Small and Emerging Industries
New Zealand Organic Production
New Zealand was
one of the first countries to recognise the rising consumer demand for certified
organic food. The main organic certification agency, BioGro New Zealand, was
established in 1984, but one of its founding organisations, the Soil and Health
Association, was established as early as 1941. From those early days there have
always been New Zealanders committed to the development and promotion of organic
agricultural practices. They have been helped in part by New Zealand's
geographic isolation and temperate climate, which reduce the risk of crop pest
and disease problems, and enhance the effectiveness of organic production
systems. These natural advantages have been supplemented by a considerable
research effort to develop appropriate management strategies such as biological
control of pests.
In New Zealand, producers of organic products can obtain certification for their products from one of three independent organic certification agencies: the New Zealand Biological Producers and Consumers Council, which uses the BioGro trademark; the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, which uses the Demeter trademark; and AgriQuality which has its own organic trademark. All three agencies are members of the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM). In addition, Standards New Zealand has recently released the New Zealand Organic Standard which is expected to provide a benchmark for organic production.
In 1990, organic production was estimated to be worth just over $1.1 million, with very little exported. By 2002, exports of organic produce were worth over $70 million. In 2002, 41 percent of the export income from certified organic produce came from Europe. Japan imported 25 percent of New Zealand's organic products, while the US and Australia took 15 and one percent respectively.
Kiwifruit is the biggest organic export by volume, followed in order by frozen processed vegetables, pipfruit, squash, other processed foods, meat and wool. In August 2003 the sector released its "Organic Sector Strategy" which has set a target of $1 billion total sales by 2013. Work on implementing the strategy is underway.
Organic Product Export Destinations (2002)
Source: Organic Products Exporters Group
Bees and Honey
The first successful importation of honeybees into New Zealand was in 1839 and the industry has grown to about 300 000 hives today, managed by about 3600 beekeepers. Nearly 500 of these beekeepers keep over 50 hives each, representing over 94 percent of the total number of hives. New Zealand's unique native flora allows beekeepers to create many speciality honey types such as Manuka, Rata and South Island Honeydew as well as the more common clover honey. Approximately 9000 tonnes of saleable honey is produced each year, about one third of which is exported. The annual export earnings from honey, beeswax and live bees from New Zealand are $24 million. Pollen, propolis and a range of goods containing bee products are also exported.
Goats
Goats
are bred for their meat, milk and fibre. Four main goat breeds are farmed in New
Zealand; the Boer, for meat production, the Angora for mohair and the Saanen and
Anglo Nubian for milk production. There are also several non-specific breeds
(partly feral) used for cashmere production. Almost three quarters of all goats
are kept on sheep and beef farms where they are most often used for pasture
management and meat production. Over 1200 tonnes of goat meat was exported in
the year to June 2003 to 27 countries, with the US taking 46 percent.
Ostriches and Emus
Ostriches and emus are relatively new farming options in New Zealand. Ostrich hens produce an average of 40 chicks per breeding season, which reach slaughter weight at 10-14 months, producing 30 kgs red meat per bird. Other products include leather, feathers, eggs and small quantities of oil.
Emu hens produce about 20 chicks per season, which at slaughter (12-14 months) produce 10-13 kgs meat and 5-7 litres of oil (used in cosmetic products).
Currently there are only two plants slaughtering birds; mainly for the hotel and restaurant trades, principally in Europe and the US. These industries have experienced early teething problems but are focused on developing their markets, increasing their production capacity and building an appropriate infrastructure to support the industry.
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Fax: +64 4 894 0721
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