Organic sector strategy aims for growth to support New Zealand’s climate and environment targets
A landmark strategy to take New Zealand’s fast-growing organic production sector to the next level has been launched.
The strategy, ‘Taking Action for a Better New Zealand’, was commissioned by umbrella group Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) and aims to contribute a cumulative $4.7b to New Zealand’s GDP by 2030 while reducing climate and environmental pollution.
“Growth in the organic sector is better growth for Aotearoa’s environment, the New Zealand economy and for New Zealanders,” says OANZ CEO Viv Williams.
“Organics provide an established international market and brand. When combined with the energy and vitality coming from the regenerative agriculture movement, organics can make a strong contribution to the future of farming as described in the Government’s Fit for a Better World roadmap.
“Our ‘Taking Action for a Better New Zealand’ strategy focuses on extension services to support more growers to meet organic standards, alongside collaboration with regenerative growers and researchers to deliver the best of both worlds.
“Active support for indigenous food and growing knowledge, through the Hua Parakore system of Māori organic certification, is also key to New Zealand’s organic food story. Hua Parakore is an authentic New Zealand relationship with food and food production that connects consumers with the land in a way that’s unique to New Zealand.”
Viv Williams | OANZ CEO
The project was undertaken with funding assistance from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI’s) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.
“New Zealand agriculture has an excellent reputation globally for its natural environment, and for food that is safe, tasty, nutritious, ethical and high quality,” says Steve Penno, MPI’s Director of Investment Programmes.
“This strategy provides valuable guidance for the organics sector on how it can tell its story internationally, how to address current challenges and tap into opportunities, and pave the way forward to grow the sector.”
The strategy report is available on the OANZ website.
Cover Image from Sector Strategy document | OANZ