What is Organic food?

At a minimum, Organic food is grown on land which has had time to become clear of chemical pesticides, fertilizers and herbecides. In addition none of these are used to assist in growth. If an animal is to be reared organically it will be fed on organic produce, not given growth hormones or antibiotics and generally not have been subject to intensive rearing.

Is all the food on the market Organic?

No. Some of the food is Organic and some of it is conventional. Conventional food is grown using the current prevalent agricultural methods. We have requested stallholders who sell Certified Organic food to display a yellow sign to that effect. If you do not see such a yellow sign on the front of a stall don't assume the produce is organic.

How do I know its Organic?

Look for the yellow sign at the stall saying it is Certified Organic. If it isn't Certified Organic then no indepedent third party has tried to check that it is organic in nature. There are several bodies in Australia that exist purely to audit Organic food production and/or distribution. If in any doubt ask the stallholder and check the labelling on the package. Stalls selling Certified Organic produce will normally make sure you are aware it is Certified.

Are the large organic fruit and veg stall certified?

Although one or two are members of ORGA or some other certification body, by and large they are not. However, they do sell certified organic produce where they display a yellow sign at the stall saying it is Certified Organic. Most of these stalls purchase from certified wholesalers and should be able to advise you of their arrangements.

What about prepared food?

Most of the hot food on the market is NOT organic. Other prepared food like bread or cakes may be made using certified produce. Stallholders who use organic ingredients will normally sign that they have done so. It is best to ask if this is important to you.