2023-03: Approved amendment to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce

Date of issue: 5 April 2023

Date of effect: Immediate

Reference Number: IAN 2023-03

Attention

Organic operators and exporters, organic certifying bodies, industry bodies

Purpose

To advise of an approved amendment to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce.

Key points

Following a ‘Have Your Say’ the application to amend the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce, section 1.25.2 point e has been approved.

Section 1.25.2 point e has been amended to the following:

• Bio-dynamic Preparations are to be stored in a suitable storage container away from fumes, electricity, contamination sources:
  1. 500 and compost preparations are to be stored away from heat and light, in a container using at least 8 centimetres of uncontaminated dry peat, Australian vermiculite, perlite, or sheep wool or rice hulls that are certified to the National Standard, for insulation. The storage vessel or insulation material must not contaminate the preparations.
  2. 501 must be stored in a glass that has access to early morning sunlight.

The update will come into effect from the date of this notice with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce being updated in the second half of 2023.

Our ‘Have Your Say’ page is frequently updated with new information and/or surveys relating to amendments to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce. A new survey will be released in the coming weeks regarding proposed amendments relating to algae. We invite all members of the organic industry to provide feedback on any open surveys via this webpage.

Further information

Contact OrganicExports@aff.gov.au if you have any queries.

The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.