Who We Are

  Overview

The Organic Exporters Association of New Zealand was established in 1992 and serves over 140 New Zealand organic exporters. Our members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others.  

Organic exports are valued at over $360 million of which about $150 million is exported with official assurance from MPI.  The remaining value are to markets where no organic bilateral arrangements currently exist.  We are a solely member funded trade association. We assist with fast and easy market access for certified organic food & beverage from New Zealand. Where no organic bilateral arrangements exist we work with affiliates to provide the fastest, easiest and most economic route to market. We work closely together with the Ministry for Primary Industries to agree the prioritisation of work undertaken for the organic export sector.  We are the representative voice for organic exporters to government officials and organic foreign buyer representatives.  We further encourage and support organic export growth by providing regular market reports and networking opportunities to organic exporters.

Organic Exporters New Zealand has an Executive Board which comprise of elected members representing most organic exporting sectors. The Executive Board also has permanently co-opted members from the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Crown Agency, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. This allows key government agencies to be part of our decision making process and gives Organic Exporters New Zealand instant knowledge of the best ways forward. Organic Exporters New Zealand also engages with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as necessary. Organic Exporters New Zealand is funded 100% via membership. The Organic Exporters Association of New Zealand directly funded the primary establishment of both the EU and US organic market access programmes that all organic exporters enjoy today. 

Executive Committee members represent a cross-section of the New Zealand organic exporters sector and have knowledge of agriculture and trade matters. Executive Committee members are re-confirmed each year and serve without compensation for time, travel or expenses. The Executive Committee generally meets face to face at the MPI Technical & International Trade Access in Wellington twice a year and via teleconference calls at other times through the year.