UNIVERSITY OF New England lecturer in agricultural systems, Dr Paul Kristiansen, has been paying attention to what we’re putting in to our 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.

Not surprisingly the report has revealed that women make up the bulk of the organic-buying market.

“I think they’re more concerned about the health of their kids, the 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 said.

The report has shown that the organic industry is growing at a rate of five per cent per annum and suggests that there is a shift from a trend of small organic operators to larger farms adopting organic practices. Two-thirds of the industry is made up of conventional producers who have made the shift to organic. There has also been an 80 per cent hike in the organic ‘farm gate’ industry.

Dr Kristiansen says that the industry has been somewhat impeded by the drought and the lack of ‘organic friendly’ 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 feedstock.

Dr Kristiansen also attributes the boost in availability of organic food to its increased sales. Organic food is no longer attainable only through special suppliers. It’s now available through co-ops and supermarkets.

“People had to go to specialist stores to find organic foods. But now people don’t have to do anything extra to buy organic.

“In Armidale the co-ops are set up and it provides that next level of convenience in buying organic foods.”

Local supermarkets are also providing a dizzying array of organic lines and this added convenience goes a long way to explaining why the annual sales of organic foods are up to $623 million.

Dr Kristiansen acknowledged that organic products might be more expensive. This comes down to covering the establishment and running costs of new organic suppliers, the problems associated with distribution and the demand. He maintains that the prices will reduce as the industry develops and stabilises.

“Just like mobile phones, any new thing is expensive. Prices will come down.”