Organic Certification
What is Organic Certification?
Organic certification is when an organic certifying group audits a business’ methods to ensure that they comply with national or international standards for organic farming and processing.
Melrose holds organic certification numbers 303P and 300W for processing and wholesaling certified organic products.
Melrose also holds JAS certificate number 1006 for organic certification under the Japanese Agricultural Standard.
The Australian Organic Standard covers all aspects of farm management to ensure a sustainable farming system.
Conversion
Each farming property needs to go through a conversion period where the land is organically managed. During the initial year of conversion, crops and livestock may not be marketed as organic, however during the second and third years, produce may sell as "in conversion to organic" following a successful audit.
Soil Fertility
Soil is managed through crop rotations and the use of green manure crops, compost, and natural mineral products to maintain natural soil fertility. Artificial fertilisers are prohibited.
Pest & Disease Control
Plant health is maintained through careful planning, suitable crop rotations and mechanical and natural methods of pest and weed control. Artificial pesticides and herbicides are prohibited.
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisims)
GMO’s are strictly prohibited at every stage of production. GMO’s are not allowed on the same production unit, even if not seeking certification of that area.
Conservation
The development of a healthy environment, enhancing landscaping features, native plant and animal species are encouraged. For example, this may include maintaining treed areas as an important wildlife habitat which must comprise 5% of property area by July 2005.
For further information visit: www.australianorganic.com.au.
