Update – 31 January 2022
This consultation is closed.
One submission was received, which was supportive of the proposed changes. All of the proposed changes to the generic inputs listed have been accepted, without further alteration.
A revised Organic Export Requirement: Organic Production Rules (OER: OPR) has been issued.
Organic Export Requirement: Organic Production Rules (OER: OPR) [PDF, 1017 KB]
The Organic Export Requirement was issued, and became, effective on 20 December 2021. There is no transition period necessary to comply with the new requirement.
More information about exporting organic products, and the MPI Official Organic Assurance Programme
If you have any questions, email organics@mpi.govt.nz
Consultation background
From 9 November to 8 December 2021, New Zealand Food Safety invited comments on proposed amendments to the list of generic inputs that can be used by organic operators under the Official Organic Assurance Programme (OOAP).
The requirements that organic operators must meet if they are to export, or supply for export, organic products under the OOAP are set out in the Organic Export Requirements: Organic Production Rules (OER: OPR).
What was proposed?
All proposed changes in the OER: OPR are highlighted in yellow in the consultation document.
Part 1: Requirements
- Add a new definition: gut flora stabilisers (microorganisms or other substances, which, when fed to animals, supports gut flora and animal health).
Schedule 1: Fertilisers and soil conditioners
- Add a new input: fulvic acids.
- Change the current conditions for humic acids.
Schedule 3: Feed materials and feed additives
- Table 3.1.1: Feed materials of mineral origin – add a new input, monocalcium phosphate.
- Table 3.3.4: Compounds of trace elements – add 2 new inputs, potassium iodide and sodium iodide.
- Table 3.3.5: Gut flora stabilisers (a new table) – add a new input, enzymes and microorganisms.
Note that your feedback on the draft OER: OPR should be restricted to the proposed amendments.
Consultation document
Draft Organic Export Requirement: Organic Production Rules (OER: OPR) [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Related document – the existing rules issued 2019
Organic Export Requirements: Organic Production Rules (OER: OPR) [PDF, 1017 KB]
Background to this consultation
The OER: OPR was published on 29 November 2019. Organic operators had a transition period of 21 months to comply with this requirement, which ended on 2 September 2021.
New Zealand Food Safety initiated a review of the list of generic inputs in the OER: OPR during 2021. Applications to amend or include new inputs under this document were considered by the recognised agencies (RAs) and MPI. The members recommended that New Zealand Food Safety considers the changes proposed in the consultation document.
Note: This consultation on the OER:OPR is separate to the development of the Organic Production Bill, and the proposed new regulations and national standard for organic food, beverages, and plant and animal products.
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.
