• Membership Revenue: Redevelop the membership programme and grow the community, but consider the high service expectations and financial constraints of small producers.

• Grant Applications: Seek funding locally and internationally to address gaps left by reduced government support.

• Corporate Sponsorships and Marketing Partners: Expand capacity to secure partnerships and promote the sector.

• Online Organic Directory: Develop a marketplace to connect consumers with organic products and services.

• Cost Recovery Fees: Adopt a model like the Plant Market Access Council, funded through fees linked to export services.

• Certification Royalties: Collaborate with certification bodies to generate revenue through label fees.

• Commodity Levies: Implement flexible levy systems across the supply chain, including manufacturers, retailers, and exporters, to distribute financial responsibility equitably.

Ecosystem Services Payments: Provide financial incentives for sustainable land management practices, such as carbon sequestration, water quality improvements, and biodiversity restoration. This innovative approach has received strong support and will be further explored with stakeholders.

• Unified Representation: OANZ’s governance model will include representatives from across the value chain—farmers, certifiers, processors, retailers, Māori growers, exporters, and consumers. This structure ensures diverse perspectives are integrated into advocacy efforts.

• Advisory Committees and Working Groups: Specialised committees focused on policy, research, and market development will provide expert guidance on priority issues, such as government regulations, trade barriers, and GE contamination risks.

• Sector Body Research: OANZ will invest in independent research to inform its advocacy positions, including comparative studies of organic versus conventional practices, market trends, and economic contributions of the organic sector.

• Stakeholder Feedback: Regular engagement through surveys, interviews, and workshops will ensure advocacy aligns with the sector’s evolving needs.

• Data-Driven Insights: A proposed data dashboard will track sector performance, helping to identify challenges and opportunities to shape evidence-based advocacy.

The sector bodyZ will advocate for:

• Organic Producers: Championing policy changes that reduce barriers to organic certification and compliance costs, and promoting fair trade practices.

• Māori Growers and Small Producers: Supporting access to resources, education, and market opportunities tailored to their unique needs.

• Exporters: Lobbying for streamlined market access and equivalency agreements with international organic standards.

• Consumers: Educating the public on the environmental and health benefits of organic products to build trust and demand.

• Government Engagement: Work closely with policymakers to influence legislation on GE-free practices, environmental sustainability, and funding for the organic sector.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Drive initiatives that highlight the benefits of organics, counter misinformation, and promote consumer access to certified products.

• Collaborative Alliances: Partner with organisations like Te Waka Kai Ora and international organic bodies to strengthen advocacy efforts globally and domestically.

• Support for Member Goals: Tailor advocacy efforts to address member-specific needs, ensuring tangible benefits for all stakeholders.

• Capacity Building:

  • Deliver tailored training programmes and workshops to improve productivity and efficiency among organic producers.

  • Provide mentorship initiatives connecting experienced organic farmers with transitioning farmers to share best practices.

• Resource Access:

  • Develop an online resource hub offering tools, templates, and guidance on organic standards, certification processes, and market access.

  • Facilitate access to affordable organic inputs, such as seeds and soil amendments, through partnerships and bulk purchasing initiatives.

• Streamlining Processes:

  • Advocate for simplified, cost-effective certification procedures, reducing financial and administrative burdens for small-scale and transitioning producers.

• Inclusive Certification Pathways:

  • Support Māori growers and small-scale producers by offering customised certification pathways that align with traditional practices and resource constraints.

  • Raise awareness about the benefits of certification among uncertified organic practitioners, encouraging broader participation.

• Market Development:

  • Launch a national and international marketing strategy to promote New Zealand organic products, emphasising quality, sustainability, and GE-free branding.

  • Organise trade fairs and B2B events to connect organic producers with local and global buyers.

• Consumer Education:

  • Run public awareness campaigns showcasing the environmental, health, and ethical benefits of organic products to build consumer trust and demand.

  • Develop an online organic directory or marketplace to help consumers easily find certified organic products and services.

• Export Growth Support:

  • Advocate for government-backed equivalency agreements to simplify export compliance with international organic standards.

  • Assist exporters in navigating regulatory requirements and accessing high-value international markets.

• Investing in Research:

  • Collaborate with universities and research institutions to develop innovative organic practices, tools, and technologies.

  • Commission research on market trends, consumer preferences, and the economic and environmental impacts of organic agriculture.

• Data-Driven Growth:

  • Create a sector data dashboard to monitor growth metrics, identify trends, and inform decision-making across the industry.

  • Provide market intelligence reports and insights to help producers adapt to consumer and market demands.

• Uniting Stakeholders:

  • Establish platforms for collaboration between producers, certifiers, retailers, exporters, and consumers to share insights, resources, and strategies.

  • Facilitate partnerships with complementary movements, such as regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems, to amplify collective impact.

• Mentoring and Support Systems:

  • Strengthen support networks for transitioning and small-scale farmers, ensuring they have access to mentorship, funding, and advocacy.

Transitioning to organic farming can be complex and resource-intensive. The sector body will provide targeted support to ease this transition:

• Mentorship Programmes: Pair transitioning farmers with experienced organic practitioners to offer on-the-ground guidance and share practical knowledge about certification, soil health, pest management, and market readiness.

• Customised Pathways: Create tailored programmes for Māori growers and small-scale producers, recognising their unique challenges and opportunities.

• Workshops and Training: Host educational events to equip transitioning farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to meet organic standards and succeed in the organic marketplace.

Consumer awareness and trust are critical for driving demand for organic products. The sector body will engage in educational initiatives to build consumer confidence and understanding:

• Public Awareness Initiatives: Conduct campaigns to highlight the benefits of organic products, including environmental sustainability, health benefits, and GE-free farming.

• Certification Transparency: Provide resources to educate consumers about organic certification, helping them identify and trust certified products.

• Community Engagement: Organise farm visits, school programmes, and events that connect consumers with organic farmers, fostering a deeper appreciation for organic practices.

• Content Creation: Develop engaging content, including videos, articles, and infographics, to share stories of organic producers and the positive impacts of organic agriculture.

Expanding market access is essential for supporting sector growth and ensuring producers thrive in a competitive environment:

• Online Marketplace and Directories: Create a digital platform that connects consumers, retailers, and businesses with certified organic producers and services.

• Trade Events: Host national and international trade fairs, business expos, and networking events to showcase New Zealand organic products.

• Export Facilitation: Provide guidance and resources for organic exporters, including assistance with navigating international certification requirements and connecting with global buyers.

• B2B Partnerships: Foster partnerships with supermarkets, retailers, and food service providers to expand the presence of organic products in domestic and export markets.

• Market Insights: Deliver detailed reports on market trends, consumer demand, and growth opportunities to help producers and businesses stay competitive.

Delivering these services effectively depends on addressing OANZ’s financial sustainability and governance:

• Diversified Revenue Streams: Implement membership fees, certification royalties, levies, and grants to create a self-sustaining financial model.

• Transparent Governance: Establish a governance structure that ensures accountability, inclusivity, and stakeholder representation across the value chain.

• Collaboration and Efficiency: Unify fragmented groups under a centralised sector body to streamline resources, avoid duplication, and enhance the collective impact of organic initiatives.