The Buzz, February 24 Edition

Hello, and welcome to the February edition of the Buzz, your monthly dose of news from the Organic Sector.

We hope your new year is off to a good start; I am feeling upbeat and hope you are, too. The OANZ board would like to express our gratitude for your support in 2023. As we roll into 2024, we will not be slowing down. The journey towards an Organic Aotearoa continues, fuelled by the collective vision of OANZ and the Organic Sector.

OANZ will focus on several projects this year, firstly on organic regulations and standards. This new legislation will be a significant milestone for the Organic Sector, and the clock is ticking to ensure we get equivalency with our trading partners in the EU and beyond. Our second key project is a feasibility study looking at how OANZ and the Organic Sector can stand on their own two feet and whether that means OANZ becomes a levy organisation. Watch this space — our funding application decision is imminent.

Last year, the National Party announced plans to lift the effective ban on gene editing / genetic engineering, claiming these technological advances will benefit our climate. However, we fear it will cause great harm to New Zealand's growing Organic Sector and export value. We must keep this conversation in the news, as it's in our best interest to keep NZ GE free.

So, we forge ahead, leading through advocacy and transformative projects. If you have the skills, resources or funds to help the GE fight, please get in touch. We will be gathering hearts and minds to devise a plan moving forward.

Ngā mihi
Chris 

Chris Morrison – Chair 
T: 027 548 1293
E: Chris@oanz.org