The NSW Organic Ministerial Advisory Council (OMAC)
Scott Seaman, Manager, Organics and Food Industry Development Industry & Investment NSW, Primary Industries Development Centre, Bathurst.
In 2006, the NSW Primary Industries Minister announced an initiative to assist in the development of the Organic industry in NSW, this included the establishment of the NSW Organic Ministerial Advisory Council (OMAC).
OMAC consists of 12 notable NSW organic industry identities. Membership of the council includes farmers, processors, wholesalers and retail sectors of the industry.
OMAC is a non-statutory advisory body that provides advice to the NSW Primary Industries Minister on current and future issues and development opportunities for the organic farming sector. In particular this advice relates to Government policy, research and development initiatives and export opportunities to support the continued development of a productive, profitable and sustainable industry.
Achievements of the Council include:
- involvement in the development and launch of the new Australian Standard for Organic Production;
- sponsorship and advocacy for the development of NSW Organic Wine Award and recently The Organic Pioneers Award;
- support of various national awareness programs, including the National Organic Week (NOW) and the Organic Federation of Australia “Trust Organic” national awareness program;
- support for the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) research survey (2008) into the capacity of the Australian organic industry;
- representation at a number of field day events and industry forums such as the National Organic Expo in Sydney (2008 and 2010);
- overseeing the establishment of the organic vineyard demonstration site at I&I NSW Bathurst Primary Industry Centre;
- Engagement with industry to seek opportunities for project development and funding (RIRDC, OFA, DSRD, MLA, BFA).
If you like to provide input to the issues being considered by OMAC, please contact the Councils’ Executive Officer robyn.neeson@industry.nsw.gov.au