There’s been a big boost in organic production in New Zealand according to a new Otago University study.

The latest research shows certified organic food and beverage products contributed $485 million to the New Zealand economy last year, in domestic sales and exports.

The value has more than tripled in four years.

Executive officer of the national organics body Gavin Middleton says organics is about halfway to reaching its target of becoming a billion-dollar industry by 2013.

The New Zealand Organic Report shows the total value of New Zealand’s domestic market for organic products has increased to $315 million, with an additional $170 million contributed by organic exports.

Domestic organic sales are dominated by processed foods – 38% of sales – with fresh fruit and vegetables making up 26% of sales.

New Zealand now has more than 1100 certified organic farmers, producing on more than 124,000 hectares.

Meantime, Fonterra’s organic business reports it expects to see a 140% increase within the next five years because of increasing global demand for organic dairy ingredients, especially Europe and the United States.