New Zealand - A Land of Organic Milk and Honey

About New Zealand

A land of ancient trees, mighty rivers and contrasting environments, New Zealand has an international reputation for being “clean, green and pure”.

A country about the size of the United Kingdom, with just 4.1 million inhabitants, nearly 30% of New Zealand is covered in forest – much of it natural forest estate comprised of indigenous species.

New Zealand is proud to be ‘nuclear free’, having banned nuclear power and nuclear weapons in 1987, and New Zealand’s organic certifiers have a zero tolerance approach to genetic engineering.

New Zealand is a leading generator of renewable energy, with more than 60% of electricity generated by hydro stations and an increasing amount through wind power.

As a developed economy which relies on exports of primary products, improving agricultural sustainability is a key focus for New Zealand’s Government, which was among the first in the world to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and tackle the threat of climate change.

Through geographical isolation, New Zealand has avoided many pests and diseases which are common elsewhere, helping its agricultural products – including fruit, dairy products, meat, wine and honey – gain an international reputation for safety, quality and natural goodness.

New Zealand Organics

New Zealand’s organic sector is rapidly growing. Organics comprise 1.1% of the domestic food and beverage market, having tripled in size between 2002 and 2006.

Horticultural products lead the way for New Zealand’s organic sector, with around 10% of New Zealand apple exports certified organic. More than 5% of New Zealand’s wine production – where high quality is internationally recognized – is either certified organic or in conversion. More than 20,000 dairy cows are under organic management, with Fonterra, the world’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, taking a lead in sustainable dairy farming.

As exporters of agricultural products, New Zealand takes its reputation for safety and quality seriously – with a sound regulatory regime and internationally recognized and respected organic certifiers. The vast majority of New Zealand’s organic products are transported by sea freight.

New Zealand has two IFOAM-accredited organic certifiers, who work with the New Zealand Food Safety Authority to validate compliance with strict environmental standards (read more about New Zealand organic standards and certifiers).

Appropriately certified New Zealand organic products have access to the European, USA, Japanese, other South East Asian, Australian and other markets (read more about market access for New Zealand organic products).