Why choose organic?

Health is a good place to start.

Firstly, we all know that we are what we eat. When we eat organic, we are eating optimum food produced in the best conditions.

Organic fruit and vegetables contain more nutrients and minerals than the mass-produced variety and are also more intensely endowed with scent and colour. Organic meats are produced from animals that are treated humanely and reared on certified organic feeds and pastures. And guess what?  We think they taste so much better!

Secondly, organic is healthy for the planet. Organic farming and production practices are designed to work in harmony with nature and the seasons. These practices are sustainable and independent of harmful chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers. Buying organic supports the future of our precious environment.

All authentic organic foods and products are certified. The certification label ensures that a stringent set of tests and standards have been met at every stage of the product's movement from the farm to the Macro shelf. (If we don't have certified organic produce on offer, then we'll offer you the next best thing - as natural as possible. And we'll tell you that in our packaging or item tickets so you know exactly what you're getting).

The Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), otherwise known as Australian Certified Organic, is a common certification (the ACO certification 'bud' logo is often seen on Macro foods and produce), although six other bodies are permitted to certify organic produce including NASAA and ORGAA.

Organic foods are permitted to contain a maximum of 5% of uncertified ingredients from a restricted list, and those ingredients must be labelled on the product. Most organic processed foods such as sausages and dairy foods do not contain preservatives.

Organic foods and products typically cost more than their conventionally mass-produced, chemically farmed counterparts; that's because they represent the real cost of growing and producing at high quality.

However, it is one of Macro's intentions to, over time, make organic products more cost-effective to the consumer.

How do I know its really organic? 

In Australia, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) accredits the organic industry agencies that qualify to certify organic. There are 7 Australian organic certifies, listed below. They accredit the farms and their produce, ensuring the stringent organic farming criteria are implemented. 

Your food is certified organic - if it carries the following certification. Each certifying body has its own distinguishing logo.

Australian Certified Organic (ACO)
 the certification arm of the Biological Farmer's Association (BFA)

Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI)

National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA)

Organic Food Chain (OFC)

Organic Herb Growers of Australia (OHGA)

Safe Food Qld