BioGro’s History & Values
BioGro is New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier for organic produce and products.
We certify and accredit over 900 producers, farmers and manufacturers around New Zealand. Since the 1st of October 2016, BioGro has been owned by the Soil & Health Association. The Soil & Health Association is the largest membership organisation supporting organic food and farming in New Zealand and one of the oldest organic organisations in the world, established in 1941.
BioGro certification is internationally recognised and accredited.
This means with BioGro certification, New Zealand producers can access international markets and tap into the growing consumer demand for organic produce. BioGro assists producers to meet international organic regulations in key export markets including Europe, Canada, the US and parts of Asia.
The BioGro logo is the most recognised organic logo in New Zealand.
BioGro-certified producers carry the BioGro logo on their products to assure their customers that the organic produce they buy is genuine.
The BioGro logo guarantees that a product is made without animal testing, genetic modification and the routine use of synthetic pesticides. It is the mark of a genuine organic product.
BioGro Timeline
1983 - 2024
1983
• The precursor to BioGro - the Biological Producers and Consumers Society is founded by the Soil & Health Association, the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association and Henry Doubleday Research Association.
1984
• The Biological Producers and Consumers Society moves to Wellington to be close to government.
1995
• May - BioGro New Zealand Ltd. is founded
2000
• 500+ Licensees
2008
• BioGro in operation for 25 years
2010
• First publication of inputs catalogue
• 600+ Licensees
• 53 Countries have Organic Regulation
2013
• BioGro operating for 30 years
• Online Login for Licensees Launched
2016
• BioGro joins with Soil and Health NZ
2017
• BioGro Certification Seal modernised
• OMPs (Organic Management Plans) go 100% online
2018
• BioGro celebrates 35 years in operation
• National Organic Week is launched
• Office is moved to a coworking space for environmental reasons
• BioGro Board and CEO support OANZ's (Organic Aotearoa New Zealand) resolution to create national organic law and standards
2020
• February - BioGro Office and Audit Team implement overnight 100% remote work and audits during the pandemic
• March - Organic Products Bill is introduced to Parliament
2021
• 800+ Licensees
2023
• BioGro celebrates 40 years
• March - Organic Production and Products Bill signed into law
What sets BioGro apart?
1. Customer service
We are trusted by over 950 clients (licensees) throughout New Zealand. We’ve built the trust of our clients by being open, knowledgeable and collaborative. Our Certification Webinars inform and assist individuals and businesses looking to become certified organic.
BioGro's team of experts are 100% committed to organics, sustainability and assisting your business in becoming certified.
2. Experience and knowledge
BioGro has been at the forefront of the organics movement for 40 years. We provide our licensees and customers with ongoing support and technical advice throughout the certification process. We help anyone looking to become certified organic every step of the way - our auditors combined have over 80 years of experience.
3. Trusted standards and programmes
BioGro wrote some of New Zealand’s first organic standards. Our standards are recognised and trusted around the world and within key international markets.
We also offer a range of different certification programmes to suit the needs of our members.
4. Recognised brand and logo
Our logo has become synonymous with certified organics. Our logo shows consumers what to look for when buying organic products. All our certified members carry our trademark on their products to assure their customers that the product is made without synthetic chemicals, GMOs and animal testing.
5. Overseas market access
Organics is riding a surge in popularity; across the globe, sales of organic food and produce are burgeoning and will only continue to grow. We have taken steps to gain international accreditations to continue providing overseas market access to our licensees. BioGro now has accreditation for eight countries. We’re really proud of that.
History
It all started when a group of organic pioneers came together with a common vision. This vision was to create an accredited and recognised certification body that assisted New Zealand producers looking to turn organic.
Four decades later, BioGro is New Zealand's largest certifier for organic produce and products, a non-government organisation and a registered charity.
Mission statement
BioGro's mission is to enable a sustainable and ethical future for producers and consumers.
Values
Our founding philosophy and values are as fundamental to our success now as they were over 40 years ago.
Integrity and belief in what we do
A total commitment to and passion for organics
Care of our clients (certified licensees), our staff and the environment