Organic Awards Recognise Dairy and Wine

14 Nov 2009

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) will present their industry awards to leaders from the organic wine and dairy sectors, in a gala dinner at the University of Waikato this evening.

OANZ Chair, Derek Broadmore, said that the Organic Awards had been presented since 2007, recognizing leading organizations and individuals from the organic sector.

"The OANZ Organic Producer of the Year for 2009 is Seresin Estate - a well-known Marlborough organic winemaker", Mr Broadmore said.

"Founded by New Zealand born cinematographer Michael Seresin, Seresin Estate's conversion to organics began before the first vintage in 1996.  The estate spans 165 hectares, encompassing olive groves, gardens, pasture, livestock, orchards and native wetlands.

"Seresin Estate exports wines to the UK, USA, Asia and Europe, as well as making a range of olive oil products, honey, preserves, and increasingly producing food from its gardens and livestock.

"Seresin Estate's award will be presented by Dr Manfred Bötsch, Switzerland's equivalent to the Minister of Agriculture, who yesterday delivered a keynote address to our Organic Sector Conference" Mr Broadmore said.

"Legendary former All Blacks captain Colin Meads will present the Organics Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Enterprise Award to Waikato-based Homeopathic Farm Support.

"Founded in 1997, Homeopathic Farm Support helps pastoral farmers around New Zealand and overseas with certified organic products and seasonally-focused management programmes.

"Homeopathic Farm Support has recently partnered with Fonterra to promote organic dairy farming, preparing information on how farmers can maintain the health of their animals and the productivity of their farm.

"For the first time two Judges' Commendations will be presented in the Enterprise category - to Green Monkey Ltd and Paraoa Bakehouse.

"Both of these organizations showed high levels of innovation, enterprise and a strong commitment to organic principles in their excellent ranges of baby food and baked goods ", Mr Broadmore said.

"The Jon Manhire Award (for Outstanding Contribution to the Organic Sector) will be presented by Green MP Jeanette Fitzsimons to winemaker James Millton.

"James has been a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking in New Zealand, farming organically near Gisborne since 1984.

"James was instrumental in developing organic certification standards for wine in New Zealand, in forming Organic Winegrowers New Zealand Inc, and in developing a mentoring program for new organic wine producers.

"Focusing both on export markets and local wine connoisseurs, James' products have an international reputation, and his recently launched 'Crazy by Nature' brand is proof that they were not so crazy after all.

"It is fitting that OANZ's Organic Awards were presented to people and organizations involved in dairy and wine production - the two fastest growing parts of New Zealand's organic sector.

"Exports of certified organic dairy products contribute more than $27 million to New Zealand's economy, while the growth of organic wine has driven beverages to represent 10% of all New Zealand organic exports.

"I would like to congratulate all our award entrants and finalists, all of whom are examples of the talent, creativity and dedication within the organic sector", Mr Broadmore said.