03.Highly recommended
Both these schemes below made our highly recommended list. They are fully independent from commercial interests and conduct annual, onsite third-party verification of producers or companies endorsed under their program. They’re transparent about their standards, governance and how they’re funded. They also ticked all the boxes for consumer focus, which we consider vital, given it’s consumers who are using the logos to buy products and ultimately support the programs. Importantly, both are accredited by the government’s Australian Quarantine Inspection Service as organic certification bodies.
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Logo seen on baby food, biscuits, bread, cakes, cereal, coffee, eggs, fruit, licorice, meat, milk, olive oil, tea, vegetables, wine etc. See the complete ACO product list.
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What it means Use of this logo indicates the product meets organic standards, which include stringent animal welfare and environmental standards. Use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides is prohibited. There are no genetically modified inputs, and the organic philosophy incorporates a respect for the natural order of seasons and animal behaviour. Animals are free-range and there’s no use of growth promoters such as steroids or hormones.
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Standards Read the standards.
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Program/organisation structure ACO is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA). Details of its structure and board are on the BFA website.
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Program funding BFA is a not-for-profit organisation with the aim of progressing the sustainable development of the organic industry. BFA is funded by membership fees and promotional contributions, along with promotional initiatives and sponsorships for publications and other activities. ACO charges for its certification services and this funds its operating costs.
Consumer contact details
Phone: (07) 3350 5716
Email: organiccrusader@bfa.com.au