ECO Member Groups
There are three member groups working on Organics and GE issues – see their websites for the latest news.
GE Free NZ in Food and Environment
GE Free NZ promotes the use of indigenous knowledge and traditional farming methods to maintain a safe environment and food supply. They have been at the forefront of the GE debate, providing evidence about the risks of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. Various genetic engineering technologies, gene-edited and synthetic biology have been developed recently. There is pressure to exempt them from regulation, which GE Free NZ has been actively opposing. GE Free NZ publishes on its website and in regular newsletters the latest information concerning GE organisms in the local, national and international arena. They are supported through membership.
The vision of Organics Aotearoa NZ is to make the world more sustainable through organics. Our mission is to achieve excellence and endurance in organic agriculture and commerce and grow the local organic sector. Our members act individually and work collectively to nurture and protect the environment and to enhance the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
The Soil & Health Association is the largest membership organisation in the country devoted to organics. Since 1941 Soil and Health have been advocates for organic and regenerative production that works with nature and avoids synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Healthy soils lead to the best physical health and spiritual well-being for people and for future generations. They are the largest membership organisation supporting organic food and farming in New Zealand. Established in 1941, we’re also one of the oldest organisations of our kind in the world. Their guiding principle is oranga nuku, oranga kai, oranga tangata (healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people). Soil and Health publishes New Zealand’s leading organics and sustainable living magazine, OrganicNZ. Published six times a year, Organic NZ aims to inform and inspire Aotearoa, with in-depth features on organic gardening, farming, and growing; health, food, and additives; building and technology; pesticide reports, genetic engineering,
animal health, international issues, as well as new organic products, profiles, and recipes.
Resources:
Alternatives to glyphosate and other chemical sprays for your garden – here
The GE-Free Food guide – from Greenpeace
The Trans-Pacific Partnership and GMOs – factsheet (PDF file). More about the TPP here
Events:
Localising Food workshops (nationwide) organised by Earthcare Aotearoa and GE Free NZ