Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The New Zealand government is taking further steps to strengthen the organic sector.
Organic agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand now has its own ministry. Created specifically for the organic sector, it is the first of its kind in the world. No other country currently has a minister with a portfolio dedicated exclusively to organic farming at the national government level. The position, known as “Associate Minister of Agriculture—Organics,” has been filled by Member of Parliament Mike Butterick, a former farmer who ran his own farm before entering politics. National organizations in the organic sector welcome the government’s decision to give organic agriculture its own voice in Parliament. Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ), for example, views this as an important, forward-looking step toward permanently strengthening the country’s organic sector and embedding its concerns in national policy, regardless of changes in government. OANZ Chair Noel Josephson sees this as a successful continuation of the Organic Products and Production Act of 2023, the country’s first legally binding legislation for standardized certification which ensures high production standards for organic food and products. OANZ and other organizations in the organic sector will work closely with the new ministry. Priorities include ensuring the high quality of New Zealand organic products, expanding exports of these products, and maintaining Aotearoa New Zealand’s GMO-free status.
More Organics Aotearoa New Zealand
Translation Paula Boslau
Image Martin Bisof
