Family in Bhutan

Race on for NZ to be world’s first 100% organic food producer

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New Zealand has a decade to clean up its act if it is to be world’s first 100% organic food producer. Bhutan recently announced its intention to claim the tittle and be pesticide free in the next ten years if we fail to do so.  Now the race is on.

“This is an accolade that should be our own,” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ. “The rest of the world holds our clean, green image in high regard and we should live up to that expectation. As a country we are also renowned for our ability to lead the way for other nations and do the right thing first, whether giving the vote to women or declaring to be nuclear free.  Being the first 100% organic food producer would align with these philosophies and label what New Zealanders value,” says Swanwick.

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is bordered by China and India, both strong trading partners to New Zealand. With a population of just over 700,000, mostly Buddhist and two-thirds of whom depend on farming for their livelihoods they have an enviable approach to economic development, centred on protecting the environment and focusing on mental well-being.

“Bhutan has decided to go for a green economy in light of the tremendous pressure we are exerting on the planet,” said Agriculture Minister Pema Gyamtsho last year.”If you go for very intensive agriculture it would imply the use of so many chemicals, which is not in keeping with our belief in Buddhism, which calls for us to live in harmony with nature.”

Organic certifier BioGro’s CEO Michelle Glogau says “We strongly believe that organics should be the standard rather than alternative way of growing, processing and trading in New Zealand – for wellbeing of our environment and communities and animals. The ongoing success of our certified-organic producers is proof enough that consumers in New Zealand and around the world want more of what we (organics) have got.”

The 2010-2012 Organic Market Report, commissioned by Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) reports that in 2012 the NZ organics export market grew by 25% from 2009 to $220 million dollars in 2012. Between 2007 and 2012 the total land area under organic certification increased by 67% and our export market now accounts for 77% of the the total organic sector.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocates for the consumer’s right to have fresh, healthy, organic food free of GE, pesticides and additives.  and their right to know what is in their food. Oranga nuku, oranga kai oranga tangata.

Family in Bhutan

Soil and Health Association applauds new organic research report

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New Zealand’s oldest  organic organisation, and publishers of Organic NZ , the Soil & Health Association – Organic NZ, is delighted with the growth in the number of organic producers and consumers over the past three years.

“The results in the latest organic market research report* show that organics is definitely moving from the fringe into the mainstream,” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

Soil &Health – Organic NZ has sponsored a new section in this year’s report,which covers the organic community sector. “Our National Council was delighted to be able to offer their support to such worthy research” said Ms Swanwick.

Garden writer Christine Dann has contributed research results on the remarkable rise in organic community gardening in the past five years. Especially remarkable is the fact that community garden numbers have quadrupled in Christchurch over the past decade.

“For these communities to be self reliant has been especially valuable following the earthquakes. Christchurch has set an example to the rest of New Zealand as to why food security is so important with changing environmental conditions and contaminants in mainstream supply” says Swanwick.

The National Council of Soil & Health – Organic NZ will all be attending the launch of the  New Zealand Organic Market Report 2012 in Wellington on March 6.

The report is a major milestone which gives the organic sector and the general public a clear and positive message about the growth of organics in New Zealand which is line with the global trend.

“We are  heartened by the growth in the community, marae, school, early childhood and home gardening sector which reflects the growing awareness of the importance of safe, healthy and nutritious food from local sources” said co-chair Marion Thomson.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocates for the consumer’s right to have fresh, healthy, organic food free of GE, pesticides and additives and their right to know what is in their food. Oranga nuku, oranga kai oranga tangata. Free information on what’s really in your food is available on their Organic NZ magazine facebook page.

New Zealand Organic Market Report 2012
To be launched in the Grand Hall, Parliament House
on Wednesday 6 March, 9-10.30am

woman holding milk

Consumer backlash shows 100% pure way forward for NZ economy

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Fonterra’s lack of transparency and the finding of dicyandiamide (DCD) residues in milk last September has caused a huge consumer backlash in international and financial markets.

Consumers around the world want clean, green, 100% pure,GE-free and organic products.  Nw Zealand needs to embrace this and meet the demand, rather than continuing with environmentally damaging farming and unwanted residues in food, according to Debbie Swanwick, spokesperson for the Soil & Health Association – Organic NZ.

“There is an opportunity here for Fonterra  to set a benchmark on the international stage and show other NZ producers how we can become a leading world economy whose strategic advantage is the purity of our food. Organics is the key to our future.. Consumers are clearly stating by their response to milk contamination that they want clean, safe milk,” says Swanwick.

New Zealand’s biggest dairy importer, Taiwan, raised serious concerns over the DCD issue (2) and dairy sales in all markets nosedived. A NZ exporter, Biopure Health, selling NZ made infant milk formula in China, reported sales fell to zero after Fonterra made the announcement. (1)

Statements in the Chinese press such as ‘NZ milk is poisonous’ and a Wall Street Hournal article questioning the safety of NZ’s milk further exacerbated the PR nightmare for Fonterra.(1). The Chinese market is already sensitive to milk contamination following the 2008 melamine scandal. (1)

“Fonterra is now also being judged by the financial markets with subsequent losses hitting NZ shareholders – the largest group being NZ dairy farmers,: says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

Fonterra’s shares have fallen from $7.30 on the day of the public announcement of the DCD issue to $6.95 this week. Questions are now being asked as to why government officials were not made privy to the issue at the time of its discovery or why prospective shareholders were not informed prior to Fonterra’s launch on the NZX. (3)

In 2010 Fonterra announced  that it would expand its organic milk supply but, in a surprise move in 2011, made the decision to reduce its separate collection of organic milk. This resulted in the loss of premium price for affected organic producers and the mixing of their milk in with the main supply. (2)

“We urge Fonterra to rethink that decision and live up to New Zealand’s clean, green, 100% pure reputation by encouraging organic dairy farming” says Swanwick.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocates for the consumer’s right to have fresh, healthy, organic food free of GE, pesticides and additives.  and their right to know what is in their food. Oranga nuku, oranga kai oranga tangata.

References

(1) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=1086…
(2) http://www.greens.org.nz/press-releases/organic-milk-solution-dcd-fears
(3) http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/business/8260564/Coverup-concern-wh…

woman holding milk

 

Man with hen

Decision makers chicken over egg debate

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“Revised legislation phasing out battery cages over ten years and introducing colony cages in NZ does little to curb animal welfare issues -we are just putting more birds in bigger cages” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokeperson – Soil & Health – Organic NZ.
Colony cages house 60 chickens in a 3 metre cage (1) versus battery cages where 3 or 4 chickens live together. Both options give each hen a space to live in smaller than an A4 sheet of paper and both options prevent them from expressing their normal behavior. (6)
SAFE’s executive director Hans Kriek says 80 percent of New Zealanders want battery cages banned (4). “That is not surprising, New Zealanders care about how their food is grown” says Swanwick.

“The continuation of cages is shortsighted as New Zealand consumers and animal advocates will simply not accept colony battery cages. The fight against this cruelty will only stop when all cages are gone” says Kriek.

“In the absence of decision makers refusing to support consumers concerned about animal welfare and deliver the best product available to them, the only option is for consumers to vote with their wallets” says Swanwick.
Although a better option than battery, colony or barn laid eggs, unfortunately there is no industry certification for ‘free range’. The only guarantee therefore that a hen is not confined in a cage, able to display normal behavior, able to adequately exercise and can roam outdoors is to buy organic. (3)
“People can also choose to buy direct from the farmer which oftentimes is cheaper than store bought” says Swanwick.
Under the new Code of Welfare for Layer Hens (released December 2012) standard barren battery cages will not be banned until 2023 and will then be replaced with colony cages (2).

“This attempt to improve the lives of these hapless caged layers fails miserably and still contravenes the Principles of the Animal Welfare Act.   For a Government that professes that ‘Animal Welfare Matters’, I can see no proof of that in this meagre attempt to walk the talk” says Bob Kerridge, President, Royal New Zealand SPCA.

Swanwick cites recent legislative changes to be prejudicial. “Sow crates in NZ will be banned by 2015 (although farrow crates will not) for contravening animal welfare codes but the same rights have not been afforded our feathered friends” says Swanwick. (5)

“Our politicians seem to be chicken over chickens. You can count on the fact that pork will taste better in future but it still must leave a bad taste in the mouths of politicians who sold out on chickens whilst protecting the welfare of pigs ” says Swanwick.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocate for the consumers right to have fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free and their right to know what is in their food. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

References

(1) http://www.suekedgley.com/article/no-future-hens-cages
(2) http://stopfactoryfarming.org.nz/takeaction/
(3) http://www.safe.org.nz/stop-factory-farming/layer-hens/egg-labels/
(4) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10691325
(5) http://www.safe.org.nz/Campaigns/Battery-hens.

Woman with cow

Virtues of raw milk hit the big screen

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A film espousing the virtues of raw milk has hit the big screen at the Sundance Film Festival this week.

‘The Moo Man’ premiered in the World Cinema Documentary category and tells the story of Stephen Hook, who saves his family farm by turning his back on the cost cutting dairies and supermarkets to sell raw milk to consumers. (2)

“It’s about farmers earning a better living by concentrating on quality above quantity to serve consumers the best available. It is no surprise that the raw milk story has hit the big screen in a big way – It is one of the biggest cover ups of all time” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson – Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

Filmed over four years on the marshes of the Pevensey Levels, England, Hook and his father run Hook and Son Dairy in partnership with Longleys Farms and espouse the virtues of raw milk claiming it can help cure eczema, lower blood pressure and keep cholesterol at bay. (1)

“The New Zealand consumer experience tells us drinking raw milk does far more. People often talk of children not having allergic reactions to raw milk despite being diagnosed as lactose intolerant, having improved immunity and being cold free for years. We are stripping the goodness out of raw milk by pasteurising it” say Swanwick.

But  Swanwick says “big industry advocates constantly compromise the message by touting raw milk as unsafe. If that were the case we wouldn’t sell raw eggs, meat or chicken” she says.

“NZ organic farmers go above and beyond the safety requirements of government with milk being tested daily and raw milk farmers spending ten times as long cleaning cows udders versus conventional farmers. Pasteurisation was bought into NZ in the 1950’s to deal with poor hygiene standards.  Organic farmers commit to taking the time to ensure those standards are met versus using a tool that can cover up the issue if they are not” says Swanwick.

Hook and his father produce 6,000 pints (3420 litters) of milk a week from their 55 cows that live 3-5 years longer than non-organic cows. Their stress free life and the good care shown them by their owner, Hook says is to blame. (1)

The story highlights perhaps the greatest issue for NZ however – England is usurping us in raw milk production. The NZ Ministry of Primary Industry’s guidelines suggest that only 120 litres of raw milk per farmer per day be sold to consumers, milk from approximately six cows delivered to 20 customers a day – 25% of what Hook is selling in England. (3)

“That would make it uneconomic for NZ raw milk farmers to keep producing” says Swanwick.  “It is about time NZ reclaimed its glory as the leading dairy industry in the world and gave it’s people the best there is  (or at least the choice) with guidelines that support our farmers to make it financially viable to do so.  Anything less is a sell out for the NZ consumer and the NZ farmer”.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocate for the consumers right to have fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free and their right to know what is in their food. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

References

(1) http://abcnews.go.com/Health/moo-man-premieres-sundance-celebrating-heal…

(2) http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment2/55641731-223/film-moo-cows-f…

(3) http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/industry/farm-gate-raw-milk-sales…

GM salmon claims just a fish tale

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“The recent announcement by the FDA that GM fish are safe to eat and will not adversely affect the environment is nothing more than a fish tale” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.
Her comments follow the FDA’s claim that it could not find any valid scientific reasons to ban the production of GM Atlantic salmon, which could result in a commercial release soon.

“They can’t find the evidence because their testing is only conducted over 90 days, but a recent long-term study shows the evidence questioning the safety of GMOs is there. What is disappointing is that scientists not charged with protecting human health and the environment are raising the red flag” says Swanwick.

The release of a report in September this year by a Professor of micro-biology at Caen university, caused such a furore that the French government asked the National Agency for Health Safety (ANSES) to investigate the finding which could result in the suspension of GM maize NK603 in the European Union. (1)

Gilles-Eric Séralini, proved that rats fed over their lifetime (2 years) a diet of Monsanto’s Roundup-tolerant GM maize NK603, or exposed to Roundup over the same period, developed higher levels of cancers and died earlier than controls. The results, he explained, were due to the endocrine-disrupting effects of Roundup, and overexpression of the transgene in the GMO. (2)

Unfortuantely no long-term toxicological testing of GMOs on animals or testing on humans is required by any regulatory agency in the world. (3)

“That is not good enough when human health is at risk” says Swanwick.

The report ‘GMO Myths and Truths’ released in June of this year by three genetic engineers, details the evidence against genetic engineering.
http://earthopensource.org/index.php/reports/58″ 
“Genetic modification is not selective breeding as publicity on the subject is implying. It is a process whereby DNA is damaged when one gene is inserted into another, impacting the foodchain and causing human health and the environment to be impacted negatively ” says Swanwick.

“Suggesting native, endangered Atlantic salmon populations will not be threatened by the release of sterile GM salmon is preposterous especially when the New Zealand experience proves otherwise. Human error is always a possibility and in 2007 it was this that just about bought down New Zealand’s agricultural system” says Swanwick.

Crop and Food (now part of Plant and Food) received approval to trial GE brassicas that would produce an insecticide (Cry) gene. This trial, conducted at a secret location in Lincoln, breached regulatory controls after four months, when a flowering plant was discovered in 2008 from unchecked regrowth and publicised by Soil & Health. The breach was so serious that Plant and Food and MAF-Biosecurity NZ closed down the trial site. (4)
Only genetically modified plants have been commercially released overseas. Genetically modified atlantic salmon will be the first animal of its kind to achieve the same claim to fame.
“A lot of research money is spent achieving this end. Daisy the GE cow with her low allergy milk and no tail cost the NZ taxpayer $50 million but New Zealanders have no appetite for GM products and certainly do not stomach their money being wasted by people with their own agenda” says Swanwick. (5)
Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free and advocate for consumers rights around food. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

References (Links accessed December 2012)
(1) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=108…
(2) http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/sep/28/study-gm-maize-cancer
(3) http://earthopensource.org/index.php/reports/58″ 
(4) http://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/pdf/brassica-reassessment.pdf
(5) http://www.stuff.co.nz/science/7903851/Fears-cloned-cow-Daisy-is-udderly…

TPPA will remove consumer rights

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The Trans Pacific Partnership agreement is the biggest threat to consumer rights New Zealand has ever seen” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.
Her comments come following the closure of the 15th round of TPPA negotiations at Sky City, Auckland recently.
Over a hundred and fifty protestors gathered at Sky City during the negotiations, to present a petition signed by 750,000 world citizens against the TPPA which organisers refused to accept. One of the implications of the TPPA, with regard to food, is that consumers will be denied the right to know what is in their food.  “Current labelling laws will be revoked for fear of prosecution by investor interests should a label, for example identifying ingredients as genetically engineered, negatively impact their profits” says Swanwick.
Protests throughout the country have demonstrated the level of public discontent on the issue which has also attracted comment from public representatives, in agreement, in local council.
“We recently elected a new Auckland Council that wants to build resilient communities across the region, support local business and retain our public assets. I believe a TPPA would pose a barrier to those three laudable roles and give foreign investors too much power in New Zealand’ said Auckland Councillor Cathy Casey of the TPPA.
A poll conducted by Consumer Link in mid November expressed public concern around the lack of transparency around the TPPA. Sixty five percent of New Zealanders think the Government should make the contents of the agreement public before the negotiations are completed.
“The lack of public consultation and a lack of response despite repeated calls for the release of draft documents is undemocratic and does not deliver on a governance mandate to serve the interests of the public.  A leaked draft of the legislation affords powers to investors over consumers.  As it currently stands, precursor legislation currently affords investors 88% of all claims against governments, which is paid by the taxpayer. Placing profits before people has never been acceptable behaviour” says Swanwick.
Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free and advocate for consumers rights. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

High risk to NZ’s GE free status posed by uncrushed seed in animal feed

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“The discovery last week of uncrushed GE seed in a cotton seed meal shipment imported from Australia is outrageous” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

William Rolleston, Federated Farmers’ vice-President, however, cited the major concern with the shipment was that it contained exotic weeds.

“This level of apathy about the risk to NZ’s GE Free status is gross negligence” says Swanwick.  “Federated Farmers represents one of the largest consumer groups in NZ – its farmers. And NZ farmers should not be forced to have to grow GE crops because a body that should represent their right to choose decides for them. It is simply good fortune that the discovery of the contagion made by MPI was in a South Island shipment, where conditions for growing cotton seed are not conducive, but next time we might not be so lucky” says Swanwick.

GE crops contaminate conventional and organic crops, as has been the Australian experience.  In July last year Steve Marsh sued his neighbor Michael Baxter for contaminating his farm with his GE canola which resulted in the loss of his organic status.  The case is soon to be settled in the Western Australia Supreme court.

“There is a minor group of individuals in NZ who are intent on GE crops being grown here.  Despite what is being said about their intention to secure our borders against it they are turning a blind eye to practices that could unleash it.  The importation of GE supplementary feed that is unlabeled and compromises our food chain and export markets, being but one practise. This story has got RCD written all over it and that didn’t have a happy ending either” says Swanwick.

Despite a government announcement in 1997 that the rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD)  or Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) would not be released in NZ, until they saw how the Australian experience unfolded, the virus was illegally imported into the country to the detriment of all NZ farmers.

Following the RHDV introduction, there was an immediate and dramatic decline of rabbit numbers between less than twenty percent to ninety percent on monitored properties but since the mid 2000’s serological testing has shown that increasing proportions of live rabbits have been exposed to the virus and survived which is evidenced by the rise in rabbit populations again (1)

An immediate ban on all imported GE supplementary animal feed has been called for by Soil & Health – Organic NZ until Australian biosecurity measures are improved.

“Let’s also take the opportunity to learn from the Australian experience this time instead of jumping the gun again – this time with GE” says Swanwick.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

Reference
(1) http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/pests/rabbit/rabbit-management-in-n…

Organic sector receives funding to rebuild Garden City

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Bailey Peryman from Soil & Health – Organic NZ (Canterbury), is one of eleven recipients of the 2103 Vodafone world of Difference Programme.
This award, which focuses on youth development and an earthquake recovery need, funds his salary and expenses for a year. Peryman will coordinate the setup of Hand Over a Hundy in Christchurch East and develop a new social enterprise, Garden City 2.0

Hand Over a Handy is a pay it forward initiative to encourage families and communities to establish edible gardens at home.  Young families and unemployed youth are given $100 worth of growing material and a mentor for a year. The challenge is for them to recoup the $100 through sales of produce or savings on their food bill to pass on to another family the year following.

Garden City 2.0 will bring new life to the Garden City by developing and investing in community food initiatives.

“We will also be looking to partner with experts in the food and agricultural industry to develop a wider framework for young people to find work, start a food initiative of their own and create a livelihood for themselves and their families. We see this being the foundation for a local food industry that is waiting to be borne in Christchurch” says Peryman.

“Mother Nature devasted NZ’s Garden city.  Vodafone’s support of this project literally will be planting the seeds to help her give back to Christchurch that which was taken” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Chair Antony Welton says the World of Difference is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of young New Zealanders.

Started in 2002,  the Foundation has now invested over $15 million and supported 69 New Zealanders, with flow on effects to hundreds of young people across the country.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

Food fit for Royalty

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“We advocate for New Zealanders to have access to food fit for royalty” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson for Soil & Health, Organic NZ.  Her comments follow the departure of HRH Prince Charles and Camilla last week from New Zealand.

Britain’s best known organic farmer, HRH Prince Charles has long been an advocate of the sector.  In 1992 he incorporated his ideologies into his business portfolio, founding Duchy originals from Waitrose, which provides natural, high-quality organic and premium products, while helping to protect and sustain the countryside and wildlife. (1)

“I wanted to demonstrate that it was possible to produce food of the highest quality, working in harmony with the environment and nature, using the best ingredients and adding value through expert production.” said HRH Prince Charles speaking on the company’s ten year anniversary. (1)

Under the directive of  Queen Elizabeth, the Royals are also consumers of raw milk, including Princes Harry and William who were kept well stocked at Eton. (2)

Raw milk is a natural probiotic, and has been linked with improved immunity and decreased incidence of allergies for consumers. (5)

“Beware. You are entering an old-fashioned establishment” says the sign as you turn into Highgrove. (4)
“A parody then, we demand old fashioned manners from children yet our government regulations are failing to give them old fashioned, natural goodness” says Swanwick.

The Queen obviously recognizes some value in raw milk where New Zealand health authorities do not.

“They suggest raw milk is unsafe but that argument is duplicitous – we sell raw meat and raw poultry in New Zealand”  says Swanwick. “The problem with raw milk is it doesn’t have a corporate industry behind it yet in 35 States in America and many places in Europe, raw milk can be purchased”.

Lack of access to raw milk, for most city dwellers in New Zealand, denies consumers choice.

With the 60 billion dollar organic market forecast to double by 2015 there is increasing demand for natural food worldwide.
“That certainly is the case in New Zealand. Labelled as Demeter, Biogro, OrganicFarm and Assure Quality, nowadays organic food it is the only way you can ensure the purity of what you eat – natural food free of GE, pesticides and additives.  Organics essentially has the royal seal of approval” says Swanwick.
Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote GE free, organic, fresh and healthy food. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.
Photo caption “Food is medicine and raw milk is about the best there is” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ

References
(1) http://www.duchyoriginals.com/the_prince_of_wales.php
(2) http://www.naturalnews.com/034747_raw_milk_Queen_Elizabeth_Canada.html
(3) http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/13/us-kids-raw-milk-idUSTRE78C75O…
(4) http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/aug/14/prince-charles-organi…
(5) http://www.realmilk.co.nz/