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:

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.

MarketDirect to store (e.g. local dairy or sushi shop)Local wholesalerLocal supermarketExport
GrowerNP 1
NZ GAP Domestic
NP 1
NZ GAP Domestic
NZ GAP Benchmark
Global GAP
Global GAP
PackhouseNP 1
NZ GAP Domestic
NP 1
NZ GAP Domestic
NZ GAP Benchmark
Global GAP
Global GAP
BRC
Grower harvesterNZ GAP Benchmark
Global GAP
Global GAP
Contract HarvesterNZ GAP Benchmark
Global GAP
Global GAP