The figures, launched today by Biological Farmers of Australia, show there has been an 80pc growth in the value of farm gate sales of organic agricultural produce since 2004.

And its farmers are younger and the size of organic farms is becoming larger.

The statistics were independently gathered by the University of New England's Organic Research Group, which was commissioned by the BFA, have been published in the Australian Organic Market Report (AOMR).

The findings are based on industry-wide survey data and builds upon research published by the Federal Department of Agriculture in 2004.

BFA director and standards chair, Dr Andrew Monk, says the AOMR is a "benchmark research document" which will assist in industry monitoring and planning.

"The AOMR will serve as a key tool for decision making for potential and existing organic producers and marketers, while offering reference points for government, media and interested parties, allowing for a better understanding overall of the nature, size and structure of the organic industry in Australia," Dr Monk said.

Among the key findings of the research are:

• retail value (incorporating imports and adjusting for exports) was estimated to be $578 million, with reports of between 10pc and 30pc growth per annum for some sectors since the last report in 2004;

• 2007 farm gate values were estimated to be in excess of $231m, an 80pc increase on the 2004 DAFF research findings;

• with 11,988,044 hectares, Australia accounts for the largest amount of certified organic farmland in the world, the majority of which is used for extensive grazing;

• major retailers now carry in excess of 500 different organic lines in fresh and grocery categories; and

• the number of certified organic operators has increased by an annual 5.2pc average net over the last five years, during a time of ongoing decrease in overall farmer numbers in Australia. In 2007 the total number of certified organic operators was 2750 – made up of farmers, processors and marketers. Almost three quarters of all operators are producers, representing 1.5-1.8pc of all growers in Australia.