Date of issue: 26 October 2026
Date of effect: 26 October 2026
Expiry: UFN
Reference Number: IAN 2026-07
Attention
Organic operators and exporters, approved certifying bodies, industry groups, and experts in livestock management, animal welfare, and organic and bio-dynamic production practices including scientists, animal nutritionists, veterinarians, farmers, or other professionals with organic livestock experience.
Purpose
- To provide an update on the department's review of the organic livestock standards in Australia's National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce; and
- To invite expressions of interest from individuals with expertise in organic and bio-dynamic livestock to help review the livestock housing standards of Australia's National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce.
Organic livestock standards update
The department is continuing its comprehensive review of the organic livestock standards, and associated appendices and definitions in the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce (National Standard).
Following public consultation in 2024, analysis of stakeholder feedback identified that further refinement is needed to ensure the standards are fit for purpose, meet industry needs, and align with trading partner requirements.
An expert working group is now required to finalise the section involving livestock housing standards. Once completed, the final draft of the organic livestock standards will be published for stakeholder feedback before the final version is incorporated into the National Standard.
Call for expressions of interest
The department and the National Standard Advisory Committee (NSAC) have agreed to establish a working group to review and update the livestock housing standards contained in the National Standard.
As a technical expert, you will play a critical role in ensuring that the standards are robust, scientifically sound, and relevant to the industry and our trading partners.
If you are passionate about organics, biodynamics, and sustainable agriculture and have the expertise to make a meaningful contribution to this important project, we would like to hear from you.
This is a voluntary role with a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of the organic and bio-dynamic export industry in Australia, while also expanding your professional network and knowledge in the field.
Your responsibilities will include reviewing the livestock housing standards in the National Standard with the view to identifying any improvements and drafting updated standards. You will work collaboratively with other experts within the working group to develop change recommendations.
The first meeting of the livestock housing working group is expected to be held early February 2027 and the review time frame will depend on the depth of changes required. A general guide would be final recommendations of the working group to be provided to the department by April 2027.
How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please provide your resume, two references and a brief statement (maximum 500 words) outlining your relevant expertise and experience to OrganicExports@aff.gov.au.
Applications close 13 November 2026.
The NSAC is comprised of dedicated technical experts from the organic community engaged by the department to provide technical advice and recommendations on amendments, revisions, or updates to the National Standard. For more information, please see the NSAC webpage.
By accepting an appointment as a working group member, you are committing to actively participate and agree to fulfil a number of obligations associated with participation.
This role precludes membership from:
- any persons who are leaders of an organic organisation/certifier or are key spokespersons for an organic organisation/certifier.
- any member opposed to the principles of organic agriculture.
Further information
Contact OrganicExports@aff.gov.au if you have any queries.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.