Barrier Removed From Organic Trade To Taiwan

16 Feb 2009

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is delighted at the announcement that New Zealand is among the first countries in the world to have its organic standards recognized as equivalent by authorities in Taiwan.

Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer, said that the agreement which was recently reached between New Zealand and Taiwanese authorities means that exports of certified organic products can continue despite new Taiwanese regulations which came into effect on 29 January.

"New Zealand, Australia and eight European Union countries are the first to be recognized as having standards which meet the new requirements for organic products. Without these negotiations, products would not have been able to be sold as organic in Taiwan after 29 January", Dr Tanner said.

"Taiwan is the 44th market to regulate the use of the term 'organic', making it increasingly important that official work continues on international recognition and equivalence of organic standards.

"The lack of organic standards harmonization specifically affects organic exporters, yet despite this technical barrier to trade, the University of Otago measured an increase in the value of certified organic exports from $70 million in 2005 to $120 million in 2007.

"Asian markets are a key destination for New Zealand's organic exports - especially with increasing prosperity in the region driving demand for food to be produced in ways which are independently certified as being safe and sustainable.

"The Taiwanese organic market has been growing around 20% per year, and with imports providing 70% of Taiwan's organic food, today's announcement represents a potential annual export value of US$32 million.

"Continued efforts to expand market access are vital for maintaining growth in the organic sector, and recognition is due to New Zealand Food Safety Authority and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff for securing the agreement announced today.

"OANZ and the Organic Products Exporters of New Zealand Inc will keep working with government agencies, organic certifiers and our international counterparts to encourage international trade in certified organic products", Dr Tanner said.