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Biological production is becoming highly efficient and progressive and increasingly adopted by conventional and organic producers, both large and small. The latest news on biological production and organic industry developments and opportunities will be available at the Australian Organic Roadshow 2010, presented by the Biological Farmers of Australia and Seasol.

Mildura on the 21^st April will mark the start of the Roadshows across Australia. Victoria is a fitting State for marking the start of the Roadshows in 2010; according to Australian Certified Organic (ACO), in 2009 Victoria had more pre-certification acreage (preparing for organic certification) than any other State and has the most State funded support available in Australia.

Presentations at the Mildura Roadshow will cover a wide range of subjects, including organic standards, understanding soil health, recovering from fire, using the ocean to feed the soil and market research.  Key speakers include Michael Eyres, soil researcher and consultant, speaking on maximising soil health and Chris Clyne, Managing Director of award-winning business Clyne Foods will talk on the benefits of going organic including yield increases of 3.5 tonnes per acre as well as understanding the marketplace.

Organic operators are responding to increased consumer demand and accessing Organic Roadshows as an effective means of networking, gathering and sharing information, keeping up-to-date with latest consumer and industry trends and changes in regulations that impact the organic industry.

BFA General Manager Holly Vyner says the organic industry is providing an alternative way forward for agriculture, addressing large and growing issues facing the rural sector and environment.

“With many organic producers now with some decades of experience behind them and with an increasing amount of R&D and experience to draw from in Australia and overseas, organic principles are being adopted by every kind of farmer interested in improving yields, quality, farm resilience and decreasing farm inputs through improving the biology of soil.

“It is encouraging to see in market research that the average age of organic farmers in Australia is significantly lower than the average farmer and that the average size of organic farms has increased. This latter result highlights long-term success in utilising organic systems and a trend towards professional farming at a larger scale.
The event is a highly enjoyable day facilitated by Dr. Andrew Monk (BFA Standards Convenor and Board Director), hearing from organic researchers and successful A-grade organic farmers; learning the latest in innovation, and a chance to see trade displays and network with others practicing biological production.

“We encourage all with an interest to come along to the organic Roadshows. The events receive brilliant feedback each year from organic and non-organic producers and others. Attendees gain great benefit from the information but also enjoy the way the day is run and speak about it for weeks afterwards!”

All media are welcome! Media images and interviews will be available for both events. Post- event information will also be available.

Roadshow Mildura, Vic 

When: 8.30am – 4.00pm, Wednesday April 21, 2010

Where: Settlers, 100-114 Eighth Street Mildura VIC

Bookings: Ph: 07 3350 5716 ext. 232 Fax: 07 3350 5996 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Value-adding Workshop, Melbourne

When: 1pm – 6pm, Thursday 22nd April 2010
Where:  Melrose Melbourne (Conference and Reception Centre)

Cnr Melrose and Carrick Drives, Tullamarine VIC
Bookings: Ph: 07 3350 5716 ext 232 Fax: 07 3350 5996 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Melbourne Networking Dinner
When: 6:30pm, Thursday 22nd April 2010
Where: Melrose Melbourne (Conference and Reception Centre)
Cnr Melrose and Carrick Drives, Tullamarine VIC
Bookings: Ph: 07 3350 5716 ext 232 Fax: 07 3350 5996 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Mildura Roadshow Key speakers;

Michael Eyres

Michael Eyres has always been connected to the soil; (even as a three-year old he was an avid rock collector). From a farming family in Western Australia, Michael has always understood that a farmers’ soil is the one thing that should never depreciate in value, emphasising there is a need to understand the parent material we use to grow plants. Michael’s background is in soil research and he is now working for an Adelaide-based private soil research company, Injekta. Michael is researching novel techniques to combat subsoil constraints for Australian farmed soils and is involved in the development of primarily liquid fertilisers and inoculants. From understanding aluminium toxicity, herbicide carryover, sodic soil dispersion and many other subsoil issues, the inputs delivered to sown and growing plants are changing rapidly in this area of research. This is an exciting area of research that will have serious implications for advancing dryland agricultural production.

Chris Clyne, Managing Director, Clyne Foods  

Clyne Foods was established by Chris, Paul and Norm Clyne in Warracknabeal, in 2005, as a dried fruit producer, processing and packaging company. In the short span of 5 years the company now holds around 30% of Australia's domestic dried fruit market and 25% of the export market. Winner of both Regional and State Government business awards, Clyne Foods uses 100% Australian fruit and supports over 250 growers through South Australia's Barossa Valley and Riverland, and Victoria and New South Wales Sunraysia.

Their interest in organics was initially prompted by indentifying organic as a market niche but they were soon seduced by the organic ethos. Seeing life return to the soil - and an annual yield increase to 3.5 tonnes per acre – now has them spreading the organic word to other growers in the district.

The family company’s quality produce, “clean green” ethos and innovative marketing (including certified organic and Kosher produce) has won it many awards and an ongoing increase in suppliers (from 68 to over 280 in 2008).

Clyne Foods combines state-of-the-art technology with organic and eco-friendly practices. Recent sales have reached well above AU$10 million annually, with a 50 per cent growth in exports and while their organic produce is three per cent of their total, this is a high growth segment. Clyne Foods is now Australia’s largest grower and producer of organic sultanas and currants.

For more information contact:

Sarah Wooldrage BFA Media Department Ph: (07) 3350 5716 ext.232  E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For images or interviews contact Jamie O’Brien, BFA Media Department Ph: (07) 3350 5716 ext. 222

For a full program of the Mildura Roadshow, please CLICK HERE

For a full program for the Melbourne Value-adding Workshop, please CLICK HERE

The BFA is working to improve organic industry growth and education in Australia. Ask about your complimentary copy of the Australian Organic Market Report to see how the organic industry is achieving its goals! More information is available at www.bfa.com.au