Celebrity chefs urge Australians to choose 'real food' this Organic Awareness Month
Australian Organic Limited
Three Blue Ducks co-owner, Darren Robertson and Saturday Night Pasta founder, Elizabeth Hewson, are backing Australian Organic Awareness Month this September to tackle misconceptions about organic and highlight the real benefits of certified organic products.
The initiative, run by peak body Australian Organic Limited (AOL), aims to show that organic isn’t elite, it's everyday. With simple swaps, consumers can shop in confidence knowing that their baskets are free of nasty synthetic chemicals and better for their health and planet.
Elizabeth Hewson says organic is about making good choices in an accessible way.
“Organic isn’t about being perfect or expensive, it’s about making small, everyday swaps that add up to better choices for your health, planet and future generations.”
While supermarket shelves are often filled with glossy, oversized produce, Robertson says looks can be deceiving.
“The most delicious and nutritious food isn’t always the prettiest. Nature is meant to be diverse, and that’s where the gold is. Organic produce that looks a bit different is often the most delicious,” he said.
He added that behind organic produce are the stories of hardworking family-run farms.
“Achieving certification is a huge milestone and one that should be celebrated. These farmers invest in their land to bring beautiful ingredients into kitchens across Australia.”
Jackie Brian, CEO of Australian Organic Limited, said there is still a misconception that organic food is expensive or hard to access.
“There are so many exceptional Australian businesses spanning all industries, from the Organic Milk Co to Bellamy’s Organic Baby Food and everything in between, it’s a lot less expensive than people may think to make organic choices. Even a few simple swaps can give families peace of mind that they are reducing their exposure to pesticides, GMOs and chemical preservatives,” she said.
With shoppers increasingly seeking out organic, she warned confusion is still rife.
“One in three Australians have already been misled by products that claimed to be organic but weren’t. With more than half of businesses making questionable environmental claims and hidden coatings like Apeel raising consumer concerns, certification is the only way shoppers can be sure they’re buying the real thing.”
Organic Awareness Month is Australia’s largest campaign celebrating the certified organic industry. It aims to increase awareness of the health and sustainability benefits of organic products and highlight the importance of looking for the certification mark when shopping.
This year’s campaign will launch with the prestigious Organic Awards on September 3, recognising innovation and excellence across the organic industry.
The 2025 campaign is proudly supported by The Organic Milk Co as principal sponsor, along with major sponsors Bellamy’s Organic, Harris Farm Markets, Hewitt, Bean Alliance and Cell Squared.
Held annually each September, Organic Awareness Month spans all categories of certified organic products, from fresh produce and packaged food to skincare, textiles and homewares.
ENDS
Darren Robertson and Elizabeth Hewson have each created recipes showcasing organic ingredients and produce. You can view the recipes and hi-res imagery here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UJ5TVPFdbxkaIbl8KR4KM6RAg68kpoCq?usp=drive_link
What is Certified Organic?
The term ‘Certified Organic’ means a product has been through a strict certification process and has met the requirements of an approved certification Standard, such as the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce or the Australian Certified Organic Standard. Brands and/or businesses are then audited annually to ensure they continue to meet the strict requirements of the Standard.
About us:
About Australian Organic Limited
Australian Organic Limited (AOL) is the peak industry body engaging with government and industry to promote the commercial and social interests of those who are certified and protect the integrity of the sector against fraud and misleading organics. AOL has been at the foundation of organics since 1987 and is identified by the most recognised mark in Australia, the Australian Certified Organic ‘Bud’ logo. This trademark signals the highest of integrity and is recognised by 64 per cent of Australian consumers.
Contact details:
Ellen Hahn
Papaya Agency
+414 674 743
