Organic Action Day was held on September 23rd at the Prefab Hall, Wellington, where the sector discussed growth for the health of the soil, people and the planet. The sector currently produces $723 million of product from 86,000 hectares of organic land each year.
At the event, Christina Robinson (Zespri) and Jon Manhire (AgriBusiness) discussed upskilling and connecting to farming communities.
Malkiat Singh (Kingseat Organics) and Pete Huggins (GM Soil & Health Assoc) shared information on the new Organic Hub, a national database to connect farmers and producers better.
Tiffany Tompkins (OANZ CEO) facilitated a conversation between Ed Massy (GM Sustainability NZ Winegrowers) and Clive Dougall (Chair Organic Winegrowers NZ) that found common ground and discussed the organisations growing relationship.
Action Group members Robyn Vickery (BioGro), and Kath Dewar (GoodSense) discussed how best to communicate organics to consumers in a meaningful way.
The Organic Products Bill that is currently moving through parliament was discussed. Derek Broadmore (OANZ Board Advisor) facilitated a discussion with MPI regarding an update on the standard and regulations development.
Dr Jessica Hutchings enlightened the audience to the latest happenings with Te Waka Kai Ora and the Māori organic verification system, Hua Parakore. She discussed that since moving online, there are 38 producer groups and individuals in the three year program.
