Date of issue: 1 September 2026
Date of effect: Immediate
Expiry: UFN
Reference Number: IAN 2026-05
Attention
Organic operators and exporters, approved certifying bodies, industry bodies
Purpose
To advise of the newly appointed independent chair of the National Standard Advisory Committee.
Key points
The National Standard Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the principal technical committee for the department's National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce (the National Standard). The NSAC is a technical committee of individuals, acting independently of any organisation. The NSAC supports the department by delivering technical advice and recommendations on amendments, revisions, and updates to the National Standard.
The appointment of an independent chair supports the department’s commitment to ensuring the National Standard is fit for purpose, meets industry needs and helps further export markets for Australian organic goods.
The independent chair plays a vital role in good corporate governance, setting the transparency and accountability standards for the organic export industry expected by the department. The role also manages conflicts of interest and sets the ethical tone of the committee.
The department is pleased to announce Mr David Ironside has been appointed as the independent chair of the NSAC for a term of 4 years. Mr Ironside brings with him extensive experience in governance, standards administration, stakeholder engagement and regulatory leadership. Some of Mr Ironside’s achievements include:
- more than 35 years of experience at the intersection of government, industry and technical expertise in leading regulatory reform and stakeholder consultation processes across Australian agriculture, biosecurity, export certification, regulatory standards and international trade.
- extensive experience chairing industry-government consultative committees and facilitating technical advisory discussions.
- formal governance training through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and extensive experience operating within Commonwealth governance frameworks.
The department congratulates Mr Ironside on his appointment.
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.