Talk about organic growth … another vision for Tasmania …

The Australian organic market is experiencing a massive surge in demand as consumers seek out natural alternatives.

Ninety-one per cent of Australians want chemical-free products, according to a report released by the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) in 2010. And the report showed six out of every 10 households now buy organic occasionally – up from 40 per cent in 2008.

Australia is home to 2986 certified organic operators, representing 1.6 per cent of total farming operations.

Tamburlaine Wines managing director Mark Davidson says changing to an organic crop has been worth the effort.

Not surprisingly, supermarkets are bending over backwards to meet demand, with the BFA predicting the organic market will grow from 1 per cent to between 3-5 per cent of all retail sales in Australia by 2020.

Smaller entrepreneurs are also keen to find ways to profit, with new organic brands launching each year.

Antonette Golikidis, board member of Australia’s largest organic certifier, Australian Certified Organic, says both retailers and consumers are crying out for organic ranges. Women remain the biggest buyers.

“There is a growing uptake of organic products, which is being fuelled by improved availability, increased affordability and a greater understanding of organics,” Golikidis says.

“This is being driven by the fact that more people are opting for a healthy lifestyle. Larger supermarkets are also expanding into organic products, which has helped bring the overall price of organics down.”

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/small-business/growing/talk-about-organic-growth-20120523-1z4fv.html#ixzz1vpEgxahR