the next five years, taking its total annual turnover to more than $260 million. Much of the growth is due to health concerns about the use of pesticides, growth hormones and GM ingredients. Others are choosing organic products due to environmental or animal welfare concerns.
The Australian, 18/8/03, page 4.
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