Prospects for organic food producers are looking ever more promising, with two out of three Kiwis now buying organic products during their shopping trips. This surge in consumer interest is now being reflected by interest among farmers and investors in properties suitable for conversion to organics, or already holding organic certification.
An Organic Aotearoa market report has highlighted the strong shift among consumers to organic shopping, and the growth in a market that domestically is now worth a quarter-of-a-billion dollars, having grown 45 per cent in four years.
Of the $240 million worth of organic exports last year, fresh fruit and vegetables remained the largest by value, accounting for $108 million of the total.
Bayleys national country manager Simon Anderson said the wide spectrum of organic production in New Zealand has meant that every aspect of protein, fruit and vegetable production is offering opportunities that deliver strong returns to those prepared to commit to the sector.
"The highest earning organic crop is kiwifruit, which accounts for about 20 per cent of all organic exported produce. Of that, SunGold organic fruits are the premium fruit of the crop, with insufficient supply to meet demand."
The growth experienced in consumer demand locally reflects what is also happening offshore.
The Organics Aotearoa New Zealand market report highlighted the 346 per cent increase in food sales globally since 2000, with total sales now accounting for US$80 billion of value.
In New Zealand the area classed as organic is 74,000ha, about 0.5 per cent of the farmed area, averaging $33,000 a hectare in gross export earnings last year.
Source: The Country/nzherald.co.nz
