Posted on 30-7-2003
Rodney
Organics
The Rodney Economic Development Trust has recognised the potential
for an organics sector in the district and has asked one of
its Directors organic farmer John Pearce of Shelly Beach Farms
- to take some initial steps in its development.
Three roadshows were held during April at which an overview
was given re the potential for organics. Since then a Field
Day and a site planning visit have been made and two new certification
groups (pods - see following email) have been formed. Events
for the rest of the year include an organic wine seminar and
an organic dairying workshop.
Organic PotentialThe growth of organics internationally
and locally - international market is worth $22 Billion (US) p/a. Average
growth is more than 20% in US, higher in Europe and Japan. Estimates are
that if current rates of growth continue, by 2020 the US retail food
market would be almost entirely organic.
The real potential for organics in New Zealand is not being promoted by
mainstream and agricultural media. We have a unique opportunity given our
comparatively green environment and development of sustainable
agriculture - there are plenty of models from successful organic growers.
The need for less chemically grown produce is already recognised by
various horticultural and agricultural sectors - eg the kiwifruit
industry has a well established kiwi green programme, grapegrowers are
following suit, Fonterra is recruiting organic dairy farmers and
encouraging others to convert, etc, etc.
Rodney has a lot of non-productive land, especially on lifestyle blocks,
that could be used for a variety of organic crops. Organics could
contribute to the Rodney District Council's policy of local development,
employing and buying local. These policies are actively
supported, promoted and developed by the Economic Development Trust.
Organics could also provide business opportunities for smallgrowers and a
support network is being created to encourage this sort of development
which would allow even inexperienced people to become involved. These
small businesses could be developed into larger-scale, export businesses
as appropriate.
Farmers MarketThe Council and the Trust are supporting
the establishment of a Farmers' Market in Orewa. This would provide an
outlet for Rodney growers only, providing fresh, seasonal, local produce.
Initially 20% of the stalls are set aside for organic producers, more
will be made available as demand grows.
Based on the experience of the Whangarei market, Orewa market will
attract large numbers of customers from within Rodney and from Auckland.
Eventually it is envisaged that other local markets will be set up in
other parts of Rodney. Starting date has not yet been set as consents and
Transit NZ requirements are still being worked through. The market will
run on Sunday mornings from 6.00 - 10.00 am. This is to accommodate the
needs of retail businesses in the area. It is likely to be in the area of
Orewa Square on SH 1. Further information from Steve Melville, Market
Manager, 09 431 5301: stevemelville@xtra.co.nz
Growers who want to be part of the organic part of the market need to be
certified organic or registered at some level of the ORGANICFARM NZ
scheme - see next email.
At the road shows, the Trust made available at no charge a variety of
literature: The Sustainable Dream by John Pearce (retail value $10), a
series of Organic Friendly leaflets published by the Rodney District
Council, a leaflet on the Farmers' Market; a leaflet on the Organic Farm
NZ scheme. If you'd like to receive this literature, let me have your
postal address. We are also compiling an organics Database to keep
everyone interested in organics informed and involved in future
developments. If you'd rather not be included, or for further information
contact:
Valerie Freeman Rodney Economic Development Trust 09 426 8904
Organic Farm NZ
Previously there were three organic certification
labels in New Zealand:
The first two are long-established and highly respected and
internationally recognised. Demeter is the biodynamic certification, and
can take seven years to achieve if livestock are involved. Bio-Gro is the
label most NZ organic producers export under, it takes around three years
to achieve full certification.
Certenz is run by Agriquality - the government agency, and can be
achieved more quickly. It is also internationally recognised. These
labels can be expensive for the small producer who does not wish to
export.
Organic Farm NZ:
- was devised by the Soil & Health Association in conjunction with
MAF.
- works with Bio-Gro using Bio-Gro standards and being audited by
Bio-Gro inspectors.
- is much cheaper than other organic certifications.
- differs from other certifiers in that Organic Farm NZ is
regionally-based.
- is used only for the local market.
- works through a system of "pods" - groups for 3 - 8 growers
who can be commercial growers, home gardeners, community groups or even
schools. The "pods" support each other and have to monitor and
inspect each others' properties peer review. Each pod is independently
audited annually and there is provision for spot checks.
Each region manages its own part of the scheme, while the Soil &
Health Association provides governance and administrative support. Fees
this year were set at $250 per property + $50 approx for initial
documentation. Of this $80 went to Bio-Gro for the set up of the auditing
etc; $10 to Soil & Health for admin; $160 to the region. In future
years regions will set their own fees. Bio-Gro costs are also likely to
be adjusted (probably downwards!).
This scheme offers an easy entry into organics, allowing for a gradual
transition with a full support system. It also offers an opportunity for
greater co-operation with marketing eg through complementary crops,
continuity of supply through extended season growing; processed and
value-added items; shared resources/machinery etc. It could also lead to
regional branding.
More information contact:
Valerie Freeman Rodney Economic Development Trust 09 426 8904 Email:
valerie@pl.net
Organics Co-ordinator, Rodney Economic
Development Trust, 401 Hibsicus Coast Highway, OREWA. 09 426 8904
021 630094
RODNEY ORGANICS
Register with this form to be included in Rodney Organics Database. The
database will be used strictly to help communication and development
within the Rodney Organics community.
Name:
Address
Phone
Size of Property
Crops, livestock, produce etc
Interest in other crops for future
Other groups you are associated with eg SmallFarming NZ
Organic certification/experience
Are you interested in ORGANICFARMNZ certification? Y/N
As an individual? Y/N As part
of a pod? Y/N
Post to Rodney Organics, Rodney Economic Development Trust, 401 Hibiscus
Coast Highway, Orewa
For queries/information relating to organics contact:
For queries/information relating to the Farmers' Market, contact Steve
Melville: 09 431 5301o Email: stevemelville@xtra.co.nz PO Box 11,
Mangawhai
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