Share of organic products Australia 2021, by type

According to a survey about organic farming in Australia conducted in December 2021, vegetables, fruit, grapes and beef were the main products produced organically. In contrast, organic production of dairy products was reported by only eight percent of respondents.

Agriculture in Australia

While the agriculture industry has a relatively minor contribution to Australia’s gross domestic product compared to other economic sectors, it is still vital to the country's economy and food security. Major agricultural commodities produced in Australia include wheat, barley, canola, wool, beef, and dairy products. A wide range of these commodities are exported worldwide, with Australia’s major agricultural export destinations including China, Japan, and the Middle East. Australia places a strong emphasis on meeting international quality and safety standards, successfully meeting the food demands of international markets.

Australian organic farming

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for organic products both domestically and internationally, driven by a desire for pesticide-free and environmentally friendly food options. In terms of purchase criteria for food in Australia, consumers opted for fresh, high-quality, natural ingredients, as well as organic options. Despite Australia leading the world in organic agricultural land area, there is still room for growth in organic production in the country. Most organic operators characterized their organic enterprises as small in Australia, though certified organic operators were more likely to classify their operations as medium or large.