Technically, the term “organic” refers to any chemical compound containing carbon. However since the 40's J R Rodale founder & publisher of Organic Gardening magazine USA, began using the term to describe fruit and vegetables grown in cooperation with the earth, using composted materials & mineral supplements to amend soil rather than the synthetically formulated fertilisers that were fast becoming standard.

Throughout Europe the Organic pioneers spoke out about concerns for effect on human health with the new trend in farming.  In 1940 Sir Albert Howard, UK, published an “Agricultural Testament” he was one of the first agricultural biologists who spoke out expressly against the use of chemical fertilisers. In 1950’s Lady Eve Balfour published the  "Living Soil", whose success resulted in forming the "Soil Association" in Britain.  However Rudolph Steiner was regarded as one of the first visionaries introducing new methods to nurture  & enrich soil health and had first started talking to farmers about Biodynamic agriculture since the 1890’s.

In Australia, mono cropping, the practice of planting a large plot of land with the same crop year after year dominated farm production between the 50's & 70’s. The lack of natural diversity of plant live has left the soil lacking in natural minerals and nutrients. During the 60’s Biodynamics was introduced and in the 1980’s after a series of field days of farmers sharing ideas and experience in “organic & biodynamic” and the “organic” standards started to evolve and Australia formed it’s first certification organisations.

Organics throughout the world is known as “a movement” driven by consumer and farmers, rather than simply an industry or a brand; the certification system evolved so that consumers can know that what they are buying is truly as promised.

It is extraordinary achievement to have a set of national standards that are recognised around the world, a thorough audit system with trained inspectors  (www.rirdc.gov.au/programs/org.html check for a copy of the domestic standards). The standards are at present being revised with  Standards Australia so that they can be more easily called up by regulators like the ACCC. This will protect the national organic and biodynamic standards on the domestic market. It will also iron out any misrepresentation or confusion over the use of the term “organic” in product names or advertising material. Along the lines of  USA, EU and Japan whose domestic markets are already  clearly protected.