Organic Futures Symposium - a recap!
The view from The Boatshed, Wellington.
On the 3rd of May, OANZ hosted the Organic Futures Symposium, a comprehensive one-day event focusing on the evolving landscape of organics in Aotearoa New Zealand. The event featured a series of insightful presentations, panel discussions, and workshops addressing the challenges and opportunities within the organic sector and a great opportunity to network. The symposium concluded with the OrganicNZ Awards, celebrating achievements in the organic industry.
Navigating Genetic Engineering
Professor Jack Heinneman's presentation on the latest tools in genetic engineering and their risks was followed by a lively panel discussion moderated by Brendan Hoare. The discussion captured industry experts' views on the science, ethics, and future risks for Aotearoa and included lots of interaction and questions from the audience. The GE Panellists included Allan Richardson - Organic Sheep and Beef Farmer at Avalon Organics, Dr Roger Hellens - Chief Technology Officer at Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, Dr Jack Heinemann - Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Canterbury, and Greg Barclay - Regenerative Organic Farming Coach at Soil Connection.
“The GE panel was brilliant; seeing the different views on approaches being discussed rationally was great. I liked the comment by Dr Heinemann on the holistic way we need to approach GE.”
EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement
Diane Lacoste Chevalier, Head of Trade, Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand, presented on the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement. Diane touched on the growth of European organics, what’s driving consumer behaviour, and the EU-NZ free trade agreement. It was great to have Hon Damien O’Connor in the house.
Successful Symposium with Hon. Damien O'Connor and Organic Sector Representatives
The Organic Futures Symposium was exceptionally well-attended by representatives from many organisations within the organic sector. The presence of Hon. Damien O'Connor and other distinguished members of parliament added great value to the event, offering important insights and contributing to the discussions on the future of organic regenerative agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The EU Green Deal
Alistair Schorn (pictured on the right with Clinton Chamber), Economist at Aotearoa Development Insights and OANZ board member, presented the paper he co-authored with Tiffany Tompkins (OANZ CEO) on the EU Green Deal and highlighted some of the key policies that will affect NZ’s land-based primary producers. Alistair reiterated that trade is changing, consumers are becoming more conscious, and transparency is expected. NZ producers need to be aware of the future ban on products containing residues of pesticides and agrichemicals banned in the EU, a ban on the importation of products associated with deforestation, legislation aimed at eliminating greenwashing and a labelling scheme that aims to rank products based on climate mitigation, water, soil and air quality, biodiversity, conservation and circular economy.
Measuring and Expanding the Organics Journey
Cleo Te Kiri (pictured below), Organic Dairy Business Manager at Pāmu, gave an engaging presentation on her work transitioning several dairy farms to organics. Cleo talked honestly about her team’s worries, concerns, processes, tools, and data— ultimately proving that organics can lead to healthier animals, more nutritious products, regenerated soil, and an engaged team.
Workshop Sessions
Charles Hyland and Noel Josephson facilitated workshops with a communications focus.
This interactive workshop saw participants brainstorm and devise strategies to offer tangible proof of the outcomes associated with organic production. The workshop fostered discussions on ways to substantiate the advantages of organics and champion the notion that organic farming is a public good.
Varacity Project
Brendan Hoare introduced Professor Markus Luczak-Roesch and Dr Tim White from Victoria University’s Veracity Project. Markus and Tim introduced the project to advance how the Organic Sector accesses and uses data, ultimately streamlining a clunky and complex system. Future-focused tech aims to modernise NZ’s data infrastructure. Find out more.
Finally, we are grateful to Steve Abel, Green Party MP, for his final words on the Organic Sector and his vision for an organic regenerative future for Aotearoa, New Zealand.
