6 March 2013

Growing organics the focus

New figures released today show the organic sector is booming and that the Government should back it by implementing organic targets and better labelling, the Green Party said today.

Today’s Organic Market Report 2012 detailed the results of an extensive survey of the organic sector and showed solid growth in supply and demand of organic products, with exports growing 25% over the last 3 years.

“New Zealand deserves a smart, green economy that protects our environment. Organics is clearly a crucial part of that,” Green Party agriculture spokesperson Steffan Browning said.

“International markets want organics and we are in a position to supply it. In India, over half of people surveyed stated organic was very important and over 40% of Chinese respondents the same,” said Mr Browning.

“Supporting the growing organic sector will help provide more good green jobs.

“New Zealand needs clear organic targets and stricter labelling requirements so that our organic sector can reach its full potential.

“Instead of backing the petroleum industry, a dead end sector, the Government should be supporting organic production for which there are immediate and long term opportunities.

“Global growth of 8% per year makes organics the fastest growing food sector in the world. New Zealand needs to get our piece of that action.

“OANZ’s development of a plan for building the organic sector is great news and one that the Green Party will continue to wholeheartedly support.

“Smart, green agriculture is about looking after the land, the people and the animals because it is the right thing to do and because it is the economically sensible thing to do. It's about providing our farmers and food producers a good life and a fair income,” said Mr Browning.
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