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.
Organics Aotearoa (OANZ) chairman Doug Voss is urging members to support a proposal for a national organic standard.
He is urging OANZ members and the organic community at large to participate in the consultation process launched yesterday by the Ministry of Primary Industries.
MPI is seeking views from producers, consumers, processors, retailers, importer, exporters and the public through meetings and online.
Agriculture and Food Safety Minister Damien O’Connor says in New Zealand there are a range of voluntary standards that organic producers can choose from to label their food ‘organic’,
“Officials have advised that a single set of rules may help boost consumer confidence in organic products and place our organics regulatory system on the same footing as many other countries – potentially growing market access for organic products,” O’Connor says.
“The organics industry is a passionate one that offers consumers a valuable product backed by a brand focused on sustainable use of our natural resources.
“Productive growth for our primary industries is about getting more from what we do now – not just doing more.”
The consultation launched yesterday gives producers and consumers a say on whether New Zealand needs a single set of rules for organics production, what that may look like and what costs or other factors need to be considered.
Voss says it is important that members and interested parties turn out to the regional meetings and have their say by completing a submission form on the MPI website in support of a single national standard.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.