Dairy farmer taking the lead at Australian Organic

Organic dairy farmer Jane Campbell has been appointed as the new director of the Australian Organic board, and will assume the position in an interim capacity from previous board director Leo Watling. Campbell has 20 years’ organic dairy farming experience and runs two operations: Barambah Organics in Goondiwindi, Queensland, and East Coast Sustainable Dairy in Raleigh on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Campbell also oversees the production of facilities in Darra, Brisbane.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jane as she brings with her a level of dairy industry experience we have not previously had at board level. The Australian organic dairy sector is a significant part of the industry, so Jane’s expertise will be invaluable,” said Niki Ford, Australian Organic CEO.

“Leo has been a fantastic board director over the past year; however, as the founder of retailer Apples and Sage, he has had to temporarily step back from the position due to the extra business demands COVID-19 has brought about. He intends to return to the board as soon as he is able to.”

The Campbells have exported their organic products, including milk, cheese, cream and yoghurt, to numerous countries since 2012, and have won many awards for their produce. Last August the Campbells expanded into NSW with new venture East Coast Sustainable Dairy, which, like Barambah, produces a full range of dairy products.

Jane Campbell and her family.

“I’ve always been a passionate advocate for farmers’ rights, given how familiar I am with the numerous challenges of organic farming. I also believe in upholding the integrity of the organic industry. Ensuring that consumers recognise the certified organic Bud logo and only look for certified organic products is a vital part of that,” said Campbell.

Top image caption: East Coast Sustainable Dairy milk products.