More Security for Organic Exports to the US

21 October 2002
More Security for Organic Exports to the US

Access to the United States' organic market just got more secure with confirmation that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accepted the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's ability to recognise organic certifiers on its behalf. From 2 December, US-bound NZ organic products that meet US organic standards can carry the USDA organic seal - a requirement under their food laws.

Organic exports to the US are worth over $8M per annum, which includes meat, ingredients and fresh and frozen produce.

Kay Shapland, manager of the NZFSA's organic programme, said this was an important step on the way to gaining full recognition of NZ's organic certification procedures in the US.

"Our ultimate aim for the US market is to gain their full acceptance of our own organic technical standards, as we achieved in June with the European Union. In the mean time, we are thrilled to have this measure that recognises the NZFSA's organic assessment programme. However, organic exporters need to be aware of the formal process they must follow before they can affix the seal to their product."

"This is a great result reflecting the efforts of officials and the Organic Product Exporters of NZ (OPENZ) as well as the excellent international reputation that NZ's organic products enjoy", said Ms Shapland.

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