Organic Sector Awards Celebrate Achievement
For Immediate Release: Friday, August 1, 2008
Nominations for the 2008 Organic Sector Awards have opened today, offering recognition for New Zealand's leading
certified organic producers, exporters and enterprises, along with acknowledging the contribution made by individuals
involved in the organic sector.
"Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is pleased to present these awards, which acknowledge the economic, environmental
and community benefits generated by people in the organic sector", said Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.
"Four awards will be presented in 2008 - the OANZ Organic Producer of the Year Award, NZTE Organic Exporter of the Year
Award, the OANZ Organic Enterprise Award and The Jon Manhire Award (for Outstanding Contribution to the Organic Sector).
OANZ Organic Producer of the Year Award This newly introduced award is designed to reward a successful certified
organic producer, farming at the leading edge of environmental, economic and social sustainability.
NZTE Organic Exporter of the Year Award Recognizing a successful organic exporter, this award honours an organization
for delivering high value New Zealand-made certified organic products to international markets.
OANZ Organic Enterprise Award Acknowledging an innovative and enterprising organization, this award pays tribute to the
support and promotion of an 'organic' vision and values.
The Jon Manhire Award (for Outstanding Contribution to the Organic Sector) This award celebrates a person who
demonstrates excellence in their field, has made a personal commitment to organics, and who encourages others to adopt
organic principles.
"Nomination forms are available from the OANZ website - www.oanz.org.nz - as well as by phoning (04) 890 3769 or emailing gavin.middleton@oanz.org.nz.
"Nominations for the Organic Sector Awards close on 17 October, with winners announced at the OANZ Annual General
Meeting in November.
"Consumer demand for certified organic products continues to boom, making organics the fastest growing segment of
international food and beverage markets. New Zealand's best organic producers operate at the leading edge of
environmental and economic sustainability - and I look forward to presenting these awards as a celebration of their
achievement", Dr Tanner said.
ENDS