2024: Our Year in Review
As we reflect on the past year, we are incredibly proud of the strides made at Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ). From supporting the growth of the organic sector to engaging with critical policy debates, 2024 was a year of advocacy, impact and collective effort.
Here are some of the highlights of what we achieved together.
Advocating for a National Organic Standard
Throughout 2024, the OANZ Technical Working Group (OTWG) has been instrumental in advocating for a National Organic Standard that supports the sector. Following the passing of the Organic Products and Production Act, the OTWG has collaborated with MPI to consult on the National Standard and develop Notices to guide its implementation.
Key achievements include defining genetic engineering (GE) and "organic" within the Standard and establishing principles for organic production. This work reflects the sector's expertise and has fostered a productive relationship with MPI, built on mutual trust and respect.
The OTWG is now finalising the Notices to meet EU equivalency requirements, with public consultation planned soon. This collaborative effort aims to create a robust regulatory framework, ensuring the organic sector’s growth and alignment with international standards.
Driving Change: Research-Led Advocacy for a Sustainable Future in Agriculture
Built on the momentum generated by our 2023 research paper, EU Green Deal: Impact on NZ’s Land-Based Primary Producers, funded by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge. CEO, Tiffany Tompkins toured the motu extensively during 2024, presenting the research findings to farming communities and stakeholders through ten roadshows spanning Te Puke to Balclutha. This effort culminated in a two-day symposium at Te Papa, Wellington, in May 2024.
The research highlighted the challenges and opportunities posed by the EU Green Deal, particularly its implications for New Zealand's export sectors and sustainable agriculture. Tiffany's presentations emphasised the urgency of aligning New Zealand's environmental and social standards with global trends, showcasing the potential for certified organic products to gain improved market access under the EU’s policies.
The roadshow series not only fostered critical conversations among farmers but also garnered significant national media attention, with OANZ featuring in numerous interviews and articles. This advocacy effort underscored OANZ's role as a thought leader in climate-positive agriculture and its commitment to supporting farmers in adapting to global shifts in food systems.
For more information, access the paper or watch the webinar here >
Where Nature Thrives: Celebrating Organic Week 2024
Partnering with the Soil & Health Association, OANZ was pivotal in organising Organic Week 2024, held from May 1-7. The theme, "Where Nature Thrives," highlighted the vital role organic practices play in enhancing the health of people, the planet, and the economy. This year, the focus was on digital engagement and storytelling, educational webinars, regional activations, and organic promotions.
Through social media, OANZ reached over a quarter of a million users, sharing well-researched, impactful stories of the benefits of organic practices. These efforts contributed to building Aotearoa New Zealand’s narrative around organics, fostering a deeper understanding and inspiring both the organic-curious and those already passionate about sustainability. Organic Week 2024 reinforced OANZ’s mission to educate and inspire through meaningful, powerful communication strategies that showcase the importance of organics for a sustainable future.
Organic Futures Symposium
On May 3rd, OANZ hosted the Organic Futures Symposium in Wellington, bringing together key organic sector organisations to discuss the future of organics in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The event featured Hon. Damien O’Connor, Professor Jack Heinemann on genetic engineering risks, and a panel led by Brendan Hoare exploring science, ethics, and implications for the sector. Diane Lacoste Chevalier shared insights on the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement, while Alistair Schorn and Cleo Te Kiri discussed the EU Green Deal and transitioning to organic farming, respectively. Workshops showcased innovative communication strategies and data management through the Veracity project. Read the recap blog here >
The day concluded with the Organic NZ Awards, capping off another successful Organic Week and celebrating achievements in the organic sector. See who won here >
Designing the Future of OANZ
New Zealand’s organic sector, valued at over $1 billion, is poised for growth but faces significant challenges, including fragmented leadership, financial instability, and regulatory pressures. OANZ is addressing these issues through a project to establish a self-funded sector body.
This initiative will provide robust governance and advocacy for climate-positive agriculture, support organic regenerative producers, and increase market opportunities. The sector body aims to drive productivity, encourage organic certification, and expand global market access to achieve a 9% annual growth rate by 2030.
The sector body will empower producers and build public trust in organics by offering mentorship, training, and consumer education campaigns. Financial sustainability will be at its core, leveraging membership fees, certification royalties, market development initiatives, partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms, such as ecosystem services payments.
The project is now entering its second phase, and OANZ will be hitting the road during the first half of 2025 to engage stakeholders and seek feedback on the ideas that have been workshopped so far. Together, we are shaping a thriving future for organics in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The GE-Free Future Campaign: A Year of Advocacy and Impact
In September 2024, OANZ launched the GE-Free Future Campaign to oppose the liberalisation of genetic engineering (GE) rules in New Zealand. Since then, we’ve raised over $40,000, including almost $30,000 through our Raisely fundraising platform, to sustain our advocacy and outreach efforts. A key win came when opposition parties referenced our work during the first reading of the Gene Tech Bill in Parliament, highlighting the impact of our campaign. We’ve also garnered significant media attention, elevating the GE issue in public debate. Our GE content and messaging have reached over 200,000 people across social media, proving that our tiny community has a powerful voice.
Through our delegations to Wellington, webinars and social media campaigns, we’ve educated thousands of New Zealanders, MPs, and policymakers on the potential risks of GE deregulation. We’ve made the case to preserve New Zealand’s GE-free status, highlighting threats to the organic sector and the country’s international reputation. This has included commissioning economic research showing potential losses of $10-20 billion in primary exports.
With over $40,000 raised so far, we are making real progress—but we’re not done yet. Your continued support will enable us to keep going. We remain committed to ensuring GMOs are kept in the lab, not released into the environment. Donate today, and make your submission on the Gene Tech Bill before it closes on 17 February. Here's the link. Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and advisory team for making this vital work possible. Find out more about the GE-Free Future Campaign >
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
For 2025, OANZ is focused on key initiatives to drive the organic sector forward. The 2024/25 Market Report, to be released in mid-2025, will provide vital data on sector growth, offering insights into market trends and expanding opportunities for organic products. This report will be crucial in demonstrating the sector’s economic significance.
Our advocacy efforts will intensify around the Gene Technology Bill as we continue to campaign for a GE-Free Future. We aim to make a real impact in the upcoming legislative debates, ensuring GMOs remain restricted to the lab. The coming months will be critical as we engage with MPs, stakeholders, and the public to safeguard the organic sector and the nation’s international reputation.
Additionally, we are progressing in creating a self-funded sector body designed to strengthen governance, advocacy, and market development. This initiative will help drive the sector towards an ambitious 9% annual growth rate by 2030.
With the continued support of our community, we are building a thriving, sustainable future for organics in New Zealand. Let’s continue the momentum and make 2025 a year of progress, advocacy, and positive impact for the organic sector.