Australia is a country that places great emphasis on consumer health and environmental protection. As a result, organic products often receive special attention in this country. Consequently, ACO—Australia’s leading organic certification—has become an essential partner for every organic product and the people here.
How did ACO come into existence?
To understand ACO, we must first look at the history of BFA (Biological Farmers of Australia)—an organization founded in 1987 with the aim of promoting the message of organic and biodynamic agriculture. By 2002, BFA recognized the need to separate the roles of standard-setting and on-site inspection, so it established the subsidiary ACO (Australian Certified Organic) to focus exclusively on product certification.
Since its inception, ACO has consistently solidified its position by quickly securing recognition from Japan’s JAS, followed by international certification through FOAM and the USDA NOP. The organization itself currently oversees more than 2,000 operators within the organic supply chain, making it one of the most influential certifications.
What are the ACO standards?
Since the BFA’s primary focus is on organic and biodynamic agriculture, the ACO standards essentially consist of requirements centered on these areas. Additionally, the ACO standards include region-specific options to ensure alignment with local environmental conditions. However, these options generally adhere to common criteria:
- Soil environment and health management
- Materials, machinery, and equipment
- Compost
- Water management and ecology
- Pests, diseases, and weed control
- Environmental management and social policies
- Soil contamination and production site issues.
ACO Certification Categories
Since each product has a different percentage of organic content, ACO certification is divided into four label levels, specifically:
- 100% Organic: All raw materials and processing aids in the product are certified organic.
- Certified Organic: The product contains at least 95% organic ingredients; the remaining 5% must consist of natural substances or non-toxic additives listed on the ACO’s approved list.
- Made with organic ingredients: For products that do not meet the 95% threshold but contain at least 70% organic ingredients. For these products, the packaging may not display the ACO logo on the front but must include the text above along with the names of the organic ingredients.
- Less than 70% organic ingredients: No organic terminology may be used on the packaging; instead, organic ingredients must be listed in the ingredient list on the back of the product.
Product categories certified by ACO
As the organic market has evolved, ACO no longer focuses solely on food-related organic products but has increasingly expanded its certification scope. Today, this certification covers virtually every industry, though they can be broadly grouped into five main categories:
- Food and beverages: This is the most common and diverse category, ranging from vegetables, fruits, spices, dairy, meat, and processed foods to alcoholic beverages.
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Includes skincare, hair care, and body care products, as well as pure essential oils derived from organic plants.
- Organic textiles and fibers: Textile products such as clothing, bedding, towels, etc., and natural raw fibers.
- Animal feed and pet food: From organic raw feed mixes to canned food and organic pellet feed.
- Agricultural supplies and preparations: This category is considered a special group within ACO because it certifies not only the final product but also the input materials. This segment includes fertilizers, biological pesticides, soil conditioners, cleaning agents, and disinfectants, etc.
Conclusion
In the global organic certification sector, although ACO is a relatively new entrant, it holds an extremely important position. This certification has received significant recognition not only from major organizations but also from global consumers. So, don’t hesitate—choose a product bearing the ACO label.