The organics sector is questioning why organic and biological farming aren't included in the meat and dairy research and innovation programmes announced this week.
The dairy research will look to boost on-farm productivity and environmental sustainability, as well as research on consumer needs.
The meat industry initiative aims to turn that sector's production-led approach into a market-led one.
The Government's Primary Growth Partnership is funding $144 million of the $321 million cost of the two projects.
Soil and Health and Organic New Zealand spokesperson, Steffan Browning, says both projects would have a greater chance of success if they focused more attention on genuinely sustainable options.
"A lot of the improvements they appear to be seeking out of this - and it's fantastic that they are seeking massive improvements in sustainability and connection with customers - are already there in organics."
Mr Browning says it would also help if the Government restored organic production targets and reactivated the organic advisory service.
