Doug Voss, a prominent figure in New Zealand's organic kiwifruit industry, owns Manaia Orchards, a thriving operation in the Oropi farming district. This year, the orchard experienced its "best bud burst ever," thanks to ideal climatic conditions and organic farming practices. Doug notes that organic growers in Oropi are yielding comparable crops to conventional growers, with many adopting increasingly sustainable practices.
According to Doug, the shift towards organic farming is driven by consumers' growing interest in the origin of their food. He sees millennials and Generation Z as leading this change. However, the transition to organic farming can be daunting for some growers due to the intensive auditing and strict certification requirements.
Despite these challenges, Doug highlights the financial benefits of organic farming. While conventional green kiwifruit sells at $9 per tray, organic green fetches $12, just 30c off the price of gold. He also notes that the demand for organic kiwifruit is growing, particularly in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.
As the organic market evolves, Doug emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards. He was instrumental in the passage of New Zealand's Organic Products and Production Bill in 2023, which established national standards for organic products. Doug concludes by advocating for organic farming, stating it is "good for you, good for the neighbours, good for everybody."
Source: hortnz.co.nz