What does Australian Certified Organic (ACO) blueberries mean?
Bloobs Blueberries are ACO certified, read on to find out exactly what this means.
Firstly, here is a little introduction to ACO Certification
Organic certification has existed in Australia for more than 30 years and remains the only way to provide integrity to the organic industry. ACO Certification Ltd (ACO) is currently Australia’s largest certifier for organic and biodynamic produce. Over 2000 operators are within its certification system.
ACO certification ensures producer compliance with national and international production standards and allows a trace back of all products to their origin, so you can be rest assured you are buying a quality product. Certification is important as it minimises confusion about product quality and safety, builds confidence with consumers, opens up export market access and guarantees a robust and impartial system of accreditation.
ACO’s certification program are recognised with agencies such as:
- Department of Agriculture & Water Resources Australia
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- IFOAM
- IOAS
- Japan Ministry for Agriculture Forestry & Fisheries
- NAQS Korea
- Freshcare
- COFCC China
More information about ACO accreditation can be found here.
Bloobs Blueberries – Certified Organic and Biodynamic
Bloobs Blueberries currently hold ACO Accreditation for meeting the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce.
What is Organic and Biodynamic Produce?
Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic, persistent pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. It also includes welfare standards for animal husbandry and prohibits genetically modified organisms. (https://austorganic.com/certification-and-standards/standards/acos/)
Organic produce is grown in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner. Non-GM seeds are used with natural fertilisers, natural fungicides and crop rotation to keep the soil fertile and full of beneficial microorganisms. Techniques such as mulch, cover crops, animal, hand, or mechanical weeding, planting timing, seasonality and density are all considered in the process.
The biodynamic way of farming encourages beneficial insects and healthy soils. Fruits and vegetables are allowed to ripen naturally. The biodynamic process produces nutritious, safe and sustainable produce.
Producers wanting certification with ACO for organic and biodynamic produce must pass ACO requirements and submit an Organic Management Plan (OMP). This process is years in the making, taking 3 years to obtain organic and biodynamic status. This is then followed up by annual audits to make sure the quality is maintained.
If you want to be certain the product you are buying is ACO accredited look for the Australian Certified Organic Standards (ACOS) Bud logo on the packaging.
The Australian Organic website has some good information on accreditation, if you want to find out more about the process.
To find out where to buy Bloobs organic blueberries:
Buy Bloobs
Find a Stockist
References:
https://austorganic.com/certification-and-standards/standards/acos/