Kiwis should look for organic certification logos

Kiwis should look for the certification logos to guarantee products are organic

Organic certifier BioGro is encouraging kiwi consumers to be vigilant when shopping for organic goods at supermarkets and to only buy products that have a certification logo.

BioGro is New Zealand's largest organic certifier, working with more than 600 farmers, growers and manufacturers of organic produce and products throughout the South Pacific.

BioGro Chief Executive Donald Nordeng is calling on consumers purchasing organic products to look for BioGro Certification logos throughout July as part of it's World of Good campaign.

"There's a huge range of organic produce and products available now, which is fantastic for people who want to choose the best for their health and that of the environment" Mr Nordeng says.

"But unfortunately, New Zealand doesn't regulate use of the term 'organic', so it's vital that an organic product has also been certified when purchasing in supermarkets. If it has a BioGro certification logo that means you can be 100% certain it's truly organic."

The issue was recently highlighted by a group of BioGro certified organic farmers and growers at a field day for Parliament's Primary Production Select Committee in Hawkes Bay.

"This is obviously a big concern for our organic producers, because they invest enormous amounts of time and effort to make sure their products are genuinely organic."

"And they rightly want consumers to know what they're buying is what it claims to be."

During the month-long World of Good campaign, consumers are being asked to photograph any products they buy that have a BioGro certification logo and post an image to social media using the hash-tag #WorldOfGood. They can share their images on BioGro's Facebook, Twitter handle, or Instagram account, or send an email tolabels@biogro.co.nz.

They will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three prizes - 2 year's subscription to Organic NZ magazine, a BioGro certified organic hamper worth $250NZD, or a Trilogy beauty hamper worth $500NZD.

For more information on the World of Good campaign, go to www.biogro.co.nz/worldofgood

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