The Buzz, July 25 Edition

Hello, and welcome to the July 2025 edition of the Buzz, your monthly dose of news from the Organic Sector and beyond.

It’s been a busy few months for the organic sector, full of both momentum and mounting challenges. As pressure grows from government proposals that threaten the integrity and future of organic farming, OANZ has stayed focused on two priorities: defending what matters and growing our organic future.

Last month, we launched the 2025 Organic Market Report at Parliament, providing fresh data and visibility to a sector that delivers on values, resilience, and real economic contribution. We continue to work behind the scenes, advocating against the Gene Tech Bill, and we’re now leading the charge on a sector submission for MPI’s Cost Recovery proposal (under the Organic Products and Production Act), which could directly impact certification costs.

Meanwhile, we are working closely with our Australian counterparts, Australian Organic Limited (AOL), on FSANZ’s Proposal P1055, which signals further risks by redefining “gene technology” in ways that could strip away consumer transparency across our shared food system.

As you’ll see in the updates below, from a policy perspective, the organic sector is at a critical moment, and your support makes all the difference. If you believe in the future of organic food and farming, please consider joining us as a member or making a donation to power our work.

A heartfelt thank you to all our current members, recent donors, and generous sponsors, your backing enables us to stay at the table, speak up, and stand strong for an organic future in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ngā mihi nui,
Rob Simcic - Chair
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand
rob@oanz.org