Genetic Engineering Webinar: What do Consumers Want? Navigating GE Issues with Jon Carapiet
On 5th March 2024, the Soil & Health Association of NZ held an online webinar with Jon Carapiet, to discuss consumer issues around GE. This included the right to choose, labelling, traceability, and consumers overseas – our export markets. Scroll down to read more about the webinar and to access the full recording. If you benefited from this webinar, please consider donating to Soil & Health to support our vital work, details below.
Jon is a consumer advocate, market researcher and national spokesperson for GE Free NZ (in food and environment). For almost 20 years, Jon has spoken out about the need to moderate the powerful use of gene technology to protect New Zealand’s capacity to produce and sell non-GMO food and to protect the rights of consumers at home and overseas. As an advocate for Brand New Zealand, Jon draws on his years of experience as a senior market researcher and brand communications consultant. Jon has a Bachelor’s degree from Cambridge University and a Master’s from Auckland University, and as well as working in research, he is a keen photographer, regularly exhibiting his artwork.
Access the webinar here
The webinar can be viewed here: Jon Carapiet – 5th March 2024.
A copy of Jon’s PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here.
If you would like to view the other webinars in our GE series, please go to the GE Free Campaign page of our website.
Donate to support the vital work of Soil & Health
All webinars and events are free for all members of Soil and Health; otherwise we suggest a donation of $20. All funds go towards Soil & Health’s advocacy and campaign for a GE-free New Zealand, and are eligible for tax credits.
Make your donation by credit card: soilandhealth.org.nz/donate
Or transfer funds to our account: BNZ, account number: 02 0108 0058415 001
With the reference: GE donation
Genetic Engineering Panel Discussion: Where are we at in Aotearoa New Zealand
On 21 November 2023, the Soil and Health Association NZ held an online webinar for an update and discussion about GE. We had over 200 attendees and some great discussion! Scroll down to read more about the webinar and to access the full recording. If you benefited from this webinar, please consider donating to Soil & Health to support our vital work, details below.
What’s the current law, what’s in our food and fields, and what does the future hold? Join Dr. Jessica Hutchings, Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust; Philippa Jamieson, OrganicNZ magazine; and Charles Hyland, Soil and Health Association NZ in conversation.
About the panelists:
Dr Jessica Hutchings, Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust
Dr Jessica Hutchings (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Gujarati) is nationally and internationally recognised as a leader in Indigenous food systems and Māori food and soil sovereignty; she is a founding Trustee of the Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust that works to uplift Māori food and soil sovereignty and Hua Parakore (Māori organics) through research, development and community practice.
Philippa Jamieson, Organic NZ Magazine
Philippa Jamieson is a writer and marketing manager of Organic NZ Magazine. Philippa is an organic advocate, gardener, editor, writer and celebrant living in Dunedin. She is chair of the Organics Aotearoa NZ GE policy group, a life member of the Soil & Health Association, and involved in her local community orchard project.
Charles Hyland, Soil & Health Association
Soil & Health National Councillor Charles Hyland is a soil scientist and biogeochemist who moved to NZ in 2013 after working as a scientist at Cornell University in the USA for over ten years. Organic agriculture and natural systems have always been central to his work and worldview.
Access the webinar here
Donate to support the vital work of Soil & Health
All webinars and events are free for all members of Soil and Health; otherwise we suggest a donation of $20. All funds go towards Soil & Health’s advocacy and campaign for a GE-free New Zealand, and are eligible for tax credits.
Make your donation by credit card: soilandhealth.org.nz/donate
Or transfer funds to our account: BNZ, account number: 02 0108 0058415 001
With the reference: GE donation
Our submission on the National Organic Standard
Following our public webinar on Tuesday 30 May 2023, we have finalised a submission on the National Organic Standard (NOS). This standard will form the future rules that organic farmers, growers, processors and retailers will be held to.
Submissions to MPI were due on Friday 16 June 2023. Here is the latest MPI update on the proposal: https://mpi.govt.nz/…/proposals-for-the-national…/
Soil & Health’s initial take on the draft standards document:
- The organic principles section still needs a lot of work. It is important that this section is rewritten within the framework of Te Tiriti o Waitangi using the IFOAM principles of Health, Ecology, Fairness and Care to ensure international coherence. This needs to be done in partnership with iwi.
- It lacks a glossary of terms, which it needs for clarity.
- There are still gaps, inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
- More work needs to be done on it and shared with the public (especially what’s in the supplementary notices).
- We need to make a proper international comparison of our organic standard with those from our key trading partners.
- We believe that it is not equivalent to EU organic regulations in allowing container growing of perennials for their whole life cycle (e.g. container blueberry farms).
- Seed treated with prohibited chemicals should not be allowed under our organic standard.
- The shortening of livestock conversion times in this draft is concerning.
- It should be made clear that processed organic products cannot contain GMOs.
Letter to Ministers and MPs: Seizing the opportunities of organic regenerative farming
A remit passed at the 2022 Soil & Health AGM calling for advocacy on climate change action through organic regenerative farming.
The following letter was sent to Ministers and MPs on 18th April 2023.
To:
Hon Damian O’Connor MP, Minister for Primary Industries;
Hon James Shaw MP, Minister of Climate Change
Chris Luxon MP, Leader of the Opposition
Todd McClay MP, Opposition spokesperson for agriculture
Simon Watts MP, Opposition spokesperson for climate change
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer MP, Co-leader Te Pāti Māori
Mark Cameron MP, ACT Party agriculture spokesperson
Simon Court MP, ACT Party climate change spokesperson
Teanau Tuiono MP, Green Party agriculture spokesperson
Dear Ministers, and Members of Parliament,
Re. Seizing the Opportunities of Organic Regenerative Farming
We write to you in the aftermath of cyclone Gabrielle, as the country continues to grapple with the challenges of a changing climate and the need to reduce our emissions in line with international agreements. The Organic Products and Production Act has also now received Royal Assent. The passing of this legislation is a major opportunity for our country.
Organic regenerative farmers around New Zealand are leading the way. They are doing this by lowering their environmental footprint through organic regenerative farm practice, whilst also commanding a premium price in domestic and international markets through organic certification. We believe that greater political support for the transition to organic food and farming, while embracing regenerative practices, can deliver the best of both worlds. This means lower gross emissions and environmental impact, whilst upholding the best possible price for farm produce.
As political parties prepare for this year’s general election, we implore you to champion support for the organic regenerative transition. Trading partners such as the European Union and United States are already moving in this direction. They have clear targets and incentives from the government.
The Global Shift to Environmental Leadership Through Organics
The return on organic produce is higher than for conventional. This premium is based on consumer concern for environmentally sustainable food, and trust in organic certification which is a globally recognised and regulated system.
The EU provides funding for organic transition, with a goal to have 25% of the EU’s agricultural land area under organic management by 2030. The United States recently announced $300m for organic transition.
Organic regenerative farms across New Zealand are a largely untapped resource when it comes to climate change and the environment. It is time to create a more open and meaningful exchange of knowledge between the organic and conventional sectors for the benefit of the environment and society. This work requires leadership and resourcing from all sides, including politicians and the government.
Lowering Our Carbon Intensity
The prohibition of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer on organic farms alone makes their carbon footprint significantly different from conventional counterparts.
Between 1991 and 2019, the amount of nitrogen applied to New Zealand soil increased by 629%. When soil microbes consume nitrogen, they also consume a proportional amount of carbon, potentially emitting more GHGs. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers also cause more nitrous oxide (a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than CO2) to be emitted from soil.
Although nitrous oxide emissions occur on nearly all farms to some degree, organic farms in Europe were found to emit 40% less than comparable conventional farms. Techniques commonly used by organic farmers, including manure composting, have been shown in Europe to reduce emissions of nitrous oxide by 50% and methane by 70%.
Policy to Support Environmental Leadership on Farms
To advance this vital opportunity we are calling on politicians and the government to:
- Fund targeted research on organic farm management and climate emissions,
- Give incentives and support for regenerative farmers to obtain organic certification, such as bridging finance or grants to cover certification (typically over three years),
- Ensure ongoing structural funding for organic sector organisations to deliver extension and support for organic growers and businesses and conventional farmers wishing to convert to organics.
We would be happy to supply more information on any of the points raised in this letter,
Yours sincerely
Marion Wood
Chairperson, the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
A PDF version of the letter can be accessed here.
Heavy rain, soil and waterways – what’s the effect and what we can do about it?
About the video
We all know that heavy rains cause soil loss and runoff. And we understand these are harmful to fresh water and the wider environment.
But many farmers, gardeners and land owners are unsure about where to start fixing these problems.
Join Philippa Jamieson, former editor of Organic NZ magazine, in conversation with soil scientist Charles Hyland and freshwater ecologist Dr Mike Joy as they discuss some of the mechanics of these problems and the relative virtues of various solutions.
This webinar aims to empower the organic community to intentionally manage their soils in order to achieve their sustainability and environmental goals.
About the panelists
Charles Hyland is a soil scientist and biogeochemist who moved to NZ in 2013 after working at Cornell University in the USA as a scientist for over ten years. His career has focused on identifying complex environmental problems associated with agricultural systems and implementing effective innovative solutions. Organic agriculture has always been central to his work and worldview.
Mike Joy began lecturing at Massey University in ecology and environmental science in 2003. After seeing first-hand the decline in freshwater health in New Zealand, he became an outspoken advocate for environmental protection. He has been working for two decades at the interface of science and policy in New Zealand with a goal of strengthening connections between science, policy and real outcomes to address the multiple environmental issues facing New Zealand.
Goodbye Glyphosate! Rethinking Weeds
Learn how to eliminate glyphosate and other harmful herbicides.
This recording is available to members, below. Please log-in using the email associated with your membership. If you have trouble logging-in please contact our team by email: info@organicnz.org.nz
About the video
This webinar is part of the Soil & Health Association’s campaign to strengthen regulation of glyphosate: https://soilandhealth.org.nz/glyphosate/
Join Philippa Jamieson, former editor of Organic NZ magazine, in conversation with Dr Charles Merfield and Mike Palmers who will discuss the way we think about and experience the plants we call “weeds”, and offer some organic, non-chemical and agro-ecological ways of managing them.
Followed by questions and discussion about practical weed solutions for your home garden, small block or farm.
The panelists
Dr Charles Merfield is head of the BHU Future Farming Centre and Merfield Agronomy Ltd. He has a particular interest in physical and ecological weed management.
Mike Palmers is an organic landscape gardener, he is currently a member of Soil & Health’s national council, and has served on the board of BioGro.
Video series
Suggested donation $10 – funds go towards Soil & Health’s glyphosate campaign. Make your donation by credit card: https://soilandhealth.org.nz/donate/#!form/Donate
Or transfer funds to our account: BNZ Account number: 02 0108 0058415 001
Japanese glyphosate scare highlights lack of regulation in New Zealand
A blasé approach to glyphosate regulation in New Zealand threatens our international reputation and poses a risk to New Zealand consumers, Soil & Health Association spokesperson Jodie Bruning said today.
“Japanese authorities have now rejected five shipments of glyphosate-contaminated honey from New Zealand’.
“New Zealand needs to take glyphosate contamination seriously. The International Agency for Cancer has recognised glyphosate as a probable carcinogen. Bayer, the producer of Roundup, has already paid over NZ$15 billion NZD to nearly 100,000 individuals around the world who developed cancer after being exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides.
“We support Apiculture New Zealand’s call to have a national conversation.
‘We believe the New Zealand government can adopt a more nuanced approach to glyphosate. This is not an all or nothing conversation. Farmers can still have access, but glyphosate can be more cautiously regulated to ensure premium exporters don’t get nasty surprises like the honey exporters have received with these rejected shipments.
Controls have been placed on honey exporters by MPI following Japan’s announcement that glyphosate residue had been found above the allowable limit. Jodie Bruning says these controls are necessary, but continue to place the burden of responsibility on the honey industry.
“It’s not the beekeepers or honey industry’s fault that glyphosate regulation in New Zealand is so poor.
“We don’t have prudent controls on the use of glyphosate in New Zealand and it’s time we realised that consumers who care about food, care that it is not contaminated with a probable carcinogen.
“Glyphosate is a contaminant and a health risk. Whatever we do to protect our export markets will ultimately protect our freshwater, our soils and our families.
Climate advice means government should support transition to organic, regenerative farming
Today’s Climate Commission advice shows we need a transition from synthetic fertilisers and other harmful practices towards organic and regenerative agriculture, said Soil & Health Association spokesperson Jenny Lux today.
“Organic regenerative farming is a huge opportunity for New Zealand, both economically and environmentally. Early movers have shown that we can make that shift rapidly. With government help the transition to producing high quality, high value food within planetary limits is achievable for most NZ farms.
“We’d like to see funding and other support for farmers to start shifting to lower emissions agriculture now.
“The Climate Commission says we can tackle agricultural emissions with the technology we already have. This includes organic and regenerative practices like phasing out synthetic fertilisers, reducing tillage, and intensifying cover cropping to build soil health and promote biodiversity.
“Healthy agricultural soils sequester carbon. The government could drive this change with a policy to support farmers with technical knowledge and the costs of transition.
“Money in this year’s budget would be good.”
Soil & Health launches glyphosate campaign
The Soil and Health Association are calling for councils to stop spraying glyphosate to keep New Zealand families safe.
‘The public increasingly understand that it is no longer acceptable to be exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides,’ says Soil & Health spokesperson Jodie Bruning,
We are working with US based Non-Toxic Neighbourhoods who have had significant success helping councils transition affordably to non-toxic urban management.
The importance of glyphosate science
Public health scientists think it is bizarre that the findings of the most prestigious cancer agency in the world were rejected by New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (the EPA).
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that glyphosate probably causes cancer in humans. The IARC also found that glyphosate (and it’s commercial formulations) definitely causes cancer in laboratory animals – placing our pets at risk too.
In 2016 the EPA produced what scientists consider to be a flawed cancer review to discredit the findings of the EPA’s own cancer authority. New Zealand professors and scientists remain ‘mystified’ and have spoken repeatedly (here and here and here) about the EPA’s frozen stance on glyphosate. An Official Information [ENQ-35127-N5J6C7]request has found that the EPA has never conducted a formal risk assessment of glyphosate or the commercial formulation.
Glyphosate is not just a cancer risk. Scientific studies show that glyphosate-based herbicides, including Roundup, may not only probably cause cancer but cause oxidative stress and disrupt endocrine system function which can set the stage for disease and delays.
Chemical companies are paying out for the damage caused
Following the IARC decision, cases in the U.S. have awarded the claimants damages against Monsanto (since 2018, owned by Bayer). The court cases uncovered evidence that showed how Monsanto took action to limit and distort public knowledge. Punitive damages were awarded for ‘reprehensible’ conduct. The jury trials are now under appeal with Bayer claiming the verdict of regulators across the world upholds Bayer’s stance. Unfortunately, as scientists have illustrated (in Europe and the USA), regulatory agencies relied on ghostwritten industry studies and ignored data that the IARC considered important.
In June 2020 Bayer proposed a settlement of USD$8.8-10.9 billion to settle over 125,000 U.S. lawsuits to resolve Roundup litigation. Bayer has framed the complex settlement proposal as an end to ‘uncertainty’. The proposal contained no admission that glyphosate-based herbicides caused the cancer claimed by cancer sufferers, many former farmers, who see the proposal as a slap in the face. The settlement proposal may restrict future claimants from a jury trial. New Zealand doesn’t face the same court cases here because the ACC covers such cases as accidents.
Why isn’t New Zealand taking action?
Ignoring the calls of scientists, New Zealand councils refer to the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA) to claim that glyphosate is a ‘low toxicity herbicide’. The hazard rating given by the NZ EPA provides a legal rationale that it is safe enough to spray in public places. This is wrong!
It is evident from operations in Auckland and Christchurch that councils and contractors need to make a lot of changes in order to shift away from glyphosate dependency – like any addiction – shifting to a new mindset isn’t always easy. Much of the management and contract negotiation are out of the public eye – so it is difficult for the public to understand what is going on. Councils don’t appear to be undertaking properly accountable trials with new technologies and recording and documenting trial methods, how they cope with and reduce over time the weed seed banks, and making this information public. We know non-toxic alternatives and management regimes can never neatly replace toxic chemical use. Shift away from addiction requires a change in mindset and operations.
We also understand that councils struggle to adopt the precautionary principle. This would help deal with uncertainty (which is always present). Councils may not be comfortable weighing the risk to families, and particularly babies and children, with the risk of complaints from irate rate-payers or staff worried about the stress on physical assets. These are value-based decisions, and are an important part of making any decision to protect health or the environment.