Boom Time for Organic Fruit and Vegies
WA's organic food industry is booming, driven by a surge in the popularity of farmers' markets and growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly produce.
The retail value of organic sales in WA rose 30 per cent during the past year to almost $50 million and producers are gearing up to meet further growth in demand.
Organic Growers Association of WA president Annie Kavanagh said increasing demand from consumers to know where their produce had come from and how it was grown was behind the rise in sales.
The resurgence in farmers' markets had also proved a good selling point for organic produce.
At a grower level, it was now easier to enter the industry than five or so years ago.
Some farm consultants now specialised in providing advice to organic growers.
In addition, distribution networks to sell organic produce were better established.
Organic citrus growers Piers and Liz Benwell are selling as much fruit as they can supply, mainly through the Canning Vale markets and farm gate sales.
With demand for their produce so strong, they are planting another few hundred trees - mainly lemon and lime - at their Lower Chittering farm.
"We are small growers and for us, organics seemed to be a good way to compete with those bigger growers," Mr Benwell said.
Agriculture Minister Terry Redman said WA had about 200 certified organic operators across all agricultural sectors, ranging from small mixed farm businesses to large-scale investment driven businesses.
Farmers' markets had become a popular place for buying organic products while specialty retail shops and supermarkets were also increasing their range of organic products.
JODIE THOMSON 20th October 2008
SOURCE: http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=103458