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.”
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.

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