Independent policy analysis, regulatory consulting, and advisory engagements
Policy Analysis
Research and analysis on organic agriculture regulation, sustainable food system policy, and primary sector environmental management. I produce independent briefing papers, policy landscape analyses, and submissions on consultation documents for sector bodies, government agencies, and international organisations.
Recent work: Cross-government policy analysis of 15 instruments across 7 agencies following the Organic Products and Production Act 2023, identifying urgent update requirements and strategic alignment opportunities.
Regulatory Consulting
Advisory support for businesses, certifiers, and sector organisations navigating New Zealand’s organic regulatory system — including OPPA 2023 compliance planning, National Organic Standard transition, and Official Organic Assurance Programme requirements.
Particular depth on IFOAM standards, JAS (Japan), USDA NOP, and EU Regulation 2018/848, alongside direct experience managing New Zealand’s largest organic certifier across production, processing, export, and retail sectors.
Market Access & Trade
Strategic advice for organic exporters on market access requirements, certification pathway selection, and trading partner regulatory environments. Direct experience across European, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese, and North American organic markets.
Current focus: New Zealand’s organic equivalence gap with the EU and UK following the in-force FTAs, and the pathway to bilateral equivalence recognition under the NZ National Organic Standard.
Governance
Board and advisory roles in organisations whose mission aligns with environmental improvement in food and agriculture. Member of the Institute of Directors. Experience from CEO, board, and sector representative roles across certification, membership, and export organisations.
Currently serving as Deputy Chair of the Organic Exporters Association of New Zealand Executive Board.
If you are working in the organic agriculture, sustainable food systems, or environmental policy space and would like to discuss an engagement, I welcome an initial conversation.
Donald Nordeng 