Organic food trade set to grow under New Zealand-China agreement

WELLINGTON - Producers of organic food can expect a boost in exports with the signing of a certification agreement between New Zealand and China, New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said Thursday.

The Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Certified Organic Products would support the growth of the organics industry in New Zealand and provided greater assurance for consumers, MPI director plants food and environment Peter Thomson said in a statement.

"New Zealand consumers can have increased confidence in organic food imported from China because MPI has assessed the Chinese system and found it to be robust," said Thomson.

"This new arrangement and the assessment required to conclude it, provides MPI with knowledge and confidence in the supply of organic produce from China."

Exports of organic produce to China were worth NZ$27 million ($18.89 million) and were likely to grow with the reduction in compliance costs and the certainty the arrangement provided New Zealand exporters of organic products.

"Our organic sectors should experience growth, not only with increased export and import opportunities but also a wider range of organic ingredients available for processed foods that would be available for sale domestically and for export," he said.

The arrangement, which takes effect from mid-2017, excluded aquaculture, apiculture, and textiles.