A major win for organic New Zealand wine in the EU

A major win for organic New Zealand wine in the European Union

New Zealand’s organic wine industry has scored a major export victory with the announcement that the European Commission (EC) has agreed to recognise New Zealand’s organic wine production methods as equivalent to its own.

This important result came about after two years of collaboration between Ministry of Primary Industries and New Zealand Winegrowers, who seeing the importance of organic wine in New Zealand’s future began a concerted effort to ensure New Zealand access to the important European market.

“In the past, in order for a certified organic and biodynamic producer to service an international market, there were a lot of extra time and compliance costs that took away quite a lot of margin, so in some instances it was better to go to market removing any mention of organic certification” said James Millton of Millton Vineyards and Organic Winegrowers NZ. “It means less red tape, so easier for consumers and trade to access our wines and it opens the door for more organic producers to export.”

Over the longer term, the equivalence status will result in greater certainty and less burdensome conditions for access for New Zealand wine exports to the EU. It will be of significant commercial benefit to the New Zealand wine industry.

New Zealand Winegrowers worked closely with Ministry of Primary Industries to get this over the line. CEO, Philip Gregan said “this is a real breakthrough for our burgeoning export organic wine sector. After years of uncertainty and difficulty we can look to grow exports of organic wine into the premium markets of Europe and the UK”.

Access to the European Union (EU) market for exports of New Zealand organic wine can continue after 1 July next year, when the current EC system enabling imports of organic wine will end.

ENDS

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