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National Organic Standard Regulations Proposals: Phase two

Update – 12 December 2023

National Organic Standard summary of submissions

Summary of Submissions: National Organic Standard Regulations [PDF, 2.3 MB]

Consultation background

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) worked alongside a number of technical experts across the organics sector to develop draft proposals for the National Organic Standard. These draft proposals contained the technical rules to regulate the production and processing of organic food, beverages, plant, and animal products in New Zealand. The first phase of consultation provided helpful and constructive feedback. With a number of changes made and the addition of a definitions list, in this second phase of consultation we are seeking feedback on the National Organic Standard regulations and definitions list.

The Standard regulation proposals were detailed in the consultation document. We asked you to focus your submission on the topics which applied to your business or area of expertise. We acknowleded that the general and inputs sections would apply to most operators.  

We welcomed your feedback on these draft proposals before the 14 July closing date.

Consultation document

Draft National Organic Standard regulations [PDF, 846 KB]

Other work that will follow this consultation

There is further work and consultation yet to be done. This will include consultation on:

  • the supplementary notices
  • guidance
  • costs of MPI services and any proposed fees and levies in relation to the organics' regime.

The cost recovery will be consistent with the principled approach set out in MPI’s cost recovery policy guidance, and the framework provided in the Act. The principles for cost recovery are equity, efficiency, justifiability, and transparency.

In addition to cost recovery, we will also consult later on infringement offences and how these will look under the new system.

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MPI business units