ODH collapse 'not a surprise'
An organic sector leader believes that failed farmer-owned co-operative Organic Dairy Hub (ODH) lacked the scale to compete in the global market.
More Hawke’s Bay farmers should take up the proposition of organics to safeguard the region’s environment and grow its economy, says the country’s peak organic body.
Addressing a group of growers and stakeholders in Hawke’s Bay on Thursday night, chief executive of Organics Aotearoa NZ (OANZ), Brendan Hoare, says there had never been a better time to realise New Zealand’s organic opportunity.
“The findings of our 2016 Organic Market Report clearly show that consumer demand for organics both here and overseas continues to grow,” he says.
“New Zealand still has enough of a clean, green reputation to capitalise on that demand. But organics aren’t just about products; they’re about properties too, and how those properties’ natural assets – and so the natural assets of the wider district – can be protected.
“Organic land management practices can go a long way towards assisting with that.”
Hoare says increased organic production in Hawke’s Bay sits naturally alongside the local and regional food emphasis in the region’s “Great Things Grow Here” initiative.
“Certified organic products with their proven consumer assurance systems help prove the authenticity of that claim to the market,” he says.
“Hawke’s Bay has already demonstrated its commitment to remaining GE-free. By encouraging organic land management and production, this region could become a national leader in sustainability.”
The Hawke’s Bay visit by OANZ representatives will continue on Friday with field trips to local producers.
The event was hosted by Bostocks NZ, True Earth, Villa Maria NZ, Chantal Organics and supported by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Great Things Grow Here.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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