Science and Art of Organic Farming on Show at Mystery Creek
For Immediate Release: Monday, June 09, 2008
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is returning to site M30 at Mystery Creek's National Agricultural Fieldays this
week, promoting the combination of science and skill which keeps organics at the leading edge of economically and
environmentally sustainable production.
"Successful organic production is about learning to read the signals of land, pasture and livestock, and responding
appropriately", says Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.
"Many farmers and growers are considering their options - including making the shift to certified organics - in the face
of rapidly rising prices for farm inputs such as fertilizers and increasing demand from domestic and international
markets.
"At Fieldays we will explain how organic producers use science and technology to stay at the leading edge of economic
and environmental sustainability", Dr Tanner said.
"Organic production is especially knowledge-intensive because organic producers need to ensure that innovation fits
within the expectations of highly discerning consumers.
"Good conventional farmers can make a very successful switch to certified organics, because they already understand
their farm's environment and know how to maintain its health and productivity with tactical addition of extra inputs.
"OANZ's Organic Advisory Programme will play a large part in the Fieldays presentation, promoting the new '0800 FUTURE'
number which connects people with our Smart Start programme and the information farmers need to make an informed
decision about switching to certified organic production.
"Organic producers, certifiers, processors and community groups will again be coming together in one large presence,
similar to last year, when OANZ won the 'Best Site' award in the Premier Feature.
"Workshops, demonstrations and presentations will be run throughout Fieldays, so visitors can take home a new organic
technique to try themselves", Dr Tanner said.
ENDS
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand's Fieldays site is M30, directly outside the main pavilion.