Certification Process
The table below steps through the process to organic certification. We also encourage you to watch the webinar below.
| Follow our simple step by step guide to organic certification. | |
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Receive our Application pack |
To receive an application pack please contact our customer service team on 0508 00 11 22 or use the online form on the contact us page. Please let us know what product/s you wish to certify and we will send you the appropriate application pack. |
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Complete the Application Form and Management Plan |
Enclosed in your pack you will find an Organic Registration Form and a Management Plan appropriate to your business. When completing a Management Plan, the plan requires detailed information on how you operate and document the audit trail of your business, including both inputs and outputs. If you have any questions while completing the management plan contact us using the details listed above. Also included with your application pack will be a price list which gives an overview of our pricing – please contact us with your requirements so we can determine a cost for your operation. |
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Return the Application Form, Organic Management Plan and Credit Application |
Once all documents are completed send to: The initial certification process can take approximately 3 months. |
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Organic Management Plan Review |
We will notify you of receipt of your application and send you a copy of the AsureQuality Organic Standard. Your organic management plan (OMP) will then be sent for a review. Once we are satisfied with the information you have provided, approval will be given for an audit to be assigned. We will notify you when we assign your audit to an auditor. |
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On-site Assessment/Audit |
An organic auditor will contact you to make an appointment to conduct an on-site audit of your operation to ensure that every aspect of your operation complies with the AsureQuality Organic Standard. If you are a primary producer intending to export your product or supply your product as an ingredient into a product destined for export, a multiresidue soil test should be taken two weeks prior to the audit. |
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Submission of Audit Findings |
Following the on-site audit, the organic auditor will submit a formal report on the findings of the audit. The report will include (but may not be confined to) any non-conformance against the AsureQuality Organic Standard that needs to be addressed. |
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Response to any Audit Findings / Non-Conformances |
The organic auditor will agree with you on how to resolve any non-conformances and set the closing due date. |
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Organic Certification Status Issued |
When all non-conformances are closed out, an organic certification status certificate will be issued covering the scope of your operation. |
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AsureQuality Organic Certification Mark |
As a primary producer your certification covers produce at your farm gate. You would be eligible to advertise your organic status at the farm gate only. Processors, input suppliers, packers and/or marketers of organic products who wish to display the AsureQuality organic certification mark should request a copy of the license agreement. Email or call 0508 00 11 22. Once we have received the completed agreement we will send you the appropriate artwork. All label and advertising proofs are to be submitted to us prior to printing for final approval against the AsureQuality Organic Standard Section 3. Label Approval form. |
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Organic Certification Re-Assessment Audit Process |
AsureQuality will review that certification should remain valid, through a programme of re-assessment audits. Re-assessment audits will take place at least annually. You will receive a booking request 3 months prior to your audit being due and a request for you to re-submit your management plan if changes have occurred. |
Watch the following webinar to understand an overview of Organic Certification Process:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AsureQuality’s certification internationally recognised?
Yes, the AsureQuality Organic Standard is MPI and IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement) accredited and based on the EU Regulations as well as the Australian National Standard. This gives AsureQuality certified products access to organic markets worldwide.
If I am currently certified as organic, can I transfer this to the AsureQuality Organic Standard?
Yes, if you meet the AsureQuality Standard you can have your organic status transferred.
How long does it take to become certified organic?
That depends on the nature of your business. Some rough guidelines are, up to two years for livestock, two years for annual horticulture crops and three years for perennials but these are subject to individual variables such as the nature of your property. Farms that are in a transition stage and have been using organic practices for a period of 12 months or more may label their products as “conversion to organic” provided all requirements are met.
If I have already been implementing organic practices, can my certification period be shortened?
Yes. In this situation you should request an affidavit to legally declare that you have implemented organic practices and subject to an auditor’s inspection and soil tests your conversion period may be shortened.
Do I have to convert my entire property all at once?
No, but all organics including land, production areas and storage facilities must remain separate from non-organic areas.
I have returned my Registration Form and Management Plan/s, when can I expect an auditor to visit me?
Once you have returned your Registration Form and Management Plan/s AsureQuality will contact you to arrange an audit date. You can expect an auditor to visit within approximately three months.
How often will I be audited?
Audits occur annually as part of the certification process but in addition to this AsureQuality is required to conduct unannounced audits on 10% of certified operations every year.
Does being organic involve more than just the elimination of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers?
Yes, an organic certification assures consumers of much more than food that is free of synthetic pesticide and fertiliser. An organic certification includes a broad range of requirements such as the implementation of sustainable growing practices, the omission of genetically modified organisms, and that animals are raised in a humane manner, fed only organic feed and are given no synthetic hormones or antibiotics. Although the use of antibiotics is prohibited, animal health is of great importance and every attempt possible should be made to minimise stress to the animal, such as ensuring appropriate density of animals and responding rapidly to those sick or injured.
How can I let people know I am Certified Organic?
AsureQuality have signs and logos you can use to let people know you are certified full organic, or in conversion. You can apply for our logo to print on your packaging using the Logo Licence Application Form in your pack.
The signs are ideal for putting on your gates and boundaries to let your neighbours know that you are organic. They are also good for taking to trade shows, or putting in your organic store. Your first full, or in-conversion organic sign from AsureQuality is free, with each subsequent sign being $65 excluding GST.
Signs can be ordered from organic@asurequality.com.
I have been provided with an AsureQuality Certified Organic logo. Can I change the logo to suit my packaging?
The AsureQuality Organic logo is available in a range of formats, both in colour and black and white but you need to adhere to the guidelines and minimum logo size. All information regarding the use of the AsureQuality logo is in the licence agreement that is included in this pack.
What happens if I want to go organic and my neighbour isn’t?
An agreement with your neighbour needs to be made so that any effects they may have on your property can be minimised. Measures that could be implemented include spraying when there is no wind or the wind is blowing in a favourable direction, planting hedges or having buffer zones between the properties.
Where can a list of organisations with AsureQuality organic certification be found?
We have a list of organisations that are certified to the AsureQuality Organic Standard available on our website. This is a PDF file that can be downloaded or printed off, and will be updated regularly. Alternatively, contact us on 0508 00 11 22 and a list can be sent through to you.
I live in a very remote area; will an auditor be able to visit me?
Yes, AsureQuality have organic auditors that cover all of New Zealand and even do audits for overseas organisations on request.