2023 OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
Meri Kirihimete From all of us at Organics Aotearoa New Zealand
As we bid farewell to 2023, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our work this past year. Your passion for organics as a solution to the world's current environmental and health crises keeps this community strong. Let's revisit the highlights of our journey together over the past 365 days.
ORGANIC MILESTONES: A LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE
The pinnacle of the year was the passing of the Organic Products and Production Bill on April 5, 2023. Over a decade in the making, this landmark legislation sets standards that will not only boost consumer confidence but also open new trade opportunities, growing the value of Aotearoa's Organic Sector and incentivising climate-friendly farming. With the proper support, organic agriculture can transform Aotearoa into a truly regenerative, ethical, high-value agricultural sector that's good for our people and planet.
In February, we launched a vibrant webinar series, uniting producers, researchers and creators with a shared vision to make Aotearoa a better place for our mokopuna. These webinars provide a platform to share knowledge and ignite change. Watch the recordings via the link below:
NAVIGATING GLOBAL LANDSCAPES
In May, OANZ released a paper, funded by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge to review the possible effect of the EU Green Deal on NZ's primary production export market. The EU Green Deal will pose significant challenges for NZ exports — All food-producing businesses will need to increase their environmental and social ambition significantly and back it up with transparent assurance schemes; failure to do so might result in substantial reductions in the levels of market access available to exporters, not only in the EU but also in other markets as they implement similar policies.
The EU Farm to Fork Strategy includes a target of at least 25% of the EU's agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. In light of these developments, certified organic products from New Zealand will likely benefit from improved market access into the EU, as the implementation of EU standards and restrictions reduces the scope of opportunities for conventionally farmed products. Watch the video presentation or download the paper here.
Tiffany has been on the road across the county speaking about the paper, the benefits of organics, and making sure that all farmers know what’s ahead of them. Everyone needs to understand the level of change that consumers are driving worldwide. The Organic Sector is now an exception, and the continued effort to create a quality national organic standard is paramount. Our reputation depends on it, and the integrity of organics depends on it. Going into the future, the sector must think clearly about its brand story, how we are able to connect organics and climate action and set goals to forge ahead.
FARMING FOR THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN: A PHENOMENAL RESPONSE
June and July brought the Farming for the Future campaign, aiming to raise $120,000. Thanks to your overwhelming support and a generous offer from philanthropist Gary Hirshberg, we raised over $95,000. These funds will allow us to continue our vital work advocating for organics as a solution to Aotearoa's current climate and biodiversity crises.
A YEAR OF CHALLENGES AND CHANGE
In the midst of a deepening cost of living crisis, food prices have increased, leaving many families in a vulnerable position. Climate disasters hit a record high as unprecedented weather dominated the news, with 17 weather-related states of emergency declared across the motu, twice the amount from the previous year. There can be very little doubt that climate change will continue to bring about significant challenges, especially to our farming communities.
Organic producers have also had a tough time, with all costs increasing. We have a problem with the food system — local organic products are finding it hard to get their products to market. However, exports are growing as the world continues to demand NZ’s organic products. Market access across NZ and abroad is an area that OANZ will focus on in the coming year.
In the last quarter, we saw the political landscape shift, marking the transition from a centre-left to a centre-right government after the recent election — however, our focus on advocacy, research, fundraising, and engagement continues unabated, and our work within the Beehive will continue with the new government.
LOOKING AHEAD: 2024 AND OUR BIGGEST FIGHT YET!
OANZ would like to express our gratitude for your support in 2023. As we roll into 2024, we will not be slowing down. The journey continues, fueled by the collective vision of OANZ and the Organic Sector.
Our biggest fight yet is ahead. The Government has announced its plans to lift the effective ban on gene editing / genetic engineering and encourage the use of these technologies. Our fear is this policy change will be done behind closed doors and without consultation. The Government claims these technological advances will benefit our climate, however, we fear it will cause great harm to New Zealand’s growing Organic Sector and export value.
So, we forge ahead, leading through advocacy and transformative projects. If you have the skills, capacity or funds to help the GE fight, please get in touch. We will be gathering hearts and minds in the new year to devise a plan moving forward.
