$100 million for research and extension

Australia should capitalise on the booming demand for organic produce worldwide by developing a national action plan for organic farming and supporting the industry with $100 million for research and extension over the next five years, Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.

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Willis, Katrina (Sen B. Brown)
Katr...@aph.gov.au
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Friday, 24 September 2004

Senator Brown was speaking at the launch of the Greens' Sustainable Agriculture Policy beside the Swan River in Perth, with Greens Senate candidate Rachel Siewert.

"Demand for organic produce is booming worldwide, pushing the value of production to $32 billion in 2003," Senator Brown said.

"Australian production has grown ten-fold from $28 million in 1990 to $250 million in 2003 and is expected to grow by 15% per annum into the future.

"Australia has 10 million hectares managed organically, out of 24 million hectares worldwide, but the industry has little official recognition.

"Australian agriculture needs a fundamental re-think, moving away from the intensive European agricultural systems which have led to massive land degradation, especially salinity and acidification.

"The systems approach of organic agriculture is part of the solution but needs strong government support to achieve its potential," said Senator Brown.

The Greens' National Organic Farming Action Plan would be similar to the European plan, covering marketing, international trade, standards, research and training. It would include $100 million over 5 years for research, especially on-farm, and strongly support proposals for an organic farming cooperative research centre, said Senator Brown.

"Genetic engineering gets attention and dollars because big business can make big profits out of patented products.

"But consumers are voting with their feet, buying organic and rejecting GE," said Senator Brown.

More information:
Margaret Blakers, 03 6234 1633, 0419 877 325

www.greens.org.au

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