Budget Investment Brings Hope For Sustainability Science

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is pleased at today's budget announcement of new priorities for the Ministry for the Environment, and hopes that the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) will lead to a greater investment in organic innovation.

"Today's announcement seems to mark the beginning of Government's recognition that high quality spending works for planet, people and profits", said Derek Broadmore, OANZ Chair.

"In New Zealand, our greatest environmental and economic challenges are entwined. Agriculture and horticulture are our biggest export earners, but reductions in environmental impacts are essential to preserve our ecosystems and meet the demands of international markets", Mr Broadmore said.

"With certified organic systems internationally recognized as the leading way to reduce dependency on farm inputs, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and adapt to climate change, OANZ hopes that PGP funding will be invested in innovation which can benefit our organic and conventional farms alike.

"Ongoing development of organic knowledge is essential to help New Zealand producers stay at the forefront of international best practice.

"Organic producers also have a great deal to offer the Ministry for the Environment in implementing its new priorities. Organic systems deliver strong proven results across the Ministry for the Environment's priority areas, and we look forward to discussing ways that organic techniques can be adopted broadly across the primary sector.

"Today's economic challenges make it more important than ever for government to prioritize and invest in innovation which protects and enhances New Zealand's global environmental brand.

"Our trading partners are tightening their environmental regulations, while consumers increasingly demand residue-free foods which are produced ethically and sustainably.

"The Government should be encouraged to focus this positive investment in innovation into areas such as organics, which have strong potential to work for the environment and our communities, as well as the economy, in difficult times", Mr Broadmore said.

ENDS

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