Download here

National Food Plan
Submission from OBDA
OBDA
The Organic and Bio Dynamic Alliance (OBDA) in South Australia grew out of an
awareness of the growing trend of people becoming concerned about food safety and
nutrition and therefore wanting to learn more about how their food is grown or produced.
As a group, we provide a movement where people can share their concerns and learn
more about their food and at the same time assist and support the wider organic industry
to improve their level of professionalism.
http://www.obda.com.au
An alliance of consumers and producers
OBDA membership consists of consumers and producers of organic and biodynamic
food. In writing this submission we represent both groups.
Consumers
Our consumers are concerned about the safety of their food, the taste, chemical residues,
labelling and the nutritional value of their food.
Producers
Our producers are concerned about the ethical production of food, profitability of food
production and care of their land and environment so that it can safely be left for future
generations.
Our submission covers our main concerns however not all aspects are commented on.
Seizing new market opportunities
Government must ensure imported foods have the same high level food safety standards
as Australia. We believe there is inadequate monitoring and testing of imported foods.
Australia has a national and international reputation of being clean food producers, highly
sought after in niche markets. Organic products are ideally suited for this trade.
As our globe is becoming more polluted, the integrity of food products becomes a real
concern with the increasing contamination which compromises food safety.
Supporting a competitive and productive food industry.
Increased support to our dedicated producers- the land managers. Foreign ownership of
our agricultural land, water and other natural resources must be controlled and capped.
To have a working balance between importing foods and being self reliant, self sufficient
in food production and agriculture will be the heart of our national security and national
well being.
Support and commitment to schools. Incentives to reintroduce agricultural education
together with an emphasis on healthy eating.
To “ prioritise efforts to further reduce red tape for food businesses and consumers “ must
not compromise the food safety. There must be recognised, vigorous independent
scientific testing conducted on GMO technology, or any new innovative food
manipulation not occurring naturally prior to entering the food chain, for human and or
animal. It is extremely disappointing and shameful that Government is not listening to the
majority of consumers and the total disregard to the concerns they have regarding GMO’s
not being labelled as such on foods. Even with the minimal degree of independent testing,
there is increasing evidence this technology has a growing number of concerns which is
being exposed and recognised by more countries.
Australia would capture niche markets globally by being GMO free and command a
premium price.
The “Australian Organic Market Report 2010” shows the industry to have doubled its
growth in two years, from 500 million dollars to nearly one billion dollars and has some of
the fastest growing industries in Australia, as well as the youngest farmers.
As Government investing in clean green, natural energy production, it would stand to
reason to heavily invest in the organic industry, clean green and natural.
It is a well known documented fact the consumer prefers chemical free products, and
organic if available and/or affordable.
Maintaining Australia’s food security.
Government cannot wait ten years for the Australian Bureau of Statistics to discover and
realise foreign ownership of agricultural land and water- this may be too late. A national
data base is required immediately to determine ownership. Only then will there be
strategies to reduce risks and maintain continuity of food supply in a significant national
emergency.
Co-existence with the mining industry is high on government’s agenda. The wider organic
agricultural industry must also be given equal recognition and more importantly
protection from contamination of GMO crops. There is significant global growth and
demand for organic products. Consumers are demanding organic affordable products.
This industry has great potential to tap into the international markets.
Improving our natural resource base.
Government to recognise the holistic sustainable innovative farming systems practised
worldwide. Science backed data regarding soil carbon sequestration, soil organic matter
and soil improvements. Organic farming systems enhancing clean production systems
and supply into niche markets.
Contributing to global food security.
The organic industry is willing to assist developing countries as OBDA for instance has
done recently by showing two Indonesian Western Papua University educated men a
number of highly successful organic vegetable farms in South Australia.
What is the Government’s position on biotechnology? AND
Supplying safe and nutritious food.
“Improve food labelling to help consumers make more informed food choices”
An overwhelming response by consumers to have a superior labelling system in place that
clearly discloses any trace of GMO’s present, as well as identifies true product of Australiacountry of origin. The consumer wants to support Australian producers.
The consumer wants to buy food products that are true to label, not being mislead and
deceived by cheesy strategic marketing labels. The consumer has had enough.
Government must find the balance to protect the integrity of good nutritious food against
highly processed foods claiming to be nutritious. Only then can Government work
towards educating consumers to eating more healthy foods with improved health
outcomes.
Government does not plan to “Ban new technologies for use in food production when
proven safe” The organic industry does not take action against new innovative
technologies. However, GMO technology has not undertaken full intense independent
testing and there are increasing concerns over the safety of the food products as well as
the long term effects on the overall contamination of the land. Even more importantly the
lack of control to contaminate organic crops, totally destroying the organic certification
status, which occurred recently in Western Australia and is in court at present. This
technology impacts on the organic industry and the consumer due to lack of transparency
and control.
Government has an obligation.
To meet the needs of the entire supply chain, no matter how great or small.
Recognition, respect and allowances to all consumers no matter what culture or religious
belief systems or socio economic background.
To assist and support our national land carers to ensure longevity, sustainability of the
land and water.
Thanking you for this opportunity.
Monika's Organics- From my Farm to Your Plate
Ph:
8289 2877
Fax: 8289 2877
Mob:
0416 026 310
E: [email protected]
President - OBDA (Organic Bio-Dynamic Alliance)
www.obda.com.au