7 Mar 2013

Organic exports thriving under bilateral deals

9:02 am on 7 March 2013

Organic exporters say bilateral organic trade agreements have allowed the sector to thrive.

A market report for 2012 by the New Zealand Organic Exporters Association shows the value of organic exports has risen 25% since 2009.

Organic exports were worth about $220 million last year - with fruit and vegetables accounting for close to half of that.

Executive director Rick Carmont said bilateral trade deals mean it's cheaper to have product meeting standards in Taiwan, the European Union and the United States, because then it's not necessary to get officers out to certify the product.

Asia is quickly surpassing the United States as the main destination for organic exports from New Zealand.

If the Asian region is considered as a single market, then it comprises more than 30% of all New Zealand's organic exports, said Mr Carmont.

He said New Zealand is well regarded by many Asian consumers and organic products are no longer confined to a single aisle in Western supermarkets, rather than with their relevant categories throughout the store.