36 | RURAL SERVICES » Biofarm Bill ‘threatens NZ’s ag identity’, organic pioneer warns Cathy and husband Jamie Tait-Jamieson. Karen Phelps A leading organic producer has raised serious concerns about the government’s Gene Technology Bill, warning it could fundamentally alter New Zealand’s agricultural landscape and threaten the country’s clean, green reputation. “There’s not a lot being spoken about the bill in mainstream media - how GE would be contained, how it will affect organic agriculture and even conventional farmers who don’t want genetically modified seeds on their properties. We would be supplying global business opportunity to trial product as we are a small country of islands. Is that what New Zealanders want?” says Cathy Tait-Jamieson of BioFarm, one of New Zealand’s oldest certified organic farms. BioFarm, which has been certified organic since 1986 and supplies yoghurt, butter and meat from its Palmerston North property, is just the type of farming business that could face significant challenges under the proposed legislation. The farm, nestled near the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, has maintained some pastures for over 60 years without artificial intervention. “Having an organic farm and products it’s all about traceability and we can provide the path from our farm to the product. Our yoghurt tastes unlike anything else you can buy as the cows eat only pasture from this farm. So having someone else’s feed that is GE coming in via wind or bird or bee takes away that provenance of what we have here at BioFarm,” explains Cathy. Of particular concern is the potential increase in compliance costs for organic producers, who may need to implement additional testing to ensure their farms remain GE-free. “For example at the moment it’s our responsibility to keep the neighbours’ sprays off our place. Not theirs. It will be the same with GE,” says Cathy. The timing of the bill’s progression has also drawn criticism from Cathy. She says recent reports indicate that industry bodies, including Beef+Lamb New Zealand and other agricultural organisations, have had their requests for submission deadline extensions rejected, suggesting a fast-tracked approach to the legislation. BioFarm’s experience demonstrates the value of traditional farming methods. The 240-hectare property operates as a closed biological system, running dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats in a harmonious rotation that manages parasites and weeds naturally while providing diverse income streams. While Cathy acknowledges the potential benefits of genetic engineering in certain applications, such as pest control and medicine, she emphasises the fundamental difference when it comes to food production. “I don’t object to GE for controlling possums or pests or for medicine for example. But as a human being on the planet you can choose to say no to a medicine but you’ve got to eat. It’s taking away the choice to eat non-GE food.” She says the Gene Technology Bill comes at a time when consumer demand for organic and naturally produced food continues to grow globally. For farms like BioFarm, which has been in the family for five generations and now sees grand children working its land, the stakes couldn’t be higher. “The organic sector is still viewed as fringe but it is a huge and growing industry and we’ll effectively be making it more expensive to produce that food in New Zealand and we’ll lose credibility. Even non-organic New Zealand food is viewed as clean and green so it will affect that too. Food traceability, provenance and choice are all under threat if the government’s Gene Technology Bill passes. I’m hoping the industry bodies who are earning a lot of overseas dollars for New Zealand get their act together and speak up loud and strong. It will pull everybody down – conventional and organic farming - and there will be no point of difference for New Zealand and that should be a concern for primary industry.” @BiofarmOrganic www.biofarm.co.nz Certified Organic since 1986 Totally Vets, proudly supporting Cathy and Jamie Tait-Jamieson and Biofarm by providing all aspects of animal health care. awapuni@tvg.co.nz | www.totallyvets.co.nz Totally Vets Awapuni 06 356 6011
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