Food Act Requirements
Growers are required to comply with the Food Act 2014 in order to sell avocados in New Zealand.
Growers need to demonstrate how they grow and harvest food that is safe for consumers. Under the Food Act growers and packhouses need to meet the requirements of National Programme 1.
Follow the steps on the MPI website here for more information on the requirements for National Programme 1, how to register with your local council or MPI and a list of verification agents. Click here to view a National Programme 1 guidance document describing what you need to know, do and show a verifier to demonstrate you are providing safe food.
Growers that are already certified to GLOBAL G.A.P or NZGAP meet the requirements of National Programme 1, however you must still be registered with MPI.
Options for registration are:
For those growers who are NZ GAP Group or GLOBAL G.A.P Group certified:
- Authorise your grower organisation to manage registration for you.
For more information on GLOBALG.A.P. in the avocado industry please click here.
For those growers who are directly NZ GAP registered and certified:
- You would have already been notified by HortNZ with an offer to register with MPI on your behalf. If you are unsure whether or not HortNZ have registered you with MPI, please contact NZ GAP.
Growers who are not currently registered with a GLOBAL G.A.P. or NZ GAP food safety programme:
- Registration under National Programme 1 with your local council. Links to your councils information page on food safety registration here:
- Far North District Council
- Whangarei District Council
- Kaipara District Council
- Auckland Council
- Waikato District Council
- Thames Coromandel District Council
- Western Bay District Council
- Tauranga City Council
- Kawerau District Council
- Whakatane District Council
- Opotiki District Council
- Gisborne District Council
- Registration of a multi-site business (crossing council boundaries) with MPI
Get checked (verified)
Each grower needs to arrange for an approved Food Act verifier to check their business and verify you meet the requirements of the Food Act. Find a verification agent for National Programme 1 in your area here.
Market | Direct to store (e.g. local dairy or sushi shop) | Local wholesaler | Local supermarket | Export |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grower | NP 1 NZ GAP Domestic | NP 1 NZ GAP Domestic | NZ GAP Benchmark Global GAP | Global GAP |
Packhouse | NP 1 NZ GAP Domestic | NP 1 NZ GAP Domestic | NZ GAP Benchmark Global GAP | Global GAP BRC |
Grower harvester | NZ GAP Benchmark Global GAP | Global GAP | ||
Contract Harvester | NZ GAP Benchmark Global GAP | Global GAP |