Organic Sector Awards Recognise Leadership

Organic Sector Awards Recognise Education & Leadership

Press Release
For Immediate Release: Saturday, 18 August 2007

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand and the Organic Products Exporters of New Zealand have announced the winners of the Organic Sector Awards, with recognition for Pitango, AgriSea and the outstanding contribution to the organic sector made by Hawke’s Bay educator John Ridout.

“New Zealand’s organic sector is coming of age, and it is time to begin recognizing the people and enterprises that are making a real difference” said Ken Shirley, Executive Director of Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ).

The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Award for the Organic Exporter of the Year was won by Pitango, a food manufacturing company whose range of certified organic soups can be found in Woolworths stores and IGA outlets across Australia.

“The global organics market continues to show strong growth, which is well into double digits in many countries”, said Tom McLaughlin, Chair of the Organic Products Exporters of New Zealand (OPENZ).

“Over 70 New Zealand companies are exporting organic products, valued at $120 million per year.

“Pitango’s export success demonstrates that strong demand exists, with growth opportunities for quality New Zealand organic products”, Mr McLaughlin said.

The Organics Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Enterprise Award was presented to Agrisea, whose certified organic liquid seaweed concentrates are popular among both organic and contemporary farmers.

“As well as producing a great product, AgriSea take an active role in educating others about organic values, holding education days and discussion groups with farmers and members of the public”, Ken Shirley said.

The Jon Manhire Award (for Outstanding Contribution to the Organic Sector) was presented to John Ridout, Programme Director of the Certificate of Applied Organics and Biodynamics at Taruna College, Hawke’s Bay.

“John is one of the exceptional people involved in organic education, touching the lives of thousands of students who are now making their own contributions to the growth of the organic sector. John’s teaching ability and dedication to adult education has seen him previously recognized by The New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers as their ‘Tutor of the Year’”, Ken Shirley said.

ENDS

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