Gene Bill rumours
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of GM.
A bill aiming to create a national standard for organic products will be considered by Parliament.
The Organic Products Bill, introduced by agriculture minister Damien O’Connor, provides a framework for the development of standards for all organic products in New Zealand.
It sets requirements for all businesses involved in the production through to the sale of organic products, with the sole exception of retailers of pre-packaged products.
The Government says the purpose of the bill is to:
• increase consumer confidence in the purchasing of organic products,
• increase certainty for businesses making organic claims,
• facilitate international trade in organic products.
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has been working with the Government and MPI to introduce the legislation for the past two years.
The national representative of the organic sector says it is delighted about the bill’s introduction to Parliament.
“It’s fantastic that the Government have recognised the importance of organics not only to the consumer but also to the overall economic security and future of farming in New Zealand,” says Chris Morrison, chair of OANZ.
“OANZ will be participating in the consultation process with Government to help ensure that we get regulations that meet the needs of all our members.”
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.