How much will certification cost?
There are 2 main types of cost associated with certification:
- Certification fees – this varies depending on the region and the type of certification (pod or individual). For fee details please go to the Regions pages.
- Tests – a basic soil test (including organic matter) is required in your first year of certification and then again before becoming fully certified. This helps to track the improvement in your soil fertility.
- Your Certification Manager or Auditor may require additional tests which may include water quality, multi-residue, DDT (and its isomers), herbage residue tests.
What tests are required before I can become certified?
- A basic soil test (including organic matter) is required in first year of certification and then again before becoming fully certified.
- Your Certification Manager or Auditor may require additional tests. This may include water quality, multi-residue, DDT (and its isomers), herbage residue tests.
How long will it take to become fully certified?
- The standard time to become fully certified is 3 years.
- An already certified Producer may be able to move through certification faster. The Regional Body determines this.
- Processors, whose inputs are all purchased off the property, may be able to become fully certified immediately.
- A Producer may not be able to progress to the next stage of certification if they fail to adequately follow the production rules.
Please note – the above are general guidelines. All situations are treated on a case-by-case basis.
Do I have to belong to a Pod?
No. Individuals can be treated and audited separately. Generally there will be an additional cost associated with being an individual. This varies by region.
Can my current certification (with another organic certifier) be transferred to OrganicFarmNZ certification?
Generally yes. Each Producer is treated on a case-by-case basis by the Regional Body. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this.
Can OrganicFarmNZ certified products be exported as organic?
No. OrganicFarmNZ was specifically set up to service growers wishing to supply the New Zealand market only. If prodcuers wish to export organic product/s we recommend you become certified by an IFOAM accredited certifier such as BioGro.
Can my certification with OrganicFarmNZ transfer to another certifer?
- Possibly. Just as OFNZ treats any producers transferring to us from another certifier on a case-by-case basis – so do the other certifiers.
- The advantage of starting certification with OFNZ is its low cost, learning about organic production and standards, and learning the ropes of organic certification – all at a relatively low cost.
- For those producers whose operations are expanding and/or diversifying or who might be considering exporting, OFNZ encourages growers to ‘graduate’ to other certifiers who can better accommodate their requirements – namely exporting.
Why are OrganicFarmNZ fees so low?
- OFNZ was set up specifically to be low cost certification system.
- The larger certifiers charge more because of the costs associated with having to comply with the international regulations and requirements set by ISO, IFOAM, the USDA, the EU or the Japanese Government.
- OFNZ growers are generally small and have relatively simple production processes – thus keeping costs lower.
- There are many volunteer hours that go into running OFNZ, which also keeps admin costs low.