•      What does Organic Mean?
•      Why is Organic Better?
•      Why Organic Food Costs More?
•      Is 'Organic' Food Really Organic?
•      What Do I Do When Shopping?

Certified Organic

Currently there are no laws or regulations in New Zealand to protect the use of the word 'organic'. Many products carry the word 'organic' on their labelling, but only if it is certified organic by a recognised certifier can consumers be sure it is truly organic.

Certified organic food and products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMOs. Organic does not just mean that the product does not test positive from chemical residue tests, it refers to how our food is grown and handled. Certified organic or biodynamic products are produced with land management practices that prohibit use of artificial fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, growth regulators, antibiotics, hormone stimulants or intensive livestock systems. Animals raised using organic methods are treated humanely and with respect.

For export, certification must meet international standards which are assured through annual audits of all certified operators by an independent third party auditor. There are a number of approved certifiers in Australia and many more internationally. It can be confusing for consumers - there are numerous eco-labels with certifier's symbols, and how do consumers know what the standards of each are and whether they meet the international standards.

New Zealand certifiers are accredited and audited annually Producers are able to choose which certifier they wish to use. Certification bodies use the Australian and New Zealand National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce as minimum standards for organic certification.

Products imported from other countries may bear various international certification symbols, including Australian certification symbols.