VOTE ORGANIC: 2026 ORGANIC ELECTION MANIFESTO

VOTE ORGANIC: 2026 ORGANIC ELECTION MANIFESTO

This November, New Zealanders head to the polls. For the organic sector, this election is a turning point. Organic farming in Aotearoa can either grow into the resilient, high-value sector it has the potential to be, or it can stall under policy settings that haven't caught up with where the world, and our export markets, are heading.

That's why Organics Aotearoa New Zealand has released our 2026 Organic Election Manifesto, five priorities we're asking every political party to commit to.

Why now

Organic isn't a niche interest anymore. It's a growing part of New Zealand's export story, currently valued at $1.18 billion, and a sector with real headroom for growth if it gets the right support. It's also central to protecting our GE-free advantage, one of the things that sets New Zealand produce apart on the global stage.

But growth doesn't happen by accident. It takes policy that actively backs the sector, not just talks about it. With a new government to be formed this term, we have a narrow window to make sure organic farming is on the agenda, not an afterthought.

The five priorities

Our manifesto sets out five clear policy priorities for the next government:

1. Fully fund the National Organic Standard rollout (2026-2028)

The sector wants a practical, well-resourced rollout of the National Organic Standard so all producers and exporters can operate with confidence. That means clear regulations, proportionate compliance costs, and aligned certification settings that turn compliance into a market advantage, not an administrative burden. For consumers, it means a trustworthy label they can rely on.

2. Financially support the growth of the organic sector

We want the next Government to fund a four-year, tapered investment to establish the core capability required to grow organics at scale, and to retain the Associate Minister for Organics role to provide sustained political leadership for the sector. This investment should support the functions identified in the sector proposal: Market Access, Market Development, Data and Insights, and Extension and Transition. A stronger sector grows our export earnings and brings more local organic food within reach of everyday New Zealand households.

3. Secure global market access

Aotearoa New Zealand must move quickly to secure organic equivalency with key markets, especially the EU, USA and China, while also reducing barriers in the UK, Australia, Japan, fast-growing Asia Pacific, including the newly signed India. Equivalency agreements reduce technical barriers, improve exporter confidence, and help us compete in the global premium organic market on equal terms. This is essential if we are to turn rising global demand into export earnings, jobs and regional investment.

4. Protect New Zealand’s GE-Free advantage

The proposed Gene Technology Bill creates a serious risk to our organic integrity and export reputation. It also threatens something domestic consumers care deeply about: the right to know that their food is free from GMOs. Organics depends on trust, traceability and GE-free credibility, and that value proposition underpins access to premium markets that reward verified non-GE supply. We must ensure that regulations do not undermine organic certification, market access, or our clean, trusted New Zealand brand.

5. Invest in growing supply, transition and domestic demand

Aotearoa New Zealand only has 89,554 hectares under organic certification, approximately 0.6%

of agricultural land, yet this land accounts for around 1.2% of the total value of NZ Food and Fibre

exports. That ratio tells its own story about the value of organic production and the opportunity

for growth. Expanding certified land is key to growing premium exports and strengthening domestic food security, while making organic food more accessible and affordable for households. We need greater investment in transition support, extension services, mentoring and infrastructure so more farmers, growers and whenua-based enterprises can enter and remain in organics. Stronger domestic procurement through schools, hospitals and public institutions will build long-term market depth and healthier soil, waterways and communities.

Taking it to Wellington

Late July, our team took the manifesto directly to Parliament. Over two days, we met with political parties to present these five priorities in person. We're not asking for vague support. We're asking every party to commit to supporting the growth of organics through policy and investment. Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more with you, to help guide your vote this November.

Vote organic.