Organic Conference Investigates Future

Thursday, 26 July 2007

Organic Conference Investigates "Cottage Or
Corporate" Future

The inaugural Organic Sector Conference, being held at Lincoln University from August 17-19, is to investigate whether there will be a "cottage or corporate" future for New Zealand's $200 million organic sector.

"It is now widely appreciated that certified organic production is a serious commercial option, with Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) aiming to grow New Zealand's organic sector to $1 billion by 2013", said OANZ Executive Director, Ken Shirley.

"Many international markets have been growing by more than 20% per annum, but this rapid development brings new challenges, which New Zealand's organic sector must be equipped to meet. We can prepare ourselves by learning from the experiences of other countries", Mr Shirley said.

"International speakers addressing the conference include Ton Baars - Professor of Biodynamics at Germany's Kassel University, Professor Roger Hitchings - head of advisory services at Britain's Elm Farm Research Centre, Dr Arden Andersen - American agronomist and medical doctor - and Dr Shih-Shiung Chen, from Taiwan's National Chung Hsing University.

"A range of workshops will examine organic production from apples to zucchini - including organic dairy farming, beef and sheep farming and kiwifruit growing.

"Delegates will be able to get their hands dirty with field visits to a certified organic fruit and vegetable producing farm, an organic nut processor and the Bio-Gro certified Kowhai Heinz Wattie Farm.

"The conference will also consider environmental impacts of organic production, as well as questions around the marketing of organic products, organic certification, Maori values, the role of organic food in healthy diets, and what risks and opportunities organic producers might face in the future.

"The entire organic sector is backing this conference, which also incorporates the annual gatherings of OANZ constituent members Bio-Gro, the Biodynamic Association and the Soil & Health Association. More than two hundred people have confirmed their attendance, with late registration available from 1 August", Mr Shirley said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media