Sustain Traders Oceania

Information supplied by the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA)

What do you get when you cross organic food and drinks with Wilbur Wilde – a ‘wilde’ experience indeed.
The organic industry is approaching its main annual event being the Organic Expo at Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre on Fri 5 – Sun 7 August. Each year the industry looks forward to Saturday night (hey hey!) when Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), main organic industry representative body, hosts its networking dinner.
Last year’s dinner celebrated the launch of the BFA’s Australian Organic Market Report of which updates will once again be announced at this year’s function.
Wilbur Wilde, known best for his sax performances on Hey Hey its Saturday, has heard on the grapevine that organic wine allows you to wake up after a ‘Wilde’ night without any symptoms.
It’s just this type of industry data which most interests Wilde.
On the night, in between networking opportunities, information, organic food delights and wine, Wilde will MC a session of trivia questions testing organic industry members’ knowledge and providing entertainment for all other guests.
Dr Andrew Monk, BFA Director and Standards Convenor, says that organic retail sales in Australia have been increasing at a rate of over 20% per year.
“There remain opportunities for investment in this growth industry. IBIS World has once again forecast that organics will be the fastest growth industry in Australia in 2011/12 (13%), only surpassed by sugar (16.3%) and oil & gas (18.3%).
“Consumer demand continues to grow for organic food which harnesses the major drivers of food choices today – health, nutrition, animal welfare, free of synthetic additives and preservatives, no-GM, no-nano, no synthetic pesticides, agrichemicals, environmentally sustainable etc.”
Dr Monk says the main attraction of the Saturday dinner, apart from a taste of organic food, humour and opportunities, is a rare occasion to meet and build contacts with organic industry members from around Australia.
“It’s not often you have organic farmers through to traders travelling to one place from all states, and even internationally, to network and be updated on organic industry developments.
“We encourage all with an interest in organics to attend.”
When Saturday 6 August 6:30 – 10:30pm
Where Bayside Terrace, Level 2, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
Dress Lounge Suit, Cocktail Attire
Cost Members $59 Non-members $79 (Includes organic dinner, organic wine, beer and juice)
Bookings 1300 331 309, events@bfa.com.au or www.bfa.com.au.