The Soil & Health Association will provide a grant of up to $100 for the running of any public event led and organised by an association member.
Grant conditions
Applications for grant funding must use the form provided below
Applications should show how the proposed event will deliver benefits to one or more of the strategic priorities of the Soil & Health Association: Organic regenerative agriculture; Climate change; Healthy Food; Cohesion and unity
Events must be open to the general public
Any information, photography, video or material resulting from the event should be made available to the Association.
Apply now
These grants are available to any Soil & Health member
Note: the total amount of grant funding available is limited to a total of $1200 over one financial year, the Association will take this limit into account when considering applications.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Counting-earthworms-at-Tapu-Te-Ranga-for-web-1.jpg11541732editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2022-06-14 12:48:282022-06-14 12:48:28Event grants for Soil & Health members
Soil & Health Association stands firm against redefinition of gene technology in food standards
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release 6 September 2024
Aotearoa New Zealand – The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand has officially submitted its comprehensive response to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), rejecting Proposal P1055, which seeks to change the definition of genetic engineering technologies used in food production. The association also urges FSANZ to extend the consultation period by at least a month to allow for sufficient time to make submissions.
Charles Hyland, soil scientist and co-chair of the Soil & Health Association, says: “Redefining gene technology to exclude new breeding techniques (like gene editing) without proper labels and safety checks threatens our ability to choose what we eat. We stand for transparency and informed choices in food consumption, not ambiguity.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jenny Lux, organic producer and co-chair of Soil & Health, highlighted the potential impacts on the organic sector. “Introducing gene-edited products into our food system without clear labels could inadvertently lead organic foods to contain genetically engineered ingredients. This is unacceptable and undermines the trust consumers place in organic labels.”
“People are concerned not just about what’s in their food, but also about how it’s been produced. The global market for non-GMO foods is growing.”
Philippa Jamieson, Soil & Health spokesperson on GE issues, emphasised the need for rigorous safety assessments. “Gene editing and NBTs bring significant risks and uncertainties. Any food product derived from these technologies must undergo stringent safety evaluations and be clearly labelled to ensure public health is not compromised.”
The Association also acknowledges the deep cultural, ethical, intellectual property and spiritual concerns associated with gene technology expressed by Te Ao Māori. Soil & Health aligns with the perspectives of our Treaty partner organisation, Te Waka Kai Ora, that the proposal does not support their cultural expressions and rights as guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The public is urged to participate actively in the consultation process by making individual submissions to FSANZ. The deadline for these submissions is the 10th of September 2024, at 8 PM New Zealand time. Submissions can be made via email or through the FSANZ consultation hub. The association encourages individuals to also communicate their concerns directly to MPs and through media channels to amplify their voice.
For further guidance on making submissions, or to read the full Soil & Health Association submission, please visit the Soil & Health Association website.
Contact: Rebecka Keeling, Communications Specialist, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/iStock-492811040-GMO-corn-cob.jpg4731226membershiphttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgmembership2024-09-06 15:47:392024-09-06 15:47:40Changing the definition of GE in food would leave consumers in the dark
The Soil & Health Association has submitted on the proposal to revise and update the definitions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code for ‘food produced using gene technology’ and ‘gene technology’. This is our second submission on P1055, having first submitted in 2021.
We strongly encourage our members and supporters to make their own submission. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 10th September, at 8pm New Zealand time.
The following guidelines are provided to assist you to make a submission. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further assistance at editor@organicnz.org.nz.
SUMBISSION TEMPLATE AND GUIDELINES
The proposal
Second call for submissions: Proposal P1055 ‘Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques’ – Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
If you simply copy and paste text from below or from Soil & Health’s submission, your submission may not be counted as an individual submission.
Write about how this proposal will affect you, your family, business and community.
Extension of time: urge FSANZ to extend the consultation period by at least a month to allow for sufficient time to make submissions.
The current regulatory framework is clear and does not need to be changed.
New breeding techniques (NBTs) such as gene editing ARE genetic engineering. The definition must remain as is.
A change of definition means GE foods would enter our foods with no labels or safety checks.
Informed choice: We want to know if there is GE in our food. We want labels and transparency.
Health and safety: We are concerned about the health and safety of our food and want to avoid GE because of the possible health risks to us and our family.
Consumer choice: We want to eat organic and GE-free foods and need to know with certainty what we are eating.
Organic food: We do not want GE ingredients ending up unlabelled in organic food.
Our food is much more than just an ‘end product’ – we want to know how our food is produced and processed.
We have cultural, ethical, spiritual, religious and philosophical objections to GE foods and need to be able to avoid it.
Treaty and Māori cultural concerns: We object to this proposal as it does not align with our cultural expression.
Not equivalent: Foods produced using NBTs are not the same as natural foods. NBTs have unexpected changes so any foods produced using these technologies must be regulated.
We don’t have enough information yet about the long-term health impacts of eating GE foods (including NBTs).
All GE food needs to be publicly notified, regulated, assessed on a case-by-case basis, and checked for safety by the regulator.
We reject this proposal.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/GE-GM.jpg615973lizfhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpglizf2024-09-05 11:39:332024-09-06 11:00:22S&H Submission on P1055: Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Charles-Hyland-photo-1.jpg875874editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2024-08-15 17:04:212024-08-23 14:16:43Charles Hyland discusses GE and biotech
Our genetic engineering regulations are robust, protective, and must not be loosened, says the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand.
“We need significant investment in organic, regenerative agriculture, rather than risky genetic technologies in the outdoor environment,” says Soil & Health spokesperson Philippa Jamieson.
Genetic engineering techno-fixes – such as GE ryegrass – are not the solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.
“It’s already been demonstrated that diverse, mixed species pastures reduce ruminant methane emissions, and are more resilient in the face of climate extremes,” says Philippa Jamieson. “Organic regenerative farming methods are free for all farmers to adopt, and they’re not under any patents.”
“By being GE-free, we’re far from ‘missing out’. Being GE-free gives us a point of difference in the world market.”
“Who is this GE product for? If customers and consumers are told the product is GE, none want it. Not even the rats in the warehouse. It adds no commercial brand value to growers or distributors. GE inclusion is hidden or secret for products to be sellable,” says David McNeill, Soil & Health National Council member.
“We already have an advantage in being an island nation in the South Pacific, and need to be really careful about any uncontrolled releases of GMOs into the outdoors. Our products are attractive to overseas buyers because they’re seen as clean, safe, natural and uncontaminated. Once we release GMOs there’s no containing them. We need to continue to safeguard our environment and our brand,” says Philippa Jamieson.
“Organic regenerative farming and growing practices result in lower greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner waterways, reduced soil erosion, increased biodiversity and more resilient ecosystems.”
Soil & Health urges all political parties not to loosen regulations on GE in Aotearoa New Zealand, and instead to direct energy and funding towards expanding organic farming methods here.
Organic regenerative farming sequesters more carbon in the soil, and uses fewer costly inputs, empowering farmers. We need research centres dedicated to organic, regenerative agriculture and farmer extension programmes to build that knowledge in rural communities.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PHJ_1MS6236-cropped.jpg17201566editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2024-08-15 13:31:142024-08-16 10:19:15Organic regenerative farming needed, not GE
Which foods in New Zealand are more likely to have pesticide residues?
What’s wrong with pesticide residues in food?
How can pesticide residues in food be reduced?
Alison White answered these questions in Organic NZ May/June 2010. Here she revisits them and gives us an update.
Which foods have the most pesticide residues? Grapes, celery, a range of fruit, pak or bok choi, spring onions, cucumber and bread are all ranked in the top dozen of foods available in New Zealand which are more likely to contain pesticide residues. Close contenders behind this ‘dirty dozen’ are apples, spinach, olive oil, muesli and tomatoes.
Changes over the past four years
Compared to the last dirty dozen in 2009, there are a number of foods included which have not been analysed before, and a number excluded simply because we rely on data produced by the Ministry of Primary Industries.1 Lemons, olive oil, pak choi, spring onions, tamarillos and walnuts are among foods that have not been analysed before. Plums, mandarins, raspberries and lettuce were in the last dirty dozen, but because they have not been analysed since before 2009, we just don’t know what the residues are like now. Generally we can say that fruit is more likely to contain pesticide residues along with salad vegetables and bread.
Should we be concerned about pesticide residues?
Every mouthful of non-organic food we eat is also a cocktail of pesticides. Many of these pesticides have not been adequately tested to see what effects they may produce, particularly long-term ones. The little testing that is carried out does not reflect actual human exposure to a multitude of chemicals, nor does it usually test the most vulnerable – the foetus and young child.
We do not know enough about the effects of these chemicals in our food. However, there are various serious long-term effects associated with particular pesticides that are found in our food, including endocrine or hormonal disruption, cancer, immune system suppression, nervous system damage, genetic damage and birth defects. We also know that various pesticides used to grow food have damaging effects on wildlife and the ecosystem.
The dirty dozen
Food in New Zealand more likely to contain pesticide residues ranked according to number of pesticides detected in total samples and percentage with pesticides.
Food
% with residues
No. of pesticides
Sample Size
1. Grapes
98.2
35
56
2. Celery
100
19
51
3. Bok/Pak Choi
95.7
21
47
4. Nectarines
100
15
36
5. Oranges
98.2
16
56
6. Strawberries
100
14
8
7. Spring Onion
97.9
15
48
8. Lemons
92
20
50
9. Wheat
87.3
23
150
10. Cucumber
82.1
27
56
11. Pears
100
9
8
12. Broccoli
92.9
10
57
Reduce pesticide load: eat organic
If you buy organic food – at least the foods listed here – then you will be significantly reducing the pesticide load on your body. This is particularly so for infants and children, as they take in more food in proportion to their body weight than adults do, and they also tend to eat more of the types of food that are more heavily sprayed, such as fruit. Indeed, an American study has found that if children eat mostly organic food, then the average amount of organophosphate residues as measured in their urine is nine times lower than those children eating conventional food.2 Other studies have since reasserted the finding that dietary intake of pesticides represents the major source of organophosphate exposure in children.3
Protecting our babies and children
In 2007 more than 200 scientists from five continents called for a precautionary4 approach to toxic chemicals, to protect foetuses and children from chemical exposures that may cause serious disease later in life, and which may also afflict their children and grandchildren.5 The present policy of many governments of assuming a chemical is safe until overwhelming evidence of harm is proved, favours manufacturers and users more than children with their unique vulnerability. Exposure may result in an array of health problems, including diabetes, attention deficit disorders, prostate cancer, fertility problems, thyroid disorders and even obesity. If the foetus is exposed to even a minute amount of an endocrine disruptor at a particular time, then growth of critical organs and functions can be skewed, and it can set the child up for chronic illnesses, such as cancer, later in life. Reducing the exposure of the foetus to organophosphate pesticides, in particular, could reduce the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Chlorpyrifos: a persistent insecticide
The organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos is a potent developmental neurotoxin at low levels of exposure, linked in several studies with reduced IQ and delayed cognitive and psychomotor development, as well as being an endocrine disruptor with anti-androgenic and estrogenic qualities, causing breast cancer cells to grow. Children exposed in the womb to this pesticide have been found to have cognitive impairment at least 11 years after birth, according to a study published in 2012.6This insecticide is very persistent in the environment and has been found in Arctic ice, fog, air, seawater, fish and vegetation, as well as placental blood and breastmilk.7 Chlorpyrifos is used on a range of fruit and vegetables and grain in New Zealand and has been found especially in bread and other wheat products, processed foods such as muesli, and grapes, raisins, sultanas and olive oil among others.
Would you like fungicide with that?
Also of particular concern is a group of fungicides called dithiocarbamates, of which mancozeb is common. These are used on a wide range of fruit and vegetables, and have been found in grapes, celery, pears, strawberries, apples, avocadoes, tomatoes, brassica, potatoes and even in infant foods. The 2009 Total Diet Survey (TDS) remarks that the estimated exposure to these fungicides has more than doubled since the previous TDS in 2003/2004. The fungicides have a metabolite or breakdown product, ethylene thiourea, which is known to cause cancer, endocrine disruption, thyroid damage and birth defects. This metabolite unfortunately increases on exposure to heat and in storage.
Organic: healthy for people and the environment
Usually, washing, peeling and cooking reduce the amount of pesticide residues, however some persist. If you think organic food is too expensive, remember that non-organic food does not include the cost of biodiversity loss and other environmental degradation. With organic food you pay the real cost for real food, and you give the grower a fairer return. By having organic food you support a system which better protects our children and the environment.
1. Data obtained from New Zealand government surveys: 2009 New Zealand Total Diet Survey, NZ Food Residue Surveillance Programmes 2009–2012, all available at www.nzfsa.govt.nz.Results from several years were combined to produce sample sizes that were more robust for analysis. Note that wheat samples included bread, biscuits, bran flake cereal, cake, noodles, fish fingers, battered fish, meat pies, muffins, pasta, pizza, sausages, cereal wheat biscuits.
2. Curl, CL, Fenske RA, Elgethun K (2003), ‘Organophosphorus pesticide exposure of urban and suburban pre-school children with organic and conventional diets’, Environ Health Perspect, March 2003.
3. Lu C, Barr DB, Pearson MA, Waller LA (2008), ‘Dietary intake and its contribution to longitudinal organophosphorus pesticide exposure in urban/suburban children’, Environ Health Perspect, 2008, 116(4): 537-42.
5. Grandjean P et al. (2007), ‘The Faroes Statement: Human Health Effects of Developmental Exposure to Chemicals in Our Environment’, Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 102, 73–75.
6. Rauh VA, Perera FP, et al., (2012), ‘Brain anomalies in children exposed prenatally to a common organophosphate pesticide’, PNAS 109(20): 7871-6.
The nomination period has now closed and the following nominations have been received:
Charles Hyland (current National Council Co-Chair). Nominated by Jenny Lux, seconded by Rebecka Keeling.
David McNeill (current National Council member and Treasurer). Nominated by Jenny Lux, seconded by Charles Hyland
Leane Makey (current National Council member). Nominated by Jenny Lux, seconded by Philippa Jamieson.
Richard Wallis, nominated by Sophora Todd, seconded by Jenny Lux.
Candidate Details
About Charles Hyland
Charles Hyland is a current co-chair of the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand and is also the founder of Agriscore, a company that evaluates farm sustainability. He was previously a soil research scientist at Cornell University, focusing on soil fertility, soil health and carbon sequestration. Charles has extensive experience in agricultural extension programs, publishing widely in his field and holding degrees in Soil Science from Cornell. During his tenure, he aims to initiate the opening of new regional branches, enhance our digital presence by launching a comprehensive website that includes a digital archive of Soil & Health’s publications, and develop a variety of multimedia content. These initiatives are designed not only to engage both members and the public but also to generate revenue that will support the growth and expansion of Soil & Health.
About Leane Makey
Leane lives in the Kaipara and describes herself as “grass-roots. Leane is a Hua Parakore (Tipuranga) grower and sheep farmer, with a PhD in environmental science and a science degree in marine biology. Her experience across implementing ecosystem and indigenous environmental management, research and practice brings a unique perspective to the challenges of living with soil and soil futures.
About David McNeill
David is a countryman, formerly at Kingseat in Franklin District. Developing a lifestyle block with avocados, an orchard, amenity & regeneration plantings, vegetable gardens, stock laneways, waterways, terraforming, children, building construction, machinery maintenance, bees and all the many tasks of turning pasture into a productive estate and home. Currently he is exploring NZ, looking for another suitable property.
He is passionate about healthy soil, fresh clean waterways, organic farming, mighty native forests, and the supply chain in providing fresh organic local produce to local communities. Networking with many communities in NZ to see how they organise their local organic sharing.
He has a service business in information technology to provide the funds for maintaining rural land. He also has strong skills and a degree in accounting and financial, from providing & supporting business software.
His intention for S&H is to facilitate local group connections, face to face meetings, seed & knowledge sharing to create strength and resilience through locally grown abundance. Also to help capture knowledge into appealing online content to share through the member network.
For S&H to lobby policy makers & resource controllers on behalf of all members and natural growers on issues that affect the quality of what we grow including air, water, pests & diseases, GM, agri-chemicals, mining, biosecurity, land use regulation, large scale solar, road run off, military training, flood protection, dams and all the many activities that can degrade soil quality and biomass.
All from a sustainable funding base, strong brand and prudent financial management.
About Richard Wallis
After a long career in the law, I changed my focus to composting. I designed and patented the CarbonCycle composting system which is currently in use in nearly 80 schools around New Zealand as a teaching aide for ecosystem function and to provide compost in schools to enhance the soil biology and productivity of school kitchen gardens.
I am also engaged in making large-scale Johnson Su compost, again with a focus on creating a diverse productive soil microbiome for use in New Zealand agriculture and horticulture.
My hope is that I can contribute in a small way to the work of Soil and Health and take an active role in advocating, and gathering support, for a better New Zealand-wide climate policy.
I see this largely involves farming without nitrates and biocides in a way that decreases input costs and improves productivity and farmers’ profitability. I believe these outcomes are driven by the diversity of pastures and by diverse functional soil microbiomes.
These measures, in conjunction with native flora and fauna, in areas that are marginal such as steep slopes, gulleys, riparian margins, and the creation of native plant corridors. The policy will include ceasing to farm drained peatland, which would be re-wetted. The adoption of these remedial measures at landscape scale and watershed units will make New Zealand a leader in sustainable agriculture.
I believe that this agenda closely follows the counsel of Albert Howard in his prescient book “Soil and Health” published in 1944.
Voting for National Council Members
There are 7 positions available on National Council, and each councillor is elected for a two-year term. Of the current councillors, Rebecka Keeling continues the second year of her term. Jenny Lux (co-Chair) and Kaitlyn Lamb will step down at the AGM. Matt Morris has recently stepped down. This leaves 6 positions open for election at this year’s AGM.
Voting will take place online prior to, and on the day of, the AGM. Details for online voting will be posted on this page soon.
If you wish to cast a postal vote, please download and complete this form and return it to the postal address provided by Friday 27th September. The form can also be used to cast a postal vote on the remit (refer below).
Remits
There is one remit to be considered at the meeting:
The National Council is recommending to members that Soil and Health changes its auditor to Kudos Murray Audit to audit the current financial year, ending 31st March 2025.
Background information on the remit:
National Council would like to suggest to members that we engage the services of a new charity auditor after two years of service from Moore Markhams. The primary reasons are a) cost and b) timeliness of completion. This and last year’s audits were drawn out, and our AGM was delayed in both cases by not having the audit completed within the desired timeframe. We have done some investigation and obtained competitive quotes from other firms. We have secured a very competitive fixed quote from Kudos Murray Audit. Given the group’s financial challenges, this fits with our push to reduce costs. All auditors are required to be objective and independent, so these things being equal, National Council feels it is important to select an auditor that can provide service within fixed limits, and hopefully within a better timeframe. As we are a Tier 2 Charity, we must be audited each year.
Papers
The draft Minutes of the 2023 AGM are available here.
Other papers will be posted as soon as they are available.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/seal-square.jpg799799editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2024-05-20 14:03:562024-09-16 09:44:242024 AGM of the Soil & Health Association
This survey was sent out to members and past members to receive feedback for Soil & Health and OrganicNZ moving forward.
Please find a summary of the main findings. We have omitted specific comments to ensure the privacy of our respondees. Please know that we are in the process of going through your suggestions and comments and we thank you for your time and input.
The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand held a Special General Meeting on Saturday 4th May to gauge members’ support for a new strategic vision. The meeting was held in Wellington, with those unable to attend in person attending via Zoom.
The Financial Report presented to the SGM can be found here.
The meeting Agenda and Remits were as follows.
AGENDA
Welcome
Financial Overview and Discussion
Election of National Councillors (two positions available)
Remits
REMITS
1) That the Soil & Health Association re-register as an Incorporated Society under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: This motion is required in order for our new constitution to be registered with the Companies Office and Charities Services.
2) That the constitution be amended to include the following clause under ‘objects’: ‘To honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi’
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: This was raised at the 2023 AGM by members and National Council agrees this clause should be included.
3) That the revised constitution adopted by members at the 2023 AGM be adopted again
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: Purely procedural, in order to ensure there are no further hold-ups with this process. No further changes to the constitution are proposed with the exception of Remit #2 above.
4) That production of OrganicNZ cease until such time as it becomes financially viable.
Proposed by National Council
Rational: After extensive work to save the magazine over the last six months, and noting the current cashflow situation, there is no way production can continue.
5) That the membership fee be amended.
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: Since the membership fee was doubled last year we have seen membership rates continue to decline.
6) That an e-newsletter for members only be established
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: To help keep our members informed and up to date with our work and connected to the wider organic community.
7) That National Council be empowered to rationalise our web offerings if required
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: At present we maintain three websites: Soil & Health, OrganicNZ and Organic Week. National Council believes it needs to explore the feasibility of maintaining all of these and act accordingly once this process is completed.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/seal-square-1.jpg799799editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2024-04-10 11:15:412024-07-11 10:28:03Special General Meeting – Saturday 4 May 2024, 10am to 12pm
The 2023 AGM of the Soil & Health Association was held over Zoom on Saturday October 7th.
Draft Minutes
The draft Minutes of the 2023 AGM can be found here. Members who were present at the AGM may wish to suggest amendments to the Minutes, to be discussed and approved as final at the 2024 AGM.
Agenda
The Agenda was as follows:
Welcome and Notice of General Business
Acceptance of Agenda
Attendance and Apologies
Confirmation of the Minutes of the 2022 AGM
Introduction of Voting Section
Nominees for National Council
Nominees address to members
Questions to nominees
Voting
Reports
Chair’s Report
BioGro Report
Branch Reports
Financial Report
Remit to adopt new Constitution
General Business
Nomination of Brendan Hoare for Honorary Life Membership
The following remits were agreed upon at the meeting:
That the Soil and Health Association membership adopt the Constitution document known as the Constitution of the Soil and Health Association 2022 (the Constitution).
The National Council supports the adoption of the Constitution
Members at the AGM ratified Brendan Hoare’s nomination as an Honorary Life Member of the Association, as agreed by the National Council.
The original nomination for Brendan’s life membership came from Philippa Jamieson and Marion Thomson.
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-SHA-1.png297299editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2024-02-14 14:54:512024-08-26 07:43:48Report of the 2023 AGM
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.
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.
Or transfer funds to our account: BNZ, account number: 02 0108 0058415 001 With the reference: GE donation
https://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SH-GE-Webinar-with-Jon-Carapiet-webemail-banner-1-1-2.png10801920editorhttps://soilandhealth.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Soil-and-Health-Association_logoFA-web2024.jpgeditor2024-02-13 13:14:492024-08-26 07:47:44Genetic Engineering Webinar: What do Consumers Want? Navigating GE Issues with Jon Carapiet
Event grants for Soil & Health members
/in Association Meetings and EventsThe Soil & Health Association will provide a grant of up to $100 for the running of any public event led and organised by an association member.
Grant conditions
Apply now
These grants are available to any Soil & Health member
Please complete the grant application form and email it to manager@organicnz.org.nz
Note: the total amount of grant funding available is limited to a total of $1200 over one financial year, the Association will take this limit into account when considering applications.
Changing the definition of GE in food would leave consumers in the dark
/in Media Releases, NewsSoil & Health Association stands firm against redefinition of gene technology in food standards
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release 6 September 2024
Aotearoa New Zealand – The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand has officially submitted its comprehensive response to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), rejecting Proposal P1055, which seeks to change the definition of genetic engineering technologies used in food production. The association also urges FSANZ to extend the consultation period by at least a month to allow for sufficient time to make submissions.
Charles Hyland, soil scientist and co-chair of the Soil & Health Association, says: “Redefining gene technology to exclude new breeding techniques (like gene editing) without proper labels and safety checks threatens our ability to choose what we eat. We stand for transparency and informed choices in food consumption, not ambiguity.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jenny Lux, organic producer and co-chair of Soil & Health, highlighted the potential impacts on the organic sector. “Introducing gene-edited products into our food system without clear labels could inadvertently lead organic foods to contain genetically engineered ingredients. This is unacceptable and undermines the trust consumers place in organic labels.”
“People are concerned not just about what’s in their food, but also about how it’s been produced. The global market for non-GMO foods is growing.”
Philippa Jamieson, Soil & Health spokesperson on GE issues, emphasised the need for rigorous safety assessments. “Gene editing and NBTs bring significant risks and uncertainties. Any food product derived from these technologies must undergo stringent safety evaluations and be clearly labelled to ensure public health is not compromised.”
The Association also acknowledges the deep cultural, ethical, intellectual property and spiritual concerns associated with gene technology expressed by Te Ao Māori. Soil & Health aligns with the perspectives of our Treaty partner organisation, Te Waka Kai Ora, that the proposal does not support their cultural expressions and rights as guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The public is urged to participate actively in the consultation process by making individual submissions to FSANZ. The deadline for these submissions is the 10th of September 2024, at 8 PM New Zealand time. Submissions can be made via email or through the FSANZ consultation hub. The association encourages individuals to also communicate their concerns directly to MPs and through media channels to amplify their voice.
For further guidance on making submissions, or to read the full Soil & Health Association submission, please visit the Soil & Health Association website.
Contact:
Rebecka Keeling, Communications Specialist, Soil & Health Association of New Zealand
Email: editor@organicnz.org.nz
Phone: 021 202 7664
Website: www.soilandhealth.org.nz
S&H Submission on P1055: Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques
/in GE, SubmissionsThe Soil & Health Association has submitted on the proposal to revise and update the definitions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code for ‘food produced using gene technology’ and ‘gene technology’. This is our second submission on P1055, having first submitted in 2021.
Read our full submission here.
We strongly encourage our members and supporters to make their own submission. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 10th September, at 8pm New Zealand time.
The following guidelines are provided to assist you to make a submission. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further assistance at editor@organicnz.org.nz.
SUMBISSION TEMPLATE AND GUIDELINES
The proposal
Second call for submissions: Proposal P1055 ‘Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques’ – Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Submission closing deadline
10 September 2024, 8pm New Zealand time.
How to submit
Make your submission EITHER:
Background documents
Ideas for points to make in your submission
IMPORTANT: Please use your own words.
If you simply copy and paste text from below or from Soil & Health’s submission, your submission may not be counted as an individual submission.
Write about how this proposal will affect you, your family, business and community.
Charles Hyland discusses GE and biotech
/in NewsSoil & Health’s current co-chair talks with Paul Brennan of Reality Check Radio on GE deregulation issues.
Organic regenerative farming needed, not GE
/in Media ReleasesOur genetic engineering regulations are robust, protective, and must not be loosened, says the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand.
“We need significant investment in organic, regenerative agriculture, rather than risky genetic technologies in the outdoor environment,” says Soil & Health spokesperson Philippa Jamieson.
Genetic engineering techno-fixes – such as GE ryegrass – are not the solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.
“It’s already been demonstrated that diverse, mixed species pastures reduce ruminant methane emissions, and are more resilient in the face of climate extremes,” says Philippa Jamieson. “Organic regenerative farming methods are free for all farmers to adopt, and they’re not under any patents.”
“By being GE-free, we’re far from ‘missing out’. Being GE-free gives us a point of difference in the world market.”
“Who is this GE product for? If customers and consumers are told the product is GE, none want it. Not even the rats in the warehouse. It adds no commercial brand value to growers or distributors. GE inclusion is hidden or secret for products to be sellable,” says David McNeill, Soil & Health National Council member.
“We already have an advantage in being an island nation in the South Pacific, and need to be really careful about any uncontrolled releases of GMOs into the outdoors. Our products are attractive to overseas buyers because they’re seen as clean, safe, natural and uncontaminated. Once we release GMOs there’s no containing them. We need to continue to safeguard our environment and our brand,” says Philippa Jamieson.
“Organic regenerative farming and growing practices result in lower greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner waterways, reduced soil erosion, increased biodiversity and more resilient ecosystems.”
Soil & Health urges all political parties not to loosen regulations on GE in Aotearoa New Zealand, and instead to direct energy and funding towards expanding organic farming methods here.
Organic regenerative farming sequesters more carbon in the soil, and uses fewer costly inputs, empowering farmers. We need research centres dedicated to organic, regenerative agriculture and farmer extension programmes to build that knowledge in rural communities.
The ‘dirty dozen’ – latest update
/in Health and FoodWhich foods in New Zealand are more likely to have pesticide residues?
What’s wrong with pesticide residues in food?
How can pesticide residues in food be reduced?
Alison White answered these questions in Organic NZ May/June 2010. Here she revisits them and gives us an update.
Which foods have the most pesticide residues? Grapes, celery, a range of fruit, pak or bok choi, spring onions, cucumber and bread are all ranked in the top dozen of foods available in New Zealand which are more likely to contain pesticide residues. Close contenders behind this ‘dirty dozen’ are apples, spinach, olive oil, muesli and tomatoes.
Changes over the past four years
Compared to the last dirty dozen in 2009, there are a number of foods included which have not been analysed before, and a number excluded simply because we rely on data produced by the Ministry of Primary Industries.1 Lemons, olive oil, pak choi, spring onions, tamarillos and walnuts are among foods that have not been analysed before. Plums, mandarins, raspberries and lettuce were in the last dirty dozen, but because they have not been analysed since before 2009, we just don’t know what the residues are like now. Generally we can say that fruit is more likely to contain pesticide residues along with salad vegetables and bread.
Should we be concerned about pesticide residues?
Every mouthful of non-organic food we eat is also a cocktail of pesticides. Many of these pesticides have not been adequately tested to see what effects they may produce, particularly long-term ones. The little testing that is carried out does not reflect actual human exposure to a multitude of chemicals, nor does it usually test the most vulnerable – the foetus and young child.
We do not know enough about the effects of these chemicals in our food. However, there are various serious long-term effects associated with particular pesticides that are found in our food, including endocrine or hormonal disruption, cancer, immune system suppression, nervous system damage, genetic damage and birth defects. We also know that various pesticides used to grow food have damaging effects on wildlife and the ecosystem.
The dirty dozen
Food in New Zealand more likely to contain pesticide residues ranked according to number of pesticides detected in total samples and percentage with pesticides.
Reduce pesticide load: eat organic
If you buy organic food – at least the foods listed here – then you will be significantly reducing the pesticide load on your body. This is particularly so for infants and children, as they take in more food in proportion to their body weight than adults do, and they also tend to eat more of the types of food that are more heavily sprayed, such as fruit. Indeed, an American study has found that if children eat mostly organic food, then the average amount of organophosphate residues as measured in their urine is nine times lower than those children eating conventional food.2 Other studies have since reasserted the finding that dietary intake of pesticides represents the major source of organophosphate exposure in children.3
Protecting our babies and children
In 2007 more than 200 scientists from five continents called for a precautionary4 approach to toxic chemicals, to protect foetuses and children from chemical exposures that may cause serious disease later in life, and which may also afflict their children and grandchildren.5 The present policy of many governments of assuming a chemical is safe until overwhelming evidence of harm is proved, favours manufacturers and users more than children with their unique vulnerability. Exposure may result in an array of health problems, including diabetes, attention deficit disorders, prostate cancer, fertility problems, thyroid disorders and even obesity. If the foetus is exposed to even a minute amount of an endocrine disruptor at a particular time, then growth of critical organs and functions can be skewed, and it can set the child up for chronic illnesses, such as cancer, later in life. Reducing the exposure of the foetus to organophosphate pesticides, in particular, could reduce the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Chlorpyrifos: a persistent insecticide
The organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos is a potent developmental neurotoxin at low levels of exposure, linked in several studies with reduced IQ and delayed cognitive and psychomotor development, as well as being an endocrine disruptor with anti-androgenic and estrogenic qualities, causing breast cancer cells to grow. Children exposed in the womb to this pesticide have been found to have cognitive impairment at least 11 years after birth, according to a study published in 2012.6This insecticide is very persistent in the environment and has been found in Arctic ice, fog, air, seawater, fish and vegetation, as well as placental blood and breastmilk.7 Chlorpyrifos is used on a range of fruit and vegetables and grain in New Zealand and has been found especially in bread and other wheat products, processed foods such as muesli, and grapes, raisins, sultanas and olive oil among others.
Would you like fungicide with that?
Also of particular concern is a group of fungicides called dithiocarbamates, of which mancozeb is common. These are used on a wide range of fruit and vegetables, and have been found in grapes, celery, pears, strawberries, apples, avocadoes, tomatoes, brassica, potatoes and even in infant foods. The 2009 Total Diet Survey (TDS) remarks that the estimated exposure to these fungicides has more than doubled since the previous TDS in 2003/2004. The fungicides have a metabolite or breakdown product, ethylene thiourea, which is known to cause cancer, endocrine disruption, thyroid damage and birth defects. This metabolite unfortunately increases on exposure to heat and in storage.
Organic: healthy for people and the environment
Usually, washing, peeling and cooking reduce the amount of pesticide residues, however some persist. If you think organic food is too expensive, remember that non-organic food does not include the cost of biodiversity loss and other environmental degradation. With organic food you pay the real cost for real food, and you give the grower a fairer return. By having organic food you support a system which better protects our children and the environment.
By Alison White, Safe Food Campaign, www.safefood.org.nz
References
1. Data obtained from New Zealand government surveys: 2009 New Zealand Total Diet Survey, NZ Food Residue Surveillance Programmes 2009–2012, all available at www.nzfsa.govt.nz.Results from several years were combined to produce sample sizes that were more robust for analysis. Note that wheat samples included bread, biscuits, bran flake cereal, cake, noodles, fish fingers, battered fish, meat pies, muffins, pasta, pizza, sausages, cereal wheat biscuits.
2. Curl, CL, Fenske RA, Elgethun K (2003), ‘Organophosphorus pesticide exposure of urban and suburban pre-school children with organic and conventional diets’, Environ Health Perspect, March 2003.
3. Lu C, Barr DB, Pearson MA, Waller LA (2008), ‘Dietary intake and its contribution to longitudinal organophosphorus pesticide exposure in urban/suburban children’, Environ Health Perspect, 2008, 116(4): 537-42.
4. www.precaution.org/lib/pp_def.htm
5. Grandjean P et al. (2007), ‘The Faroes Statement: Human Health Effects of Developmental Exposure to Chemicals in Our Environment’, Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 102, 73–75.
6. Rauh VA, Perera FP, et al., (2012), ‘Brain anomalies in children exposed prenatally to a common organophosphate pesticide’, PNAS 109(20): 7871-6.
7. Watts, M (2013), PAN AP Monograph on chlorpyrifos, www.panap.net/sites/default/files/monograph-chlorpyrifos.pdf
2024 AGM of the Soil & Health Association
/in Association Meetings and EventsThe 2024 AGM will be held from 10am-12pm on Saturday 28th September, by Zoom. Save the Zoom link ahead of time: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86949789513
Please note that this is a change from the previously advised date of 24th August, due to a delay with the completion of our annual audit.
Register now
Please register your attendance here,
2024 Annual General Meeting
Register direct with zoom by clicking on the button below (you will be redirected to another page to register via Zoom).
Agenda
2024 Election of National Council
The nomination period has now closed and the following nominations have been received:
Candidate Details
About Charles Hyland
Charles Hyland is a current co-chair of the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand and is also the founder of Agriscore, a company that evaluates farm sustainability. He was previously a soil research scientist at Cornell University, focusing on soil fertility, soil health and carbon sequestration. Charles has extensive experience in agricultural extension programs, publishing widely in his field and holding degrees in Soil Science from Cornell. During his tenure, he aims to initiate the opening of new regional branches, enhance our digital presence by launching a comprehensive website that includes a digital archive of Soil & Health’s publications, and develop a variety of multimedia content. These initiatives are designed not only to engage both members and the public but also to generate revenue that will support the growth and expansion of Soil & Health.
About Leane Makey
Leane lives in the Kaipara and describes herself as “grass-roots. Leane is a Hua Parakore (Tipuranga) grower and sheep farmer, with a PhD in environmental science and a science degree in marine biology. Her experience across implementing ecosystem and indigenous environmental management, research and practice brings a unique perspective to the challenges of living with soil and soil futures.
About David McNeill
David is a countryman, formerly at Kingseat in Franklin District. Developing a lifestyle block with avocados, an orchard, amenity & regeneration plantings, vegetable gardens, stock laneways, waterways, terraforming, children, building construction, machinery maintenance, bees and all the many tasks of turning pasture into a productive estate and home. Currently he is exploring NZ, looking for another suitable property.
He is passionate about healthy soil, fresh clean waterways, organic farming, mighty native forests, and the supply chain in providing fresh organic local produce to local communities. Networking with many communities in NZ to see how they organise their local organic sharing.
He has a service business in information technology to provide the funds for maintaining rural land. He also has strong skills and a degree in accounting and financial, from providing & supporting business software.
His intention for S&H is to facilitate local group connections, face to face meetings, seed & knowledge sharing to create strength and resilience through locally grown abundance. Also to help capture knowledge into appealing online content to share through the member network.
For S&H to lobby policy makers & resource controllers on behalf of all members and natural growers on issues that affect the quality of what we grow including air, water, pests & diseases, GM, agri-chemicals, mining, biosecurity, land use regulation, large scale solar, road run off, military training, flood protection, dams and all the many activities that can degrade soil quality and biomass.
All from a sustainable funding base, strong brand and prudent financial management.
About Richard Wallis
After a long career in the law, I changed my focus to composting. I designed and patented the CarbonCycle composting system which is currently in use in nearly 80 schools around New Zealand as a teaching aide for ecosystem function and to provide compost in schools to enhance the soil biology and productivity of school kitchen gardens.
I am also engaged in making large-scale Johnson Su compost, again with a focus on creating a diverse productive soil microbiome for use in New Zealand agriculture and horticulture.
My hope is that I can contribute in a small way to the work of Soil and Health and take an active role in advocating, and gathering support, for a better New Zealand-wide climate policy.
I see this largely involves farming without nitrates and biocides in a way that decreases input costs and improves productivity and farmers’ profitability. I believe these outcomes are driven by the diversity of pastures and by diverse functional soil microbiomes.
These measures, in conjunction with native flora and fauna, in areas that are marginal such as steep slopes, gulleys, riparian margins, and the creation of native plant corridors. The policy will include ceasing to farm drained peatland, which would be re-wetted. The adoption of these remedial measures at landscape scale and watershed units will make New Zealand a leader in sustainable agriculture.
I believe that this agenda closely follows the counsel of Albert Howard in his prescient book “Soil and Health” published in 1944.
Voting for National Council Members
There are 7 positions available on National Council, and each councillor is elected for a two-year term. Of the current councillors, Rebecka Keeling continues the second year of her term. Jenny Lux (co-Chair) and Kaitlyn Lamb will step down at the AGM. Matt Morris has recently stepped down. This leaves 6 positions open for election at this year’s AGM.
Voting will take place online prior to, and on the day of, the AGM. Details for online voting will be posted on this page soon.
If you wish to cast a postal vote, please download and complete this form and return it to the postal address provided by Friday 27th September. The form can also be used to cast a postal vote on the remit (refer below).
Remits
There is one remit to be considered at the meeting:
Background information on the remit:
National Council would like to suggest to members that we engage the services of a new charity auditor after two years of service from Moore Markhams. The primary reasons are a) cost and b) timeliness of completion. This and last year’s audits were drawn out, and our AGM was delayed in both cases by not having the audit completed within the desired timeframe. We have done some investigation and obtained competitive quotes from other firms. We have secured a very competitive fixed quote from Kudos Murray Audit. Given the group’s financial challenges, this fits with our push to reduce costs. All auditors are required to be objective and independent, so these things being equal, National Council feels it is important to select an auditor that can provide service within fixed limits, and hopefully within a better timeframe. As we are a Tier 2 Charity, we must be audited each year.
Papers
The draft Minutes of the 2023 AGM are available here.
Other papers will be posted as soon as they are available.
May 2024 Survey Results
/in Association Meetings and EventsThis survey was sent out to members and past members to receive feedback for Soil & Health and OrganicNZ moving forward.
Please find a summary of the main findings. We have omitted specific comments to ensure the privacy of our respondees.
Please know that we are in the process of going through your suggestions and comments and we thank you for your time and input.
Regards,
The Soil & Health/OrganicNZ Team.
The following content is for members only, to become a member click here or if you are already a member, sign in here.
Special General Meeting – Saturday 4 May 2024, 10am to 12pm
/in Association Meetings and EventsThe Soil & Health Association of New Zealand held a Special General Meeting on Saturday 4th May to gauge members’ support for a new strategic vision. The meeting was held in Wellington, with those unable to attend in person attending via Zoom.
DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
The draft Minutes of the SGM can be found here.
FINANCIAL REPORT
The Financial Report presented to the SGM can be found here.
The meeting Agenda and Remits were as follows.
AGENDA
REMITS
1) That the Soil & Health Association re-register as an Incorporated Society under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: This motion is required in order for our new constitution to be registered with the Companies Office and Charities Services.
2) That the constitution be amended to include the following clause under ‘objects’: ‘To honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi’
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: This was raised at the 2023 AGM by members and National Council agrees this clause should be included.
3) That the revised constitution adopted by members at the 2023 AGM be adopted again
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: Purely procedural, in order to ensure there are no further hold-ups with this process. No further changes to the constitution are proposed with the exception of Remit #2 above.
4) That production of OrganicNZ cease until such time as it becomes financially viable.
Proposed by National Council
Rational: After extensive work to save the magazine over the last six months, and noting the current cashflow situation, there is no way production can continue.
5) That the membership fee be amended.
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: Since the membership fee was doubled last year we have seen membership rates continue to decline.
6) That an e-newsletter for members only be established
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: To help keep our members informed and up to date with our work and connected to the wider organic community.
7) That National Council be empowered to rationalise our web offerings if required
Proposed by National Council
Rationale: At present we maintain three websites: Soil & Health, OrganicNZ and Organic Week. National Council believes it needs to explore the feasibility of maintaining all of these and act accordingly once this process is completed.
Report of the 2023 AGM
/in Association Meetings and EventsThe 2023 AGM of the Soil & Health Association was held over Zoom on Saturday October 7th.
Draft Minutes
The draft Minutes of the 2023 AGM can be found here. Members who were present at the AGM may wish to suggest amendments to the Minutes, to be discussed and approved as final at the 2024 AGM.
Agenda
The Agenda was as follows:
Papers
The following papers were presented to the AGM:
Remits
The following remits were agreed upon at the meeting:
A copy of the Remits can be found here.
The draft Constitution can be found here.
Honorary Life Membership – Brendan Hoare
Members at the AGM ratified Brendan Hoare’s nomination as an Honorary Life Member of the Association, as agreed by the National Council.
The original nomination for Brendan’s life membership came from Philippa Jamieson and Marion Thomson.
Genetic Engineering Webinar: What do Consumers Want? Navigating GE Issues with Jon Carapiet
/in Association Meetings and Events, Campaigns, VideoOn 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