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Buy Pure New Zealand managing director Brendan Hoare.
The Organic Products Bill has passed its first reading with full support from all political parties.
The Bill will now go to the select committee stage where the details and impacts of the Bill and its pending regulations will be scrutinised through public submissions and expert engagement.
The Bill, which passed its first reading on Thursday, aims to increase consumer confidence in purchasing organic products, increase certainty for businesses making claims that their products are organic, and facilitate international trade in organic products.
“We have as government, a commitment to try and turn our farmers to not only be the best farmers in the world, but for the world,” said Minister of Agriculture, Damien O’Connor during his address.
“A single organic standard that has integrity, is consistent and backs up their efforts is one major step forward in the process.
“It will make sure they have enduring and sustainable farming systems that give them returns for their efforts, protect the environment and make sure we can play our part in feeding the world.”
Buy Pure New Zealand, a business specialising in marketing and growing organic, natural, and fair-trade brands, managing director Brendan Hoare says the Bill passing its first reading is a milestone for the organic sector.
“We have a dedicated government as well as a united parliament and organic sector.
“As someone who has been instrumental from the inception in bringing this to fruition, I look forward to continuing to work with the whole organic sector across the entire supply chain and government to bring this to life and realise what is best for Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) spent two days in Wellington last week meeting political parties and key stakeholders to press the case for a National Organic Policy and dedicated investment.
Fonterra has announced it will continue with the planned expansion of its organic business into the South Island.
Having 30% of Central Otago's vineyard area certified organic is "a true testament to the passion and dedication of growers", says Carolyn Murray, General Manager of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association.
An organic sector leader believes that failed farmer-owned co-operative Organic Dairy Hub (ODH) lacked the scale to compete in the global market.
The Organic Products and Production Bill represents a big opportunity for New Zealand, from organic exporters to discerning consumers, says Tiffany Tompkins.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
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