Regulation Updates

BioGro has been working hard, alongside other leads within the Organic Sector to see an official standard and regulations implemented. Organic Regulation is now coming to New Zealand. We aim to keep you as informed as possible throughout the process.

Organic Products and Production Bill - A government bill that has been proposed to New Zealand’s legislature. A bill will not become law until it is passed by the legislature. The Bill provides a framework and allows for the development of regulations and standards.

The Bill has now passed its third reading in Parliament as of 30 March 2023

Organic Regulation - A rule of order having the force of law, prescribed by a superior or competent authority, relating to the actions of those under the authority’s control. Regulation describes the process that will need to be followed by businesses, recognised agencies and MPI.

Now available to review

Organic Standards - Describe the specific requirements that must be verified by an accredited certifying agent before products can be labelled as organic. Standards will set rules for products labelled or advertised as organic, such as production methods, and any requirements that are specific to the products covered by the standard.

Now available to review

Proposal P1055 - Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques - Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is currently seeking feedback on Proposal P1055, which aims to redefine how genetically modified (GM) foods are classified.

Organic, New Zealand, Regulation, Parliament Inject Design Organic, New Zealand, Regulation, Parliament Inject Design

208 Submissions received - Great Progress

MPI have issued an update regarding the calls for Public Comment - 208 submissions were received from businesses, consumers, industry and consumer representatives, organic certification agencies, interest groups, consultants, scientists and other entities;

  • 177 submissions (85%) supported a change in the way organic are currently regulated. Consumer confidence and supporting trade were key outcomes of a new regime.

  • 158 submissions (76%) supported the introduction of a mandatory standard for all. Again, consumer confidence is the key driver, alongside ‘levelling the playing field’

  • 100 submission (48%) supported ongoing verifications with limited exceptions. It was acknowledged that there was a need to design a regime that would not impose high compliance costs on small business.

BioGro acknowledges this as a positive outcome. The next step is for Government to consider whether and how it would like to proceed with work on new regulation.

Read More
 

Key Information

The BioGro team have prepared a few links and information that we believe may be helpful to you. These are to read and utilise at your own discretion;

- Ministry of Primary Industries – This page brings together all government information regarding the proposed regulation and all relevant dates.

 

If you have any queries, feel free to contact BioGro and we will do our very best to help you.