208 Submissions received - Great Progress
MPI have issued an update regarding the calls for Public Comment - 208 submissions were received from businesses, consumers, industry and consumer representatives, organic certification agencies, interest groups, consultants, scientists and other entities;
177 submissions (85%) supported a change in the way organic are currently regulated. Consumer confidence and supporting trade were key outcomes of a new regime.
158 submissions (76%) supported the introduction of a mandatory standard for all. Again, consumer confidence is the key driver, alongside ‘levelling the playing field’
100 submission (48%) supported ongoing verifications with limited exceptions. It was acknowledged that there was a need to design a regime that would not impose high compliance costs on small business.
BioGro acknowledges this as a positive outcome. The next step is for Government to consider whether and how it would like to proceed with work on new regulation.
