208 Submissions received - Great Progress

MPI have issued an update regarding the calls for Public Comment - 208 submissions were received from businesses, consumers, industry and consumer representatives, organic certification agencies, interest groups, consultants, scientists and other entities;

• 177 submissions (85%) supported a change in the way organic are currently regulated. Consumer confidence and supporting trade were key outcomes of a new regime.

• 158 submissions (76%) supported the introduction of a mandatory standard for all. Again, consumer confidence is the key driver, alongside ‘levelling the playing field’

• 100 submission (48%) supported ongoing verifications with limited exceptions. It was acknowledged that there was a need to design a regime that would not impose high compliance costs on small business.

BioGro acknowledges this as a positive outcome. The next step is for Government to consider whether and how it would like to proceed with work on new regulation.

Submission Guide Available

BioGro has circulated a Submission Guide for the proposed Organic Products Bill that we hope will help you formulate your own submission.

What we would like you to do;

1. Read through the Organic Products Bill and all associated documentation
2. Read through the Submission Guide put together by BioGro
3. As an organisation, put together your own submission points and include any points we have raised that you agree with
4. If you have identified any points we have not recognised within our guide, let us know so we can include this within our submission using the form available - Please ensure all comments are back to us by Friday 15th May.
5. Make your own public submission by Thursday 28th May using the platform provided

We cannot stress enough the importance of utilising all public submissions made available to us throughout this process. We are in unique position to shape the sector in a way that makes sense to New Zealand - we hope you will join us in being an integral part of this.

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We have received the below notification from MPI regarding the Draft Organic Regulation - this is now available to download from the MPI website.

In the meantime, to help you see how the Bill could work in practice we can now provide the draft regulatory proposals for organic food, beverages, and plant and animal products. The proposals can be found on our website.

 “This is not formal consultation and we are not accepting any feedback on the draft regulatory proposals at this stage. This draft discussion document is for your information only to help inform your submission to the Select Committee on the Bill. We will formally consult on the proposed regulations at a later stage.

 With regards to engaging with you in the development of the national organic standard, this will also occur at a later stage. This work will involve significant sector input throughout the process, so we will take a highly collaborative, co-design approach. We will be talking to those that are currently involved in, and those that are wanting to enter, the organic sector throughout the process. We want to draw on your expertise, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say. Everyone will also have a final formal opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Standard before it is published.”

Extension for Submissions

1st April 2020

Due to Covid-19, the public submissions for the Organic Products Bill has been extended to the 28th May.

A ‘Digest’ describing the Bill has been made available to read - we advise you read this before making any submissions.

Calling for Public Submissions

The introduced Organics Product Bill passed its first reading, with all in favour of the bill going ahead.

It is now time to do your part, and its crucial for everyone within the organic sector to get involved. The Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee, Hon David Bennett, is calling for public submissions on the Organics Products Bill. 

The Organic Products Bill and all associated documents are available to download on the New Zealand Parliament website. We advise you to read through these documents carefully and focus on key areas specific to your own operation.

Due to Covid-19, the public comment regarding the Organic Regulation itself has been postponed due to current circumstances

Organic Products Bill introduced to Parliament

Agriculture and Food Safety Minister, Damien O’Connor has announced that he has introduced the Organics Products Bill to Parliament and if passed, will create a national standard for organics.