Dr Paul Kristiansen a University of New England lecturer in agricultural systems, has been paying attention to what kind of food that people put in to the shopping baskets and mouths. Dr. Kristiansen authored the 2008 Australian Organic Market Report and his findings have revealed some interesting trends in the natural foods market. The report has revealed that women make the bulk of the organic buying market.

Dr Kristiansen said “I think they are more concerned about the health of their kids, family and themselves. I think they are a little bit more cautious in thinking, if I can reduce the potential for feeding the kids stuff that may or may not have pesticides on it, that’s hopefully a good thing.” Dr Kristiansen also says that the industry has been somewhat impeded by the drought and lack of organic supply facilities. Some organic beef has been sold as non organic due to a lack of local certified organic abattoirs while other meat producers are unable to source affordable organic stock.

2/3 of the industries are made up of conventional producers who have made shift to organic. The report has shown that the organic industry is growing at a rate of 5 percent per annum and suggests that there is a shift from a trend of small organic operators to larger farms adopting organic practices. Also, there has been an 80 percent hike in the organic industry. Dr Kristiansen also attributes the boost in availability of organic food to its increased sales.

Bookemark: