HortNZ votes to support compulsory labelling

Horticulture New Zealand
News Release
2 August 2007

HortNZ votes to support compulsory country-of-origin labelling

Horticulture New Zealand has thrown its weight behind growing calls for compulsory country-of-origin labelling for all fresh and processed products containing fruit and vegetables sold in New Zealand.

More than 500 fruit and vegetable growers from around the country voted in favour of the move at the annual general meeting at HortNZ’s annual conference in Christchurch this morning.

HortNZ’s President Andrew Fenton says it’s essential that all produce sold in New Zealand is clearly identified to protect both growers and consumers.

“Consumers must have confidence that they are eating produce that meets specified health and quality standards. Compulsory country-of-origin labelling will help them make an informed decision about whether the produce comes from a country with robust health and safety measures,” says Mr Fenton.

“Currently, country-of-origin labelling is only required on clothing and shoes, but not food. We believe it is a fundamental consumer right to know where the produce they are eating comes from and the standards that country employs.”

While many New Zealand growers label their product packaging, this is not always displayed at retail level, leaving consumers in the dark.

Often the label for processed products containing produce, such as some canned food and frozen vegetables, will read: “contains produce from local and imported product”.

Mr Fenton says this kind of vague labeling is to the detriment of Kiwi growers whose high quality, safe products may be confused with goods of inferior quality produced abroad.

“Likewise, New Zealand growers have the right to have their produce recognised and supported for being grown in a country known for its world-leading quality-assurance programmes, including HortNZ’s own programme New Zealand GAP,” says Mr Fenton.

NZ GAP (GAP stands for Good Agricultural Practice) is one of New Zealand’s biggest quality assurance programmes, covering 80% of domestically-marketed fresh produce. It was established in 1999 by growers to address consumer concerns relating to food safety, the environment and quality assurance issues.

It ensures best practices are in place for the production, packaging and distribution of New Zealand fresh produce, and reduces the risk of health, safety and environmental issues – so customers can buy with confidence.

Mr Fenton said New Zealand produce demanded a market premium and that growers and retailers for their own benefit should label their produce “New Zealand grown”.

With the backing of its 7,000-strong membership, HortNZ believes it presents a very strong case for compulsory country of origin labeling and intends to take its fight to Government.

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