www.bfa.com.au
March 26, 2007
"The Biological Farmers of Australia is deeply concerned that CSIRO has decided to scrap the work of Dr Maarten Stapper an agronomist within Plant Sciences. This area of research that is critical not only to the organic sector, but also to the thousands of farmers around Australia right now developing better soil biology – specifically during a time of massive investment in finding sustainable and effective means of sequestering atmospheric carbon," said Scott Kinnear spokesperson for BFA.

Elaine Ingham and Arden Anderson have operated successful farm seminars that thousands of farmers have attended and the work of Maarten Stapper supported the principles put forward in their work. 

"For Dr Burdon to say that CSIRO does not consider biological and organic farming to be "a long-term viable strategy" is extraordinary. At no time has CSIRO approached our organisation to discuss their views or to seek input on the technologies and processes undertaken on cutting edge organic farms. The BFA finds this statement akin to IBM’s 1950s view of the world market for computers being a total of 5!"

"The rest of the world is getting behind research into organic farming and now looking at the quality characteristics of organic foods compared with conventionally grown foods. In addition most State Governments are actively developing research and development programs to support the growth of the organic sector to supply the demand coming domestically and from export markets in Asia, Nth America and Europe."

"We have for many years been concerned at the commercialisation of research within CSIRO whereby patentable technologies with income generation potential are favoured. This applies to their research into genetically engineered foods which has cost CSIRO many tens of millions of dollars for no commercial food product to show. Remember the failed CSIRO GE field pea that caused an allergic reaction in mice, shelved last year at a huge cost to the taxpayer.

"We believe that the States should look closely at employing Maarten Stapper, who by all accounts was one of the most sort after presenters at field days and seminars because his research was cutting edge and provided real immediate benefits. We are most concerned that CSIRO is prepared to say they see no future in organic farming, yet are prepared to waste extraordinary amounts of money supporting genetic engineering that the general public overall does not want. Demand for organic food is growing at about 15% per year globally and estimates put the market at more than $50 billion AUD."

"We must remember that European farming has been disastrous for our ancient and fragile soils in Australia and one of the fundamental keys to soil fertility under our unique conditions, which are so different to North America and Europe, is the healthy maintenance of biological activity in the soil. Farmers are aware that healthy soil biology increases carbon which improves structure and capacity to hold water and ultimately leads to an improved soil which will yield more food of higher quality."

"It seems that CSIRO has conveniently ended their one small research program supporting biological and organic farming while at the same time ending the employment of a scientist who was privately critical of genetic engineering. The fact that he was very much admired and supported by the farming community really adds insult to injury with this decision."

"The BFA calls on CSIRO to rethink their decision to drop this research and we will be seeking a face to face meeting with Dr Burdon and the relevant Minister to ask them to explain CSIRO's views."

The BFA is the largest organic organisation in Australia comprising of farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, consumers and exporters. Through its subsidiary certification organisations Australian Certified Organic (ACO) and Organic Growers of Australia (OGA) the BFA provides certification services to approximately 75% of the organic sector. 

By Melissa Branagh

Broken Hill grazier Garry Hannigan is no stranger to tough times. In the past decade erratic wool markets and a decline in the live sheep trade have seen the third generation wool grower diversify into African breeds for the organic sheep meat market.

Mr Hannigan maintains Australia is “one of the best places in the world to produce organic lamb”. His view was reinforced during a recent Nuffield Scholarship tour, sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia, which identified lucrative export opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia. 

Determined to expand drought-tolerant meat sheep populations in the Murray Darling rangelands, Mr Hannigan visited countries exemplifying high disposable wealth and strong or burgeoning organic food markets. His research will help to forge export relationships with the United States, England and Japan. 

Click here to read the full story...

2007 Nuffield Scholarship Applications Open

Meat and livestock producers from across Australia have the opportunity to extend their knowledge overseas as 2007 recipients of Australia’s most prestigious agricultural award – the Nuffield Australia Scholarship.

Winners will be selected based on agricultural and leadership capabilities, and their potential to make a strong contribution to the future of Australian agriculture. Each Australian scholarship is valued at $25,000 and is supported by leading Australian commodity, agribusiness and philanthropic organisations.

Applications open on April 1 and close on June 30, 2007. Application forms are available from the Nuffield Australia office on 02 6964 6600, enquiries@nuffield.com.au or on the website: www.nuffield.com.au 

www.agbios.com 
Serious concerns raised over Monsanto GM maize variety
Author: Stephen Daniells
Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Monsanto's genetically modified maize MON863, authorised for human consumption since 2006, showed signs of liver and kidney toxicity in a rat study, raising concerns about its safety.

The study, performed by French researchers from the independent CRIIGEN (Committee for Independent Research and Genetic Engineering), based at the University of Caen reports that rats fed the maize for three months showed signs of liver and kidney toxicity, as well as differences in weight gain between the sexes.

"Our counter-evaluation show that there are signs of toxicity and that nobody can say scientifically and seriously that consumption of the transgenic maize MON863 is safe and good for health," lead author of the study, Professor Gilles Eric Séralini told France's TF1 television station.
READ: the full story

www.truefood.org.au 
GE canola doesn't stack up 
Date: March 18, 2007
The state moratoria (temporary bans) on commercial canola production are the only thing keeping GE canola from contaminating our fields and food. However, most of the moratoria are due to expire next year. The biotech companies, industry front groups (such as the Institute of Public Affairs and the Australian Environment Foundation), and unfortunately the Federal Government have already started an orchestrated spin campaign to pressure the State Governments into lifting the bans. This is despite GE canola offering no benefits at all to farmers or consumers.
READ: the full story

www.bfa.com.au 
Organic IS healthier, say food scientists 
Date: March 27, 2007
As the debate rages on about whether organically grown food is better for us than the "conventional" produce we have become used to, a new study sides firmly with organic.

Scientists found that some organic food is healthier after tests on kiwi fruit grown by both methods.

American researchers have discovered that organically grown kiwis had significantly higher levels of vitamin C and polyphenols - compounds associated with health benefits including reducing cholesterol, improving circulation and preventing cancer.

While sales of organic food are growing rapidly, some experts claim there is little scientific evidence of health benefits.

Nutritionist Jennie Brand-Miller of Sydney University states that buying organic is simply a "lifestyle choice", citing research that concluded there was no nutritional difference.

Shane Heaton, nutritionist of the Biological Farmers of Australia, says: "This is a very rigorous study. There is clear evidence that a range of organic foods contain more beneficial nutrients and vitamins and less of things known to have a detrimental health effect such as pesticide residues, food additives and nitrates."

The new research was carried out by Dr Maria Amodio and Dr Adel Kader, from the University of California Davies. Writing in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, they said: "All the main mineral constituents were more concentrated in the organic kiwi fruit, which also had higher asorbic acid (vitamin C) and total polyphenol content, resulting in higher antioxidant activity.
READ: the full story

www.bfa.com.au 
Benefits of organics clear, despite critics 
Date: March 23, 2007
Scientific research confirms the common belief organic food is healthier than regular products, despite repeated claims there’s no difference, organic experts say.
Shoppers who buy more expensive organic food do so for many reasons, including a belief it’s better for you, wanting to avoid pesticides, and wanting to be kinder to animals and the environment. Yet many official food bodies claim there’s no evidence to support the view that organic food is better for you. 

“In fact,” says Shane Heaton, nutritionist and author of Organic Farming, Food Quality and Human Health, “there’s a mountain of evidence, if you care to take a look.”
READ: the full story

Editor's note:
Certified organic (ACO & OGA) manufacturers listing tea/ green tea products include Abundance Herbs, Hari Har Pty Ltd, Herbs of Grace Organic Herbs, Luce Teas, Mike King & Carleen Imlach, Moran Group Herbs, Nerada Tea Pty Ltd, Planet Organic Co Pty Ltd, Sip Organic Infusions, Spiral Foods Pty Ltd, Tea Lady, Tea Tonic
The Herb Barn, The Koala Tea Company P L, Toby's Estate Coffee, Vive Elan Australia.
To source company details visit www.bfa.com.au and use the Organic Product Search.

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Your Organic Advantage
Editor: Holly Vyner

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