Science, Art of Organic Farming at Mystery Creek
Science and Art of Organic Farming on Show at Mystery Creek
For Immediate Release: Monday, June 09, 2008
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is returning to site M30 at Mystery Creek's National Agricultural Fieldays this week, promoting the combination of science and skill which keeps organics at the leading edge of economically and environmentally sustainable production.
"Successful organic production is about learning to read the signals of land, pasture and livestock, and responding appropriately", says Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.
"Many farmers and growers are considering their options - including making the shift to certified organics - in the face of rapidly rising prices for farm inputs such as fertilizers and increasing demand from domestic and international markets.
"At Fieldays we will explain how organic producers use science and technology to stay at the leading edge of economic and environmental sustainability", Dr Tanner said.
"Organic production is especially knowledge-intensive because organic producers need to ensure that innovation fits within the expectations of highly discerning consumers.
"Good conventional farmers can make a very successful switch to certified organics, because they already understand their farm's environment and know how to maintain its health and productivity with tactical addition of extra inputs.
"OANZ's Organic Advisory Programme will play a large part in the Fieldays presentation, promoting the new '0800 FUTURE' number which connects people with our Smart Start programme and the information farmers need to make an informed decision about switching to certified organic production.
"Organic producers, certifiers, processors and community groups will again be coming together in one large presence, similar to last year, when OANZ won the 'Best Site' award in the Premier Feature.
"Workshops, demonstrations and presentations will be run throughout Fieldays, so visitors can take home a new organic technique to try themselves", Dr Tanner said.
ENDS
Organics
Aotearoa New Zealand's Fieldays site is M30, directly
outside the main pavilion.