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