Fieldays Has Organics - From Paddock To Plate

Fieldays Has Organics - From Paddock To Plate

Press Release
For Immediate Release: Monday, 11 June 2007

This week's National Fieldays at Mystery Creek will present organic production "from paddock to plate", with a major presence from Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ).

Ken Shirley, Executive Director of OANZ, says that their 'M30' site at Fieldays - directly outside the main pavilion - will showcase the range of organic goods already available and answer the questions that many contemporary farmers have about organic production systems.

"The OANZ presentation draws together many of the different groups involved in the organic sector - including our Organic Advisory Programme, organic certifiers, producer groups, marketers and interest groups", Mr Shirley said.

"A major focus is the Organic Advisory Programme's 'Smart Start' package, which provides people who are seriously considering converting to organics with a part-funded on-farm consultation by a management consultant specialising in organic production.

"Certified organic products are commanding premium prices in a high value, discerning global market - which is currently worth $60 billion and growing at 10-20% annually.

"Some of farming's most well known brands, such as Fonterra and Zespri, will showcase their organic marketing at our stand, highlighting the growing consumer interest in certified organic products in key global markets.

"Converting to certified organic production is a commercially viable, sustainable and potentially lucrative option for Kiwi businesses.

"Making the switch to certified organic production presents New Zealand with many opportunities - in health, the environment and trade", Mr Shirley said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media