Written By Go Vita
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘ORGANIC’ AND ‘CERTIFIED ORGANIC’ PRODUCTS? IF YOU DON’T, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
There is currently no domestic regulation surrounding the use of the term ‘organic’ in Australia, which means that some products labelled ‘organic’ may be quite misleading. For example, a product claiming to be organic could actually contain as little as two per cent of organic ingredients; it could also contain ingredients that have been made using synthetic chemicals.
A BETTER CHOICE
Products that are labelled ‘certified organic’, on the other hand, have been through a rigorous certification process to ensure they meet a set of agreed standards, such as the Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS). This means that, for every certified organic farm, product or service, each part of the supply chain must be independently and third party-verified by a certification body, from sourcing the ingredients, to manufacturing and processing, and all the way through to getting delivered into stores. So, when you choose products that are labelled ‘certified organic’, you can be certain that you are buying truly organic products, and that you are also supporting certified organic producers.
This September is Australian Organic Awareness Month (AOAM), the largest national campaign promoting the certified organic industry in Australia. Led by peak industry body Australian Organic Ltd, AOAM aims to raise awareness of certified organic products, brands and businesses, and to educate consumers about the importance of looking for certified organic logos on their purchases. Join in Organic Awareness Month by supporting your favourite certified organic brands, businesses and retailers, and sharing your stories on social media – visit www.whyorganic.com.au to find out more.
WHY CERTIFIED ORGANIC?
Certified organic produce is grown using sustainable farming methods, which help to regenerate the land and protect our soils, waterways and local wildlife.
Certified organic ingredients are made without the use of harmful synthetic chemicals, such as synthetic pesticides and fertilisers – they are better for your health and for the environment.
Certified organic livestock has access to pastureland and is free to range, allowing the animals to graze as they should.
Certified organic products are not tested on animals.
Certified organic standards prohibit the use of GMO ingredients.
Fifty-five per cent of organic shoppers say they look for certification marks on their organic purchases.
Fifty-one per cent of them also say they recognise the Australian Organic-owned ‘bud’ certification logo.
