News and views on all things organic from BioGro NZ
The end-of-year countdown has begun - we hope your tasks and commitments aren't too hectic before the year draws to a close. Multiple licensees have been recognised here in Aotearoa and globally, and the BioGro team would like to extend their congratulations to all. There's a heap of events on in the next few weeks, so be sure to check out our event calendar, and if you would like to add an event, let us know.
If you're launching a new product, kicking off a community event or just want to share your story, please get in touch with Maggie to discuss. We're always happy to shout from the rooftops and celebrate on your behalf.
For all important updates related to certification requirements, please refer to the BioGro website.
Until next time!
Blog Features We are interested in doing a regular licensee spotlight for our Blog: Organic Matters, which would also be highlighted here in the monthly newsletter and on our social media. If you have a new product, or initiative, or would like to share your knowledge with the wider organic community, please, get in touch.
Holiday Hours The BioGro office will officially be closed from Friday 22 December - Tuesday 2 January. There will still be members of the team available throughout this period, although availability may be intermittent. We will return to normal on Wednesday 3 January, ready to take on the new year.
Accreditation
IMPORTANT: PRODUCT WITHDRAWAL - FIXINE
On 23 November 2023, certified supplier of Fixine, #5139 Agrifert contacted BioGro to advise that their product will no longer be organic compliant moving forward.
The supplier has confirmed that due to re-formulation, a synthetic additive has now been included and renders the final product as non-compliant. We regret to inform you that as a result, all approvals for Fixine in the BioGro system will be withdrawn from on.
If you have used any of these input products on your farm or crop this season your certification is not affected, and if you have any stock on hand please contact the BioGro office to request approval for any stock purchased prior to November 24.
We sincerely apologise for this abrupt change and short turnaround, and we encourage you to contact Robert if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Sector
Soil & Health Memberships
With 2024 on track to breach the 1.5C degree threshold and the incumbent government already signalling its intent to revisit the country's GE Policy, advocacy will be more important than ever. An Soil & Health membership, at $90 annually, will help the organisation raise awareness of the grave risks posed by genetic engineering and champion the cause of organic agriculture.
Environment WatchDog Skeptical of Claims Parliament's environment watchdog has taken the unusual step of writing to three farming groups, accusing them of wrongly claiming they had new science on methane emissions. The commissioner also said the groups had buried the most relevant conclusion of the research.
Disasters & Water Crisis Costing Trillions
Over the last 30 years, an estimated NZ$6.5 trillion worth of crops and livestock production has been lost due to disaster events, according to a report by the FOA. On top of that, a WWF report says that the global freshwater crisis threatens to cost the world over NZ$100 trillion.
Study Finds Forever Chemicals in Tampons A pilot study initiated by licensee Organic Initiative (OI), conducted by Insitugen and developed at the University of Otago, has found that a commercially available tampon contains chemicals that, when inside the body, can disrupt your endocrine system.
If you are aware of any events happening across Aotearoa please email Maggie with the details.
BioGro Event Calendar
Our Events Calendar is the go-to resource for organic events, conferences, open days, webinars and more. Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the organic world. Regularly updated, let us know about your events!
Revitalize NZ "The coolest little festival in New Zealand" Revitalize celebrates all things organic and natural. Held in a magical Western Southland setting, under the Takitimu mountains at Mangapiri Downs Organic Stud Farm.
2 - 4 January 2024. Tickets are available now!
There are heaps of super interesting community events and stories happening throughout the country. If you've got anything you would like to share, please email Maggie with the details.
OrganicNZ November/December Edition
The latest OrganicNZ – full of in-depth, independent information. Highlights include: Cover crops; Fake meat; Transplanting Lincoln’s BHU; Forever Chemicals; And of course, we celebrate 40 years of BioGro. Buy, subscribe, or gift it for Christmas.
Kōkako Coffee Glow-Up
Kōkako Coffe's Single Origin Packaging has been redesigned and they're looking fabulous!
With a different native bird on each, these look a bit fancy, but the entire packaging is home-compostable and has recently won a design award.
NZ Artisan Award Winners Congratulations to our licensees who won awards in the NZ Artisan Awards this year. We were super proud to see so many BioGro certified products leading in their categories.
Certificate in Organic Primary Production Applications are open for BHU's 2024 Certificate in Organic Primary Production. The level 3 course has a hands-on focus, covering organic principles and practices, with both classroom and field work.
With a growing number of licensees reaching the big anniversary milestones, we'd like to do more in recognising their dedication to the sector. Each month, we hope you'll join us in extending best wishes to those who are celebrating their certification anniversary. Certified for 25 Years - 2855 | Pear Tree Cottage, 25 November 2008 (Orchard)
Certified for 15 Years - 5131 | Tarakohe Farms, 1 November 2008 (Dairy)
To be featured on our instagram news feed, be sure to tag us @biogronz or #biogro
BioGro is the largest and best-known certifier for organic products and produce, certifying over 950 producers, farmers and manufacturers across New Zealand and the Pacific.
A list of all certified products and producers can be accessed on the BioGro website using our intuitive search engine.
