Guidance for Veterinarians and Rural Service Providers

We are seeing an increase in enquiries from veterinarians, rural consultants, fertiliser representatives, and other farm support professionals whose clients are considering organic certification (including supply into Fonterra Organics).

This article provides an overview of:

• Which standards apply
• The organic certification process
• Conversion timeframes
• Animal health and RVM considerations
• Parallel (split) production rules
• Artificial insemination requirements
• Soil testing and input declarations
• How to use MyOrganics

This information is relevant to dairy but is also broadly applicable to other livestock and mixed farming systems.

1. Which Organic Standards Apply?

Organic dairy farms in New Zealand may be certified against one or more of the following standards, depending on market requirements:

Farmers supplying into export programmes must meet the applicable overseas standard in addition to NZ requirements.

Standards are freely accessible via:
AsureQuality Organics webpage → Standards, accreditations and market access.

2. Overview of the Certification Process

Initial Application Documents Required

• Application for Organic Registration
• Declaration of Last Use of Prohibited Inputs
• Organic Management Plan (OMP) – via MyOrganics
• Farm Map

Desktop Evaluation

An Evaluator reviews the submitted documentation (typically within 2 weeks).
The applicant receives:

• Acknowledgement of receipt
• An evaluation report (approval or request for further information)

On-Site Verification

Scheduled 3–4 months in advance.
Following the audit:

• Site report issued (normally same or next day)
• 30 days to close corrective actions (extendable to 90 days)

Certification Outcome

For initial dairy applicants:

• Conversion Milestone Report issued
• Standdown Status (CO) confirmed for first 12 months

Annual audits occur at each anniversary.

3. Conversion Timeframes (Dairy Example)

Typical dairy conversion takes 3 years, with livestock conversion occurring during the final 12 months.

Example Timeline

Important Nuances

• MPI OOAP & AQOS may allow eligibility after 2 years in some circumstances.
• NOP & COR require 3 years from last prohibited input use.
• Livestock conversion under:
  • MPI OOAP → potentially eligible after 6 months (if started in C2)
  • IFOAM → requires full 12 months
• After 12 months under certification, conversion reduction (prior recognition) may be considered based on evidence (e.g. affidavit confirming last prohibited input use).

These variations are assessed case-by-case during audit.

3a. Understanding Conversion Pathways (Scenarios)

Organic conversion timelines vary depending on how livestock conversion is managed. The link below holds three common pathways used in New Zealand dairy systems, each with different risk, timing, and complexity.

Organic Dairy Conversion Pathways Explained (NZ)

4. Soil Testing Requirements

New applicants must provide:

• Representative soil sample(s)
• Independently sampled and submitted
• Multi-residue screen (minimum requirement)

Depending on past declared input use, additional tests may be required:

• Acid herbicides
• Glyphosate
• Other specific compounds

Important: Discuss declared input history with AsureQuality before commissioning testing to ensure correct analytes are requested.

Testing must be completed before full organic status is granted (not necessarily during first year). Some operators delay testing to allow residue degradation.

5. MyOrganics Platform 

Registered operators receive access to MyOrganics, an online system for:

• Completing and maintaining the Organic Management Plan
• Searching pre-approved inputs
• Submitting new input approval requests

The database includes:

• Animal health products
• Soil fertility inputs
• Crop management inputs
• Dairy shed chemicals (acids/alkaline cleaners)
• Processing inputs

Each listing includes:

• Conditions of use
• Market-specific restrictions
• Withdrawal requirements (if applicable)

Veterinarians may request temporary view access to assess compatibility of standard RVMs.

6. Animal Health & RVMs in Organic Dairy

Organic standards prioritise preventative health management, but treatment of sick animals must not be withheld.

Permitted Categories (Subject to Conditions)

• Some parasite drenches (calves)
• Analgesics
• Metabolic treatments
• Certain hormones (e.g. Oxytocin)
• Biologics

Example:

• MoxiPor Pour-On (Moxidectin) – pre-approved with conditions

Prohibited or Restricted

• Antibiotics (generally prohibited except under specific welfare exceptions; treated animals may lose organic status)
• GMO-derived substances
• Nanotechnology products

Conditions vary by standard and market; always verify in MyOrganics.

7. Key Topics Frequently Raised by Veterinarians

Parasite Control (Young Stock)

Some drenches are permitted under controlled conditions.
Routine blanket treatment strategies often need to shift toward risk-based management.

Mastitis Management

Focus shifts toward:

• Prevention
• Hygiene
• Dry cow management strategies compatible with organic standards
  Antibiotic use typically results in loss of organic status for the animal.

Antibiotics

Permitted only under strict welfare grounds.
Extended stand-downs apply and treated animals may not regain organic status (depending on standard).

8. Artificial Insemination (AI)

Permitted

• Artificial insemination is allowed
• Must be non-GMO

Prohibited

• Embryo transfer
• Cloning
• Hormonal induction of ovulation or birth (unless medically necessary under veterinary supervision)
• Nanotechnology

Certified AI Suppliers (Examples)

• CRV – AQ certified (unsexed bovine semen)
• LIC – BioGro certified (sexed and unsexed semen)
• ST Genetics NZ – BioGro 6160 (sexed semen)

If supplier is not certified:

• A supplier declaration is required confirming:
  • No GMO
  • No embryo transfer/cloning
  • Compliance with organic restrictions

9. Parallel (Split) Production – Significant Compliance Risk Area

Parallel production = conventional and organic production within the same holding.

Definitions (MPI OER.OPR)

• Holding – physically, financially, and operationally independent entity
• Split production – conventional, in-conversion and organic within same holding

Low Risk Scenario

• Two separate holdings
• Separate dairy sheds
• Separate supply numbers
• Separate herds
• Physical and financial separation

High Risk / Often Non-Compliant Scenario

• One farm
• One shed
• One supply number
• Two herds (organic + conventional)

MPI Requirements Include:

For livestock:

• Clear physical separation of land parcels and buildings
• Visual distinction between animals
• Segregated grazing areas
• Separate storage of inputs
• Clean-down procedures
• Documented conversion plan

Parallel livestock systems are complex and uncommon due to compliance burden.

10. Inputs Beyond Animal Health

Other areas rural professionals frequently assist with:

Fertility Management

• Synthetic fertilisers prohibited
• Soil amendments must be approved
• Compost and effluent systems must meet standards

Weed & Pest Control

• Herbicides generally prohibited
• Mechanical and biological control preferred

Dairy Shed Chemicals

• Acids and alkalis permitted under controlled use
• Must be listed in MyOrganics

11. Practical Advice for Farm Advisors

When working with a farmer considering organic conversion:

1. Encourage early discussion with AsureQuality before major system changes.
2. Clarify which export markets they intend to supply.
3. Review all current inputs (3-year history).
4. Consider infrastructure implications if parallel production is contemplated.
5. Engage with MyOrganics early to avoid prescribing non-compliant treatments.
6. Factor conversion timelines into feed planning and young stock strategies.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Can artificial insemination be used?

Yes, if non-GMO and compliant with restrictions.

Can antibiotics be used?

Only under welfare grounds. Organic status implications apply.

How long does conversion take?

Typically 3 years for dairy; variations exist by standard.

Can a farm run organic and conventional herds together?

Only under strict split production rules; rarely practical in livestock systems.

Do all farms need soil residue testing?

Yes, before full organic status is granted.

13. How We Can Help

We are available to:

• Meet with veterinarians and rural professionals
• Meet directly with interested farmers
• Discuss conversion scenarios and eligibility timelines

Please submit a request if you have any further questions.

Final Note: In organic certification, the “standdown” period (CO) is often referred to as “Year 0”. The first formally recognised year of conversion (C1) begins after this initial 12-month period.