Australian Organic Industry

 

Key data from the Australian Organic Market Report 2010

  • More than 60% of Australian households now buy organic on occasion, up from 40% in 2008
  • Organic domestic retail sales have grown over 50% in two years (from $623M to $947M)
  • In 2010, retail sales are expected to pass the $1B mark
  • Some stand our performers include: essential oils production (up 155%) feeding the growing cosmetics sector, Poultry (eggs) (75%); Milk & dairy (36%); Fruit & wine (16.5%); while the main processors for the meat sector have reportedly grown in turnover by 25% in the past year
  • The organic industry employs an estimated 25,000 people domestically, while organic farmers tend to be younger on average than non-organic farmers
  • Operator growth numbers continues to rise, in a sustainable manner (4-5% PA), delivering higher farm gate values for the average operator (as the market expands)

For more details on the Australian Organic Market Report 2010, click here

 

 

 - at a glance (from marco site)

Despite the ongoing drought, the organics category in Australia has performed above expectations.

Valued at AUD$300 million in 2004, up from AUD$280 million in 1995
Expected growth in 2005 of between 15% and 25% depending on the product.

Currently Australia has 12.5 million hectares of certified farming area under organic management. This represents 45% of the global farming land under organic management - making Australia in No. 1 in farming area under organic management.

Country Area under Organic Management (hectares)
1. Australia  12,500,000 (exc. Area under conversion)
2. Argentina 2,960,000
3. Italy  1,168,212
4. USA  950,000
5. Brazil  841,769

Large organic consumer markets UK and Germany are ranked 7th & 8th, with 724,523 and 696,978 hectares respectively.

Australia is ranked 36th in the world in terms of numbers of organic farmers with over 2100 registered organic farming operations.

12.5 million hectares represents only 2% of Australia's available farming area and this does not include farming area undergoing organic conversion.

Projections for the Australian Organic Industry (BFA Vision 2020):

% of Total Primary Producers Certified Organic:

2004  1.5%
2005 1.8%
2010 4%
2015 7%
2020 10%

Value of Certified Organic Products ( % of Australian Retail Dollar):

2004  0.2%
2005 1%
2010 3%
2015 7%
2020 10%