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Organic farming

Organic farms can be found Statewide and are involved in varying enterprises from wine to sheep's cheese.

Organic farming is farming without the use of synthetic chemicals, artificial fertilisers, pesticides, irradiation or genetically modified organisms. Soil health is critical in producing wholesome organic produce. Only free-range animals are allowed in organic farming systems and the use of cages is not permitted. Holistic farm management techniques are integral to organic farming. The minimum conversion period from traditional to organic farming is three years.

There are a number of organic certifying bodies that operate under the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce.


Food safety

Ensuring food produced in Tasmania's primary production and processing sectors is safe to eat is an important step in ensuring the wellbeing of consumers and protects our reputation as a producer of safe and clean food.

Certificate IV in Organic Farming

A Diploma in Organic Farming will be run during 2008.
  Links (FarmPoint is not responsible for the content of the websites linked to below. The link does not constitute any form of endorsement.)

Biodynamics Agriculture Australia

Contains information for Australian Biodynamic farmers including definitions, seasonal notes, events calendar, products, photo galleries and research.

Certifying bodies and converting to organic farming

Lists certifying bodies in Tasmania and includes general information on converting to organic farming.

FAQs - Organic farming

A list of the most frequently asked questions related to organic farming, including the conversion process.

Organic Coalition of Tasmania (OCT)

The Organic Coalition of Tasmania (OCT) was formed in 2002 to address issues that impact on the organics industry in Tasmania. It does not deal with certification issues.

Organic farming fact sheets

Facts sheets on organic farming available on the Australian Government Agriculture Portal.

Overview of organic farming in Tasmania

Information about organic farming in Tasmania plus useful links and contacts.

Tasmanian organic industry contacts

Telephone, fax and email contact information.

Vegetable IPM manual

The Vegetable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Tasmania Manual can be used as a useful resource for education and training packages on IPM of vegetable insects, diseases and weeds in Tasmania.

Weed information for organics

Information about specific weeds; how to identify them, the type or damage they are likely to cause and how to manage them. Also provides more general information on the potential benefits of weeds in organic farming systems.