Sustainable Management Framework Project Launch

Sustainable Management Framework Project Launch

Sustainable management assurance systems are being brought under the spotlight through the Sustainable Management System Network (SAMSN). The network will launch its Sustainable Management Framework project at Te Papa tomorrow.

The trend towards the use of eco-labelling for market differentiation has led to an explosion of on farm Quality Assurance (QA)/Best Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

Concerned about expensive duplication, the Network that includes representatives from producers, industry, verification agencies, national, local and regional government established the SAMSN also known as the SAMeSoNg project.

Federated Farmer's President Tom Lambie said that the Federation has been worried for some time that various generic QA/EMS initiatives failed to recognise that New Zealand producers are highly diversified and supply a wide range of diversified markets.

"There is a real risk the compliance cost of these schemes could outweigh any benefit. New Zealand producers need be in a position to benefit from the full range of markets, and they need on-farm assurance schemes that are flexible but share a common core."

Project Manager, Mr Karl Mischewski said that New Zealand is too small for individual sectors to develop Quality Assurance (QA) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in isolation.

"The SAMSN project paves the way for a more integrated approach to the future development of QA/EMS systems in New Zealand," Mr Mischewski concluded.

The Minister of Agriculture Hon Jim Sutton, Commissioner for the Environment Morgan Williams and Federated Farmer's President Tom Lambie will be speaking at the launch at Te Papa on Tuesday 10 September from 9am and limited seats are available.

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