What does organic mean in NZ?

‘Organic’ is a labelling term used on products produced in accordance with organic production standards, which may be certified by a certification body or authority. Organic agriculture is based on minimising the use of external inputs.

Is New Zealand organic?

New Zealand’s organic sector is rapidly growing. Dairy ingredients lead the way for New Zealand’s organic export sector, with around $120 million of receipts. Apples are in second place with $67 million in receipts. Kiwifruit are third with $66 million and organic wine exports have jumped to $65 million.

What does certified organic mean NZ?

Credit: Soil and Health Association of NZ. Organic certification is a guarantee of authenticity. Consumers who choose a certified organic product can trust that from the farm through to the factory, solely organic inputs and processes have been used.

Can you say organic if not certified?

Overall, if you make a product and want to claim that it or its ingredients are organic, your final product probably needs to be certified. If you are not certified, you must not make any organic claim on the principal display panel or use the USDA organic seal anywhere on the package*.

How can you tell if food is really organic?

Look for the word “organic” on vegetables or pieces of fruit, or on the sign above the organic produce display. The word “organic” may also appear on packages of meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese and other single-ingredient foods. Foods labeled “100 percent organic” must contain only organic ingredients.

Can you call a product organic?

As previously mentioned, a product can’t be labeled with any organic claims unless the product has been certified organic. Some operations, however, are exempt from certification like organic farms that sell less than $5,000 in organic products per year (gross sales).

Why are organic products more expensive?

Organic food often costs more than conventional food. If the demand for organic food continues to grow, the supply could be scaled up, and organic food could subsequently go down in price (your basic supply and demand). Another reason organic food costs more is because the production process is more expensive.

Does organic mean spray free?

Organics is more than just ‘spray-free’ or ‘residue-free’. Organic food is grown naturally without the routine use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Organic farmers aim to produce healthy and nutritious food from a balanced living soil and any processing is designed to retain its ‘natural goodness.

Can I call my produce organic?

Tracing organic products from start to finish is part of the USDA organic promise. Produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.