Celebrating Australian Organic Awareness Month

Every September, Australia marks Australian Organic Awareness Month (AOAM), the country's largest campaign dedicated to promoting the certified organic industry. Led by peak industry body Australian Organic Ltd, AOAM shines a spotlight on certified organic products, brands and businesses across every category imaginable, from fresh produce and beverages to cosmetics, skincare, garden products, house cleaning products, textiles and even pet food.

At its core, AOAM is about education. The campaign encourages Australians to understand what "certified organic" really means and to actively look for organic certification logos, like the well-known "bud" logo, when they shop.

Why Is It Important?

Here's something many shoppers don't realize: there's currently no domestic regulation around the word "organic" in Australia. That means a product labelled "organic" could legally contain as little as 2% organic ingredients, and might still include synthetic chemicals.

Certified organic is a different story entirely. To carry that label, every part of a product's journey, from sourcing ingredients, to manufacturing, to reaching store shelves, must be independently, third-party verified against a recognized standard such as the Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS). Choosing certified organic means you can trust what you're buying, and you're directly supporting the farmers and producers doing things properly.

This matters because it protects consumers from misleading claims and rewards the businesses genuinely investing in sustainable, honest production.

The Benefits of Choosing Certified Organic

Choosing certified organic products offers benefits that ripple out from your plate (or glass) to the wider environment:

• You're doing your part for the environment. Certified organic farming uses sustainable methods that help regenerate land and protect soils, waterways and local wildlife.

• No harmful synthetic chemicals. Certified organic ingredients are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which is better for your health and the planet.

• Truly free-range animals. Certified organic livestock has genuine access to pastureland and can graze as nature intended.

• No animal testing. Certified organic products are not tested on animals.

• No GMOs. Certified organic standards prohibit genetically modified ingredients and nanotechnology.

• Cleaner, more natural ingredients across food, beverages and beauty products alike.

• Socially responsible sourcing, supporting a supply chain that's verified at every step.

Interestingly, more than half of organic shoppers (55%) say they specifically look for certification marks before buying, and around 51% recognize the "bud" logo, proof that awareness really does drive better choices.

Organic Wine, Done Properly: Churchview Estate

When it comes to organic products worth celebrating this September, wine deserves a place at the table, and Churchview Estate, based in Metricup, Western Australia, is a standout example. Over the past 20 years, Churchview has transformed its vineyard from conventional to fully organic operation, guided by a simple philosophy: treat the environment with respect and maintain healthy soils and vines, because that's what produces pure, quality fruit.

Here are a few of their Australian Certified Organic wines from The Bartondale range:

The Bartondale Chardonnay 2025, $60.00

A bright, vibrant gold chardonnay bursting with lime, apricot and nectarine aromatics. On the palate it's powerful yet elegant, with French oak framing the fruit and a long, salivating finish of pink grapefruit and toasty nut character.

Goes great with: rich, buttery seafood like grilled scallops or lobster, roast chicken, or a creamy risotto. The wine's acidity and texture are built to cut through richness.

The Bartondale Shiraz 2020, $70.00

Deep red in colour with fragrant red fruit aromas, this is a spicy, powerful shiraz layered with cherry and plum, balanced by fine tannins and a long, savoury finish.

Goes great with: hearty red meat dishes, think slow-roasted lamb, char-grilled steak, or a rich beef casserole, where the savoury depth of the wine can match the dish.

The Bartondale Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, $70.00

Deep ruby in the glass, with plush aromatics of juicy currants and black cherry. Bold and juicy on the palate, backed by well-integrated oak, notes of vanilla and spice, and velvety, seductive tannins.

Goes great with: classic cabernet pairings such as roast beef, aged cheddar, or a mushroom-based main. The velvety tannins love a bit of fat and umami to play against.

All three wines are also vegan friendly, making them a thoughtful choice for eco-conscious entertaining.

What Churchview Offers for Organic Products

Churchview Estate's commitment to organics runs through their whole "Cultivated, Crafted, Cherished" philosophy:

• Cultivated: two decades spent converting the vineyard from conventional to certified organic farming, prioritizing healthy soils and vines to grow pure, quality fruit.

• Crafted: each bottle reflects the site, vintage and climate, made with the winemaker's skill and care, at a price they aim to keep accessible.

• Cherished: wines made to be enjoyed and shared, whether it's a quiet evening glass or a special occasion, with a philosophy of quality over quantity and responsible consumption.

Beyond The Bartondale range, Churchview's wine selection spans the Limited Release, SOLI, Estate Range and Silverleaf labels, so there's an organic option for most tastes and budgets. 

This upcoming September, Australian Organic Awareness Month is the perfect excuse to look a little closer at what's in your glass, and raise a toast with something that's good for you, good for the land, and good for the people who made it.