2 July 2002

Europe Recognises New Zealand Government Organic Standard

New Zealand's official organic assurance programme has been accepted by the European Union, Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton said today.

Mr Sutton said the European Union had given New Zealand "third country listing" which meant that it would be easier for New Zealand exporters to send their organic products to Europe.

The listing provides an official government-to-government assurance to the European Union that organic products exported from New Zealand have been produced under organic rules that are equivalent to those of the European Union.

"New Zealand's organic exporters will have greater long-term market access stability in Europe."

Mr Sutton said New Zealand was one of the few countries in the world that had third country listing for such a wide range of products including dairy, fruit, honey and meat products.

"Organics are an important market area for New Zealand. The Government is putting a lot of effort in to improve market access, fund research and development, and build on the innovation shown in the sector."

He congratulated officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for their hard work over the past two years to achieve the third country listing.

Officials are now working to get similar agreements with Japan and the United States.

Office of Hon Jim Sutton

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