Advocacy

The environmental benefits of organic production are confirmed in research launched this evening by Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ).

Certified organic food and beverage products contributed $485 million to the New Zealand economy in 2009, according to new research launched this evening by Hon Tim Groser, Minister of Trade, and Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ).

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is endorsing a report from US President Barack Obama's Cancer Panel, calling on consumers to choose food grown without pesticides, artificial fertilizers and antibiotics, which the report says can increase risks of contracting cancer.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has today expressed concern at the potentially devastating impact on New Zealand's pastoral sector of proposed genetically modified clovers and ryegrasses.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is using UN World Food Day today to call for mandatory country of origin labeling (CoOL) on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.

The Director of Switzerland's Federal Office for Agriculture, Dr Manfred Bötsch, will address the Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) Organic Sector Conference in November.

Organic sector umbrella group Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) today re-released its 2006 submission opposing the mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid.

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is urging a focus on research into organic apiculture, with South Island organic beekeepers engaged in a 'death race' against varroa.

"Research is urgently needed into 'bee-friendly' organic varroa control techniques, which could remove farmers' reliance on toxic agrichemicals", said Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.

"We also need to examine how beekeepers can ensure the survival of their hives, particularly in the face of threats like varroa, without resorting to synthetic chemical treatments.