With growing food safety fears, and concerns about animal welfare and production, there is increasing worldwide demand for ‘clean and green’ food products. And Australia, with its already established ‘clean and green’ image, is grabbing hold of the market.

The Central Queensland organics Industry generates a wide variety of products including vegetable oils and oilseed, wheat, grains, beef, vegetables, fruits and wine for domestic consumption and export, predominantly Japan, the US and Europe.

Grass-fed organically reared beef, however, represents the greatest potential for a sustainable regional organics industry, according to a report prepared by CQU's Institute for Sustainable Regional Development. (Organics, Biotechnology and Indigenous Natural Resources in Central Queensland, October 2001; by Madeleine Alderton, Janet Grice formerly Janet Norton, and Luke Godwin).

In terms of sectors, the organic beef industry is growing rapidly and is the most developed in terms of supply capability and marketing, according to the findings.

While at this stage only a small number of producers are raising organic beef cattle in CQ, the potential is enormous. Cattle grazing is the dominant agricultural land use throughout Central Queensland. The Rockhampton hinterland alone accounts for around 40% of Queensland’s cattle herd.

International marketing supply chains are already well established in the region, with most beef produced in the CQ region exported. In the domestic market, continuity of supply is needed, particularly as supermarkets become more involved and drive consumption of organic meat and meat products. Often only a particular type of cut is wanted so a wide production zone is required to ensure steady supply.

The report also identified a need for an adequate supply of organic stock, which presents long-term opportunities for the CQ breeding industry.

Organic beef is probably the easiest sector in which to convert to organic production, according to the ISRD. There are few environmental barriers to the transition to organically raised cattle. Parasite control can be a problem, but producers interviewed during the course of the study did not report major difficulties.

The general view from organic stakeholders interviewed for the study was that future opportunities for organic beef production in CQ outweigh any trade issues or environmental challenges.

The ISRD, based in Rockhampton at Central Queensland University, is committed to responding to the needs of the beef and cattle communities to develop and improve upon sustainable practices within the industries.

ISRD, with government, private and industry groups, conducts research to inform regional, national and international audiences about complex issues facing non-metropolitan areas, like Central Queensland.

The natural resources of rural and regional Australia are vital to the beef industry. The ISRD is available to work with you to introduce and sustain productive, environmentally sound-practices that contribute to the health and well-being of regional Australia.

The ISRD can be contacted on 4930 9053 or via isrd@cqu.edu.au.