“This growth is driven by passionate growers and winemakers who are enthusiastic about creating delectable wines and being good caretakers of their land,” says Jared White, audit manager of BioGro NZ and board member at Organic Winegrowers New Zealand.
There are 235 organic vineyards across 2,418 hectares, making up 6 percent of New Zealand’s 40,323 vineyard area. Marlborough’s 1167 organic hectares account for 48 percent of those organic vineyard plantings and 4 percent of the region’s total vineyard area, while Central Otago accounts for 22 percent of the national organic vineyard area, with a quarter of its 524 ha of producing vineyard certified organic.
Hawke’s Bay has 282ha under organic management, 6 percent of its total area, and makes up 12 percent of New Zealand’s organic vineyard area, while the Wairarapa has 14 percent of its grape growing area certified organic, contributing 6 percent of the national tally. Pinot Noir plantings account for 37 percent of the organic area, followed by Sauvignon Blanc at 33 percent.
Meanwhile, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (AONZ) has released a strategy that aims to contribute a cumulative $4.7b to New Zealand’s GDP by 2030, while reducing climate and environmental pollution. “Growth in the organic sector is better growth for Aotearoa’s environment, the New Zealand economy and for New Zealanders,” says OANZ Chief Executive Viv Williams. “Our Taking Action for a Better New Zealand strategy focuses on extension services to support more growers to meet organic standards, alongside collaboration with regenerative growers and researchers to deliver the best of both worlds.”
The reports can be found at biogro.co.nz and oanz.org
