Bilateral trade agreements are helping New Zealand’s organic industry flourish, according to New Zealand Organic Exporters Association director Rick Carmont.
The value of the country’s organic exports has risen by 25 per cent since 2009, with the sector now generating NZ$220m (US$181.97m) per annum.
Fruit and vegetables make up close to half of all New Zealand’s organic exports.
Carmont said bilateral deals with the US, Europe and Taiwan had maximised returns for growers, as they eliminate the cost of stationing officers in New Zealand to certify the standard of the product.
Asia is quickly surpassing the United States as the main destination for New Zealand organics; with the region accounting for 30 per cent of the total export volume in 2012.
