Australia's organic sector is expected to be worth $2 billion by next year as demand for chemical-free fruit and vegetables continues to increase.
A recent Australian Organic report found organic packaged foods and beverages were worth $696 million in the domestic consumer market last year, an increase of 5.4 per cent on 2015.
“Australia has 53 per cent of the world’s organic farmland and 7 per cent of Australian farmland is now under certified organic management,” Australian Organic chairman Andrew Monk said.
“Global organic farmland and production volumes are not keeping up with global demand, meaning there is even greater growth potential for Australian producers, processors and handlers.”
The Australian Organic report said last year that 37 per cent of certified producers in Australia were fruit growers, 36 per cent were vegetable growers and 30 per cent beef farmers. The report also found that 61 per cent of Australian consumers bought organic fruit and vegetables last year - up from 57 per cent in 2014.
source: weeklytimesnow.com.au
