New Zealand parties respond to organic-sector manifesto
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ), an industry lobby group, has asked political parties to support specific measures for the country’s organic agriculture and food sector rather than offering only verbal endorsement. Its manifesto sets out priorities for the next parliamentary term and was issued ahead of the election.
Among the proposals is the continued appointment of an associate minister responsible for organics. OANZ also wants the National Organic Standard to be formally implemented, alongside targeted funding to expand the sector. Other priorities include improved access to overseas markets and arrangements recognising equivalent organic standards in international trade.
The manifesto calls for protections for GE-free claims and organic certification as agricultural rules change. It also places the organic sector within the debate over gene-technology policy, including the effect of future rules on production systems and market access.
The Opportunity Party said its Healthy Land and Healthy People framework was closely aligned with the document. Daniel Eb, the party’s deputy leader, said TOP opposed the current Gene Technology Bill and wanted it withdrawn so that a different process could be developed in the next term. He said such a process should protect organic-certification rules and support resilient land use.
The Green Party indicated support for the manifesto. Labour’s agriculture spokeswoman, Jo Luxton, backed the introduction of the National Organic Standard, investment in the sector and access to export markets. She also said Labour supported gene technology as a response to major challenges, while arguing that any regulatory system should weigh export opportunities against the protection of established production systems.
Mike Butterick, the coalition government’s associate minister of agriculture for organics, said OANZ’s objectives were closely connected with national aims to increase productivity and export value. He reaffirmed his intention to work with the industry on implementing the National Organic Standard, examining export opportunities and ensuring that organic producers take part in the national discussion on gene-technology regulation.
