BioGro Ltd, New Zealand’s leading organic certifier, has introduced a new Initial Contact Meeting service to help make it easier for anyone looking to ‘go organic.’
The Initial Contact Meetings are designed to inform and assist producers interested in organic production and certification.
Since the programme launched in November 2014, the meetings have proven popular with over 20 farmers and producers across New Zealand taking part so far.
As part of the meeting, a BioGro Auditor visits your property or operation to gain a better understanding of your business. They provide an in-depth overview of BioGro’s certification process, answer questions and assess how viable it is in becoming certified.
BioGro’s CEO Donald Nordeng said that the meetings are a critical part of assisting New Zealand farmers and producers to transition to organic production. “If you are new to organics and certification, it is important that you have the opportunity to learn more about the process and how BioGro certification can benefit you.”
“The idea around the Initial Contact Meetings is to give people thinking about organic production a better idea about what is involved.
“BioGro has always backed and assisted New Zealand producers in becoming organic. The Initial Contact Meetings are the best way we can connect with producers and provide this support,” he said.
Commencing an Initial Contact Meeting, BioGro provides participants with an application pack and a personalised evaluation report.
Each contact meeting is 1-2 hours and costs $150 + GST. However, if BioGro certification is applied for within three months of the initial visit, BioGro will deduct 50 % of the Initial Contact Meeting fee off the application for certification.
The Initial Contact Meetings are open to all types of production, including dairy, viticulture, primary production, input manufacturing, processed products and cosmetics.
To apply for an Initial Contact Meeting, please register your interest at www.biogro.co.nz/initial-contact-meetings.
Did you know?
BioGro is New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier for organic produce and products. BioGro certifies over 600 organic producers, farmers and manufacturers across New Zealand and the Pacific.
The BioGro logo is the most recognised organic logo amongst New Zealanders. BioGro certified producers carry the BioGro logo on their products to assure consumers that the organic product is authentic.
The BioGro logo guarantees that a product is made without animal testing, genetic modification or the routine use of synthetic pesticides. It is the mark of a genuine organic product.
