JAS and BioGro: Understanding Organic Certification in New Zealand
In New Zealand, you may come across different organic labels when choosing food products.
Two of the most recognised are:
- JAS (Japan)
- BioGro (New Zealand)
But what do they actually mean — and how are they different?
In this article, we’ll break it down in a clear and practical way.
What Is JAS Certification?
JAS stands for Japanese Agricultural Standards,
a government-regulated system established by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
👉 It defines how organic products are grown, processed, and labelled in Japan.
Under JAS organic standards:
- Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers are not permitted
- Soil and cultivation methods are strictly managed
- Processing and handling must follow regulated procedures
- Certification is verified by accredited third-party organisations
👉 Only products that meet these standards can be labelled as organic in Japan.
What Is BioGro?
BioGro is one of New Zealand’s leading independent organic certification organisations.It certifies:
- Farms
- Food producers
- Processors
👉 based on independently defined organic standards recognised in New Zealand and aligned with international organic principles.
BioGro focuses on:
- Soil health and sustainability
- Avoiding synthetic chemicals
- Non-GMO practices
- Transparent certification processes
👉 Certification is carried out by an independent third party, ensuring that standards are applied consistently.
JAS vs BioGro — A Simple Comparison
Here’s a simplified overview:
| JAS (Japan) | BioGro (New Zealand) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Government-regulated standard | Independent certification body |
| Framework | Legally defined under Japanese law | Based on independently defined standards |
| Certification | Third-party verified | Third-party verified |
| Organic claim | Strictly regulated use of “organic” label | Must comply with NZ consumer protection laws |
| Scope | Japan (also used for export products) | New Zealand & international recognition |
| Transparency | Official mark required | Certification mark provided |
👉 While the systems are different, both aim to provide transparency through clearly defined standards and independent verification.
Why Certification Matters — Especially for Matcha
Matcha is different from most teas.
With loose-leaf tea, only the extracted liquid is consumed.
Matcha, however, is:
👉 the entire tea leaf, ground into powder and consumed whole.
This means:
- Nutrients
- Naturally occurring compounds
👉 are all ingested directly.
Because of this:
👉 how the tea is grown becomes especially important.
Organic Standards and Real-World Differences
Organic certification is not just a label — it reflects how the tea is grown.
In conventional farming:
- Nitrogen levels can be adjusted using synthetic fertilisers
- This can increase amino acids such as theanine
- It may result in stronger umami and deeper intensity
In organic systems like JAS:
- Synthetic fertilisers are not allowed
- Only approved organic inputs can be used
- Nutrient release is slower and less predictable
👉 As a result:
- Flavour can be more balanced and less heavy
- The profile may feel cleaner and more natural
This is not about which is “better” — but about different approaches to cultivation and taste.
Our Approach
Our matcha is:
👉 JAS-certified organic
This means it follows Japan’s official organic standard, with clearly regulated production and independent verification.
For customers in New Zealand, this provides a transparent and reliable reference point when choosing matcha.
Final Thoughts
Understanding organic certification can help you make more informed choices.
Whether it’s JAS or BioGro, what matters most is:
👉 clarity, standards, and trust.
Matcha may appear simple, but behind each cup is a complex system of cultivation, environment, and care.
📌 FAQ
Is organic matcha better?
Not necessarily in terms of taste.
Some conventional matcha can have:
- More intense umami
- Stronger sweetness
However, organic matcha offers:
👉 more transparency in how it is grown.
Because matcha is consumed whole, many people prefer organic options for that reason.
What is JAS certification?
JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) is a government-regulated system in Japan.
For organic products, it ensures that:
- Farming methods
- Inputs used
- Processing and handling
👉 are all verified by accredited third-party organisations.
What is BioGro certification?
BioGro is an independent organic certification organisation in New Zealand.
It verifies that products meet recognised organic standards, focusing on sustainability, soil health, and responsible farming practices.
Is all matcha organic?
No.
Most matcha is produced using conventional farming methods.
Organic matcha — including JAS-certified products — represents only a small portion of total production.
Can JAS-certified products be sold as organic in New Zealand?
Yes.
JAS is an internationally recognised certification system.
In New Zealand, organic claims must comply with local regulations, and recognised certification systems such as JAS can help support those claims.
Organic matcha is not defined by a single label, but by how it is grown, processed, and understood.
Understanding the differences helps you choose what fits your daily cup.
→ Read Part 1: Organic Matcha Explained
→ Read Part 2: Organic vs Conventional Matcha