News

BioGro-certified dairy farmers Charlotte and Russell Heald share insights from the Fonterra Organic Dairy Conference, covering global demand, farmer-led innovation, and what’s ahead for organic milk in Aotearoa.

Organic Wool & Meat: Unlocking Global Opportunity: South Otago’s McGill Organic Farm shares 40+ years of insight into the challenges and potential of organic sheep and beef in Aotearoa. With strong demand for organic wool and growing global markets for meat, the opportunity is clear—if policy and market access catch up.

Have Your Say: OANZ is hosting weekly online meetings to help the organic sector understand and respond to MPI’s proposed cost recovery framework under the Organic Products and Production Act 2023. These proposals will affect all certified organic businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand — and your voice matters.

On Tuesday 4 June, OANZ had the honour of launching the 2025 Organic Market Report in the Grand Hall of Parliament, a fitting venue to celebrate a sector that is quietly but powerfully reshaping the future of food and farming in Aotearoa.

New data released today in the 2025 Organic Market Report shows New Zealand’s organic sector has reached a record NZ$1.18 billion in value. Given the evidence of strong growth in global demand and the premium commanded by organic products, organics is New Zealand’s highest-value and lowest-impact of primary production.

Innovation meets purpose at Mahakaruna Farm, home to the HEI Organic Education Centre, our second Silver Sponsor for the 2025 Organic Market Report. Nestled across 75 hectares in Ngātīmoti, at the top of the South Island, this centre is not only growing organic produce – it's growing the next generation of organic entrepreneurs.

As we launch the 2025 Organic Market Report, we’re proud to be backed by organisations that share our vision for a resilient, regenerative food system. One of those longstanding champions is BioGro New Zealand—Aotearoa’s leading organic certifier and a silver sponsor of this year’s report.

Since the early 1980s, Ceres Organics has been a pioneering force in the organic food movement, driven by a profound commitment to healing the Earth and humankind. They passionately advocate for the transformative power of organic choices, believing that every bite shapes a better tomorrow.

At a time when global demand for ethical, sustainable food is rising, robust organic certification is more than a tick-box exercise – it's a critical passport to trust, transparency, and premium market access. AsureQuality, a state-owned enterprise and gold sponsor of the 2025 OANZ Organic Market Report, plays a vital role in delivering that trust.

As a Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Organic Market Report, Kete Ora Trust isn’t just backing organic growth — they’re helping build the scientific foundation behind it. Their current research project, in partnership with Plant & Food Research, examines the relationship between food production and the nutritional value of the resulting food.

The organic sector in Aotearoa New Zealand continues to grow, and it’s time to share the latest data, insights and opportunities. Join us for the official online launch of the 2025 Organic Sector Market Report. Live via Zoom on Thursday, 5 June, 9:00 –10:00 am,

OANZ strongly opposes increasing the allowable glyphosate residue levels in food crops.. The New Zealand Government has quietly proposed a significant change to food safety rules: raising the maximum allowable residue limits (MRLs) for glyphosate, a controversial weedkiller widely used in agriculture.

At OANZ, we believe a healthier, more resilient future starts with the choices we make today. Whether you're deeply involved in the organic movement or just beginning to explore what it means, you have the power to help protect Aotearoa’s food system.

New Zealand Food Safety is proposing to raise glyphosate residue limits in staple foods like wheat, oats, and peas — by up to 100 times. Learn what this means, why it matters, and how to make a quick submission before 16 May to help stop it.

Catch up on all the latest organic news from home and abroad with Organic Aotearoa's monthly newsletter, The BUZZ - April 2025 edition. Covering news, events and so much more.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) told Parliament yesterday that the proposed Gene Technology Bill will have devastating impacts on the organic sector. Delivering its oral submission to the Health Select Committee, OANZ urged the government to include stronger controls over the environmental release of GMOs.

OANZ is calling on the government to make critical amendments to the proposed Gene Technology Bill to ensure the survival and continued success of the country’s organic sector

The latest campaign update with law specialist Mai Chen was sobering. While we may be unable to stop this Bill, OANZ is working tirelessly to ensure key amendments are heard to protect New Zealand’s primary production sector.

In this deeply moving and personal interview, Western Australian organic farmer Ian James reveals how his farm was hit by spray drift from a neighbouring GE canola crop in 2018—resulting in total crop loss, financial hardship, and a gruelling legal battle.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has submitted strong opposition to the proposed Gene Tech Bill, which threatens New Zealand’s organic sector, food sovereignty, and global reputation for clean, green exports. Our submission urges the government to abandon the bill and calls for a robust, transparent consultation process to ensure New Zealanders retain their right to GE-free food choices.

We invited Todd Muller, a former MP with nine years of experience in Parliament, to share his insights on crafting effective submissions and presenting to Select Committees. Watch the 30min recording and take action today.

The proposed Gene Technology Bill poses significant threats to Aotearoa’s GE-free status and the rights guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

As we reflect on the past year, we are incredibly proud of the strides made at Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ). From supporting the growth of the organic sector to engaging with critical policy debates, 2024 was a year of advocacy, impact and collective effort. 

This paper examines the impact of domestic environmental and climate policies on the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement (NZ-UK FTA) and their implications for New Zealand’s primary sector economy. Key areas of focus include emissions reductions, soil and water quality, and biodiversity protection.

Join us for a practical and action-focused webinar as we share our Submissions Guide and Activation Toolkit. Learn how you can make a difference by submitting against the Gene Tech Bill and mobilising your network to do the same.

Catch up on all the latest organic news from home and abroad with Organic Aotearoa's monthly newsletter, The BUZZ - December 2024 edition. Covering news, events and more.

The Government is rushing through a radical overhaul of gene technology laws without doing the necessary groundwork, leaving farmers, growers, food companies and exporters trying to understand the risks, compliance costs, and impacts on their businesses.

We are looking for a well-rounded 2iC to provide strategic and admin support part-time for three months to support our CEO and ensure smooth day-to-day operations within our small team.

Last night, when the Gene Technology Bill was read in Parliament for the first time, we were incredibly proud to hear opposition parties quoting our work back in their speeches. This milestone proves just how impactful your generosity has been—and how much further we can go together.

Media Statement: New Zealand’s primary sector exports could reduce by $10billion to $20billion annually were genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be released into the environment, according to a study by New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER).