OANZ Discusses Sector’s Position on the Organic Products Bill During Primary Select Committee Hearing

On 11 June 2020, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand, the national umbrella organisation for the organic sector, kicked off the Primary Select Committee’s online Organic Products Bill hearings. Over a 20-minute discussion, OANZ highlighted the sector’s almost unanimous concerns about the Bill and its desire to work closely with Government to improve its functionality.

OANZ Chairman Chris Morrison, OANZ Board Member Scott Lawson, and OANZ Board Advisor Derek Broadmore opened the discussion with the Primary Select Committee on the recommended changes that the sector almost unanimously agrees are required to help it grow and foster.

In his introduction, Mr. Morrison reinforced that the majority of the organic community is unified in its approval of both the purpose of the Bill, and its willingness to work with the government to create desirable outcomes. But as it currently reads, key aspects of the Bill do not reflect the sector consultation undertaken by MPI — nor is it what the sector wanted.

“The Organic Sector was pleased to go through the consultative process two years ago in the shaping of this Bill with MPI,” said Morrison. “However, we are disappointed that our clear requirements had been ignored when we read this Draft. The Sector is very clear on the changes required to create a workable Bill that will bring significant value to New Zealand,” he continued.

Mr. Morrison went on to explain how OANZ hopes that the Bill will open up new markets and expand existing markets to New Zealand’s organic farmers and producers. “Organic certified products from New Zealand are in high demand and are part of New Zealand’s high value offering to the world and will play an important role in continuing to build the country’s reputation as an excellent food and fibre producing country.”

Hawkes Bay Certified Organic Horticultural producer of 28 years, and OANZ Board Member, Scott Lawson, pointed out that it is not very often that you will see growers, farmers and industry collectively asking for more regulation. Mr. Lawson said he “produces high quality food with integrity by farming to an internationally recognised Certified Organic Standard, because customers and markets are demanding an ever increasing standard of transparency in what and how we do things.”

Key Legislative Changes

OANZ Board Advisor, Derek Broadmore, said the legislation is considered to be a significant step forward for the sector, but more work needed to be done. He highlighted eight main points that emerged from the sector:

  1. Changes to the structure of the Bill;

  2. The title of the Bill should be changed to the Organic Production and Products Bill;

  3. Adding an actual definition of “organic” and a statement of principles;

  4. The language needs to be aligned with internationally recognised terms;

  5. The need for a Governance Group to represent various sectors — including growers, certifiers, retailers, exporters and importers;

  6. Reduce cost to organic producers;

  7. The possibility of levies under the Commodities Levies Act;

  8. More needs to be done to foster the domestic market.

“It can be a springboard that will launch organic products further into high-value overseas markets that are prepared to pay well for what we can produce,” said Broadmore. “So, it is important that we take the time to get this legislation right. We would be very happy to form a working group from across the sector to work with this committee and MPI to help with the changes needed to make this legislation as fit for purpose as we possibly can.”

Moving Forward

The hearing brought to light many positives about the Bill and the discussion was crucial to hearing opinions from across the community. With 345 submissions it is clear that the Primary Select Committee have their work cut out for them.

To help create legislation that benefits the sector, OANZ has offered to work closely with MPI and the Primary Select Committee to ensure the Bill has everything required for success.

OANZ will continue to keep the public informed on the Bill’s progresses.

OANZ