“Increasing organic beef production on Australian Farms” is a two year project co-funded by the MLA and AOM Group. This project is open to existing Australian beef producers who are either considering or in the process of converting to organic production, regardless of location.
What is this project?
Jointly funded by the MLA and Australian Organic Meats, this project aims to increase the number of beef producers who are organically certified, in order to meet increasing demand for organic beef. The project is being conducted over 24 months.
The project will also fund benchmarking of selected volunteer organic beef properties, in order to gather data on costs versus benefits of organic beef production.
Who can participate?
The project is open to any Australian beef producers, in any state. The project has limited places and interested producers are encouraged to attend the Training Seminars to participate. Attendance at the one day seminars will cost $100 plus GST, and includes morning and afternoon teas and lunch.
What do I need to do?
By participating in the program, beef producers will need to undergo the organic certification application process, and be audited. Producers will need to choose from one of the organic accreditation bodies, pay associated application, audit and accreditation costs.
The project will provide assistance with the application process, development of an Organic Management Plan, basic technical assistance, preparation for audit, supply chain information, including allowed inputs, and legislative requirements. The consultants, Organic Systems and Solutions, will ensure all relevant paperwork is lodged with the organic accreditation body, on behalf of the producer, and facilitate the audit date.
How long does organic certification take?
Under the Australian National Standards for Organic, certification takes 3 years. The first 12 months is referred to as “pre-certification” and no labelling claims can be made about organic during this period. The next 2 years are called “in-conversion” to organic, and resultant product can be labelled as such. After 3 years, product is certified organic. Cattle that are already on the property can never be called organic, but any calves born 3 months after the commencement of organic management may be eligible for organic status. This means any breeders commencing organic management (including no prohibited treatments) from the start of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy can produce calves that are under organic certification. So as an example, if a producer commences organic management in September, then has calves born in December, then these calves would become “in-conversion” to organic the following September.
What do I do with my cattle?
During or after the completion of the project, there is no requirement to supply cattle to any particular meat company. The organic certification of cattle will enable additional end markets to be available to the producer.
What do I do next?
After attending a Training Seminar, you will be required to fill out the project commencement form and pay $600 plus GST.
If you are unable to attend a Training Seminar, or wish to commence this project sooner, please contact Organic Systems & Solutions.
Training Seminars
Places are strictly limited. Please advise as soon as possible should you wish to attend by completing the registration form.