OFA Environmental Research & Education Trust Appeal

Research and education will underpin the future development of organic agriculture in Australia, just as it does in many other countries. Funds for this are limited, so it is important that investments be made wisely. The OFA Organic Trust supports research that recognises the unique climate and soils of Australia, and the need to develop markets for Australian farmers. At the same time, it supports the organic industry in accessing and making use of information of a more generic nature which is developed overseas.

How will the funds be used?

The OFA Organic Trust carefully considers which topics can be (and are being) researched in other countries (such as nutritional qualities), and which issues are specific to Australia and therefore need researching here (such as applied technical, financial, economic, and environmental impacts under Australian conditions; supply chain issues; export market information; Australian policies).

Key areas of expenditure

• Soil management practices
• Pest, weed and disease management practices
• Educate and train students and industry practitioners in organic science and technology
• Educate the community and conventional food suppliers about the benefits and value of organic food production and supply.
• Develop scientific and commercial capacity to utilise and further develop organic systems science;