organicnz.org.nz

Soil & Health Association of New Zealand is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and a central advocate for organic agriculture, ecological farming, and natural health in New Zealand.

Founded in 1941, the organisation promotes farming systems that prioritise healthy soils, biodiversity, and chemical-free food production. Over the decades it has played a major role in shaping the organic movement in New Zealand through public education, advocacy, research support, and community engagement.

Unlike certification bodies, Soil & Health primarily functions as an advocacy and education organisation, supporting the growth of organic agriculture while promoting wider environmental and food system reform.

What Soil & Health Does

The Soil & Health Association operates as a membership-based organisation supporting organic agriculture and sustainable food systems.

Its key activities include:

• Advocating for policies that support organic farming and healthy soils
• Promoting chemical-free food production and ecological agriculture
• Publishing the OrganicNZ magazine
• Providing public education about organic food systems
• Supporting community initiatives and regional organic groups
• Participating in government consultations and environmental policy discussions

The organisation has historically been active on issues such as pesticide reduction, GE-free food systems, soil conservation, and sustainable agriculture policy.

OrganicNZ Magazine

One of the association’s most visible contributions is OrganicNZ magazine, a long-running publication covering topics related to organic farming, gardening, food systems, and ecological health.

The magazine typically includes:

• Articles on organic farming practices
• Soil health and regenerative agriculture
• Environmental and food policy issues
• Profiles of organic producers and farms
• Gardening and self-sufficiency topics

For many members, OrganicNZ serves as an important source of knowledge, inspiration, and community connection within the organic movement.

Advocacy and Policy Engagement

Soil & Health plays an active role in national conversations about agriculture, environmental protection, and food policy.

The organisation regularly participates in:

• Government consultations and policy submissions
• Campaigns supporting organic agriculture and sustainable food systems
• Advocacy related to genetic engineering regulations
• Public discussions on pesticide use and environmental protection

Its advocacy efforts aim to ensure that New Zealand’s agricultural system protects soil health, biodiversity, and human health.

Relationship to Other Organic Organisations in New Zealand

The Soil & Health Association sits within a wider ecosystem of organisations supporting organic agriculture in New Zealand.

Important organisations within this ecosystem include:

• Organics Aotearoa New Zealand
  The national industry body coordinating the organic sector.
• BioGro New Zealand
  The country’s largest organic certification organisation.
• AsureQuality
  A certification provider supporting export-compliant organic standards.
• OrganicFarmNZ
  A grassroots certification scheme focused on smaller domestic growers.

While certification bodies focus on verifying production standards, Soil & Health focuses on education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Who Soil & Health Is For

Membership in the Soil & Health Association includes a wide range of people interested in organic and ecological food systems, including:

• organic farmers and growers
• home gardeners
• environmental advocates
• researchers and educators
• consumers interested in organic food and sustainability

The organisation aims to support anyone interested in building healthier food systems and regenerative agricultural practices.

Limitations

Because Soil & Health operates primarily as an advocacy and education organisation, it does not:

• provide organic certification
• inspect farms or production systems
• regulate organic standards

Growers seeking certification must work with certifiers such as BioGro, AsureQuality, or OrganicFarmNZ.

Why It Matters

The Soil & Health Association has played a foundational role in developing the organic movement in New Zealand.

By advocating for healthy soils, ecological farming, and chemical-free food production for more than 80 years, the organisation has helped shape public awareness and policy around sustainable agriculture.

Its continued work supports the development of more resilient food systems that prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and long-term environmental sustainability.

Website

https://www.organicnz.org.nz

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