Technical and Research Manager
Australian Organic Limited
Catching up with Josefine Pettersson
Your role - what is it and what does it involve?
I am Technical and Research Manager at Australian Organic Limited (AOL). We are the peak industry body for the organic sector and function as a member funded non-for profit. AOL represents operators within all sectors of agriculture across all states. The demand for organic products continues to grow at a monumental rate, with 53 million hectares under organic management in Australia, equating to approximately 12.4% of the total landmass.
Within my role, I liaise with the Research and Development Corporations and other industry bodies to highlight organic needs and encourage collaboration on identified research priorities. Organic systems require a proactive approach to managing issues, given the limited inputs allowed. These priorities and techniques are often applicable to non-organic producers and may assist the agricultural sector at large. Agricultural operators can strategically reduce inputs in many circumstances through proactive measures (systems design) rather than reactive management (product treatment).
What most excites you now regarding the work you do in relation to drought resilience?
Drought resilience has so many exciting aspects! Ultimately, proactively increasing drought resilience can provide a range of long-term financial, social and environmental benefits to operators.
Examples of how you and your colleagues work with farmers and the community
AOL is also part of the Future Drought Fund - Drought Resilient Soils program, and we are working with the University of Southern Queensland, conventional producers and our organic members to address soil constraints.
Organic agriculture prioritises soil health within production systems. Historically the organic sector has been quite segregated from non-organic producers, however improving soil health and soil organic matter also increases the water holding capacity of the soil and in turn drought resilience. Collaborating within this area with other like-minded individuals, regardless of whether they are certified organic operators, presents opportunities to symbiotically improve community and the drought resilience of agricultural systems.
Thoughts on your partnership with the Drought Hub
Though we have a national member base, the Drought Hub is an opportunity to engage more closely with our members in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales in addition to other stakeholder groups within this area. The Drought Hub is an excellent platform to continue to build collaborative relations with industry, as all producers will go through periods of below average rainfall and require support to ensure long term resilience of Australian agriculture in this changing climate.
September is Australian Organic Awareness Month, AOL’s annual initiative aimed at retailers, industry and consumers to highlight organic produce and what the sector represents. For many consumers, price is a limiting factor as to why they don’t purchase more organic products. As the organic sector continues to grow, we hope there can remain a balance between the producers getting a premium for their agro-ecological stewardship, and the consumer feeling able to purchase organic products.
Learn more about Australian Organic.