Consultation on Australia’s domestic organics regulatory framework

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brands. This tracks with an uptick in availability of sustainable goods and produce on supermarket shelves – and their sales.

Sustainability branding has seen toilet paper producer, iCare, enjoy a 230% increase in sales in the year 2020, on top of chocolatier, Pana Organic’s 113% expansion and cruelty-free skincare concern, Sukin securing 88% sales boost the same year.

One advantage Independents have when it comes to the sustainability movement, is a willingness to stock locally produced, fully branded lines. Where the ‘big two’ promote rows of mass-produced, homebranded goods and rapidly replace iconic Australian products with their own, independent retailers can often specialise more freely and now utilise smart technologies to the betterment of their business interests and the planet. To this end, a new joint venture partnership between MGA TMA and ImFree gives Independents, their communities and suppliers a revolutionary platform to communicate with customers.

MiPlanet has been the culmination of this strategy and represents a unique opportunity for members to be a part of a world first digital consumer platform.

In the MGA Board assessment, never before has the independent membership been given the opportunity to lead innovation in the Australian retail sector. MiPlanet represents this opportunity. The technology is built on the next generation block chain, is mobile, and functions in real time.

Independent grocery retailers know their value, to customers, staff, communities, and the Australian economy.To continue making sustainable everyday choices, consumers need brands to help. Thanks to the hard work and tenacity of Chris Antonieff from Brisbane, an enthusiastic group of retailers in South East Queensland will be trial stores.

MGA has an extensive group of ethical local suppliers ready to jump on board. With Independents leading the way to a sustainable future in a post pandemic world, the future for both seems more than sustainable.

The MiPlanet technology platform will be trialled in SEQ independent food and grocery stores in the first quarter of 2022, after which more store owners will be invited to join.

Please feel free to browse the MiPlanet website at https://miplanet.com.au/ and gather more information about this exciting technology that will connect your business with sustainability driven customers in your communities.

1,2 Source ABS

The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment recently engaged the services of PwC to conduct a consultation process regarding Australia’s domestic organics market. Currently PwC are collating diverse range of perspectives of the current market, in conjunction with relevant impacts regulatory and nonregulatory approaches may have on the sector.

MGA as a key stakeholder within the industry, was asked to contribute to the roundtable discussions. The initial forum took place via videoconference on Wednesday 19 January 2022. Representative attending the discussion: MGA, Mallee Organics and Wattle Organic Farms,

Australian Farmers’ Markets Association, Dairy Australia Limited, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited, AusVeg. Australian Melon Association, Grains Producers Australia Limited, Grain Growers Limited, Egg Farmers of Australia, Agrifuture Australia, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, CropLife Australia & Grains Research and Development Corporation. Not having a nationally agreed to definition can cause confusion and this issue was discussed, as well as consumer need for a clear definition and accreditation of what classifies as ‘organic’.

Four options were discussed, and MGA advocated for less red tape and no added costs for our members. The general consensus was there needs to be integrity with legislation and consistency across states, hence a federal approach would be preferred.

MGA will keep members updated as the process continues.