How do we award the badge?

To earn this badge, cafes must use only certified organic cow milk and must be able to identify an item on their menu which is certified organic.

Why do we think it's important?

Organic food is free of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers and antibiotics. There is mounting evidence to suggest that it has higher levels of nutrients than non-organic food, largely due to the way the soil is managed.  All these things mean that organic food is healthy for people and the environment.

Consumer demand for organic produce in New Zealand is growing. Many consumers buy organic products, not only because they see it as a healthy lifestyle choice, but to make a statement about how they want their food produced.

These consumers expect their food to be grown as naturally as possible without the use of drugs, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and hormones, and with high standards of animal welfare and environmental management.

To become organically certified, food growers have to meet rigorous standards and principles, including proving that their products are protected from chemical contamination and that they have clear records of their inputs.