Organic Awards Finalists Announced

03 Nov 2009

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has announced finalists for the 2009 Organic Awards, which recognize leading organizations and individuals from the organic sector.

OANZ Chief Executive Officer Dr Jon Tanner said that the finalists showcased leaders who are steering the country towards the goal of sustainable, innovative and high value organic production.

"Award entrants crossed the primary sector, and were received from regions around the country", Dr Tanner said.

"Wine making - one of the fastest growing parts of the organic sector - is heavily represented in finalists for the second year running.

"Particularly strong competition for the Organics Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Enterprise Award has resulted in three finalists - including last year's winner, Green Monkey Ltd", Dr Tanner said.

2009 Organic Awards finalists are:

OANZ Organic Producer of the Year Award:

• Seresin Estate (winemakers, Marlborough)
• Tim Chamberlain (vegetable grower, Canterbury)

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Enterprise Award:

• Green Monkey Ltd (baby food, Canterbury)
• Homeopathic Farm Support (homeopathy, Waikato)
• Paraoa Bakehouse (bakers, Wellington)

The Jon Manhire Award (for Outstanding Contribution to the Organic Sector):

• Colin Ross (winemaker, Marlborough)
• James Millton (winemaker, Gisborne)

Presentations of the Organic Awards will take place during OANZ's Organic Sector Conference, on the evening of Saturday 14 November, at the University of Waikato.