Challenges for Organic Agriculture in Australia: Getting a 'Fair Go'

Abstract

Concerns in Australia about agriculture and the environment have triggered calls for sustainable agricultural practices, and organic farming is a widely promoted option for addressing this need. The Australian organic sector has tripled since the 1990s, but has not attracted strong support for industry development funding. This paper discusses how organic farming may or may not have had a 'fair go' in Australia, especially in terms of government support. Support for organic agriculture has been inconsistent over time, partly due to the hands-off approach of governments, but also due to the lack of awareness among decision makers and agricultural professionals of the potential of organic systems. For some sectors, funding is lower than levies paid to government by organic producers. Industry disunity hinders the ability or desire of government to assist, further thwarting the chance of a 'fair go'. Despite strong commercial growth, supply remains stagnant in some sectors and demand is being met through imports. The current regulatory system, centred around certification standards, still causes some confusion among producers and consumers. The road may still be rockier for organic agriculture in Australia than for other parts of the developed world in achieving its full potential.