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.
Genetic Engineering Panel Discussion: Where are we at in Aotearoa New Zealand
/in Association Meetings and Events, Campaigns, VideoOn 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
Organic Week Aotearoa 2024 – Volunteer Regional Co-ordinators
/in Organic WeekOrganic Week is a national celebration of organic regenerative practices that promotes a healthier planet and community.
We are looking for people who are passionate about climate-positive agriculture and sustainability and love engaging with your local community and organising events – we want to hear from you.
Volunteer Job Description: Regional Coordinator
Organic Week 1-7 May 2024
Position summary:
As a Regional Coordinator for Organic Week 2024, you will play a pivotal role in promoting and celebrating organic practices within your local area. Your primary responsibilities will include recruiting and managing local volunteers, organising community events, and fostering partnerships with local organisations and businesses.
Responsibilities:
Requirements:
Benefits:
Time commitment:
This is a volunteer role with a flexible time commitment, varying depending on the scale of Organic Week events in your region. Expect to dedicate several hours per week leading up to and during Organic Week (April 1 – May 7).
If you are enthusiastic about organic regenerative farming as a solution to the climate crisis, community engagement, and making a positive environmental impact, we invite you to join us as a Regional Coordinator for Organic Week. Together, we can inspire Aotearoa New Zealand to embrace organic practices and celebrate the benefits of sustainable living.
How to register your interest
To register your interest in this incredible volunteer opportunity, please send your CV and a short letter explaining why you are interested in this role to Liz.Fenwick@soilandhealth.org.nz.
2023 AGM Remits
/in Association Meetings and EventsOn this page you can read about our one proposed remit and vote (scroll to the bottom to vote). For information about the AGM, AGM papers, and to register to attend, please visit our AGM page.
We have one remit, which is to adopt a revised constitution.
Remit to AGM: To Adopt the draft Constitution
Background
The Constitution has been drafted as a result of changes to the law regarding the Incorporated Societies Bill 2022. An opportunity has been taken to:
You can read the draft constitution here: soilandhealth.org.nz/FINAL-Draft-Constitution
Voting instructions
If you are a member of Soil and Health (including subscribers to OrganicNZ magazine), you can vote for or against our remit. Electronic voting will close 5pm Thursday 5 October. Alternatively, if you attend the AGM you may vote over Zoom.
Vote now
We may contact you regarding your vote. If your membership is not current, we will ask you to pay the relevant membership fee before your vote is counted.
Any queries please contact the returning officer: manager@organicnz.org.nz
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2023 Election of National Council
/in Association Meetings and EventsOn this page you can read about the candidates and vote (scroll to the bottom to vote). For information about the AGM, AGM papers, and to register to attend, please visit our AGM page.
National council comprises of up to seven members elected for two year terms. Barbara Collis and Charles Hyland are sitting councillors not due for re-election this year. Mike Palmers stepped down from council part way through their term, and Marion Wood is finishing their term at this AGM.
The following nominations have been received for the resulting five vacant positions on national council. Two positions remain vacant.
Candidate details
About Jenny Lux, MSc
Ngā mihi mahana, warm greetings, to the organic community in Soil & Health. I am the current Chairperson and am seeking re-election. I have been in this responsible role for only four months (having been on the council for 4 years), and in these recent times I have been steadily dealing with governance and management issues, building an amazing team of skilled staff, contractors and volunteers who will take Organic NZ magazine and our campaigns to the next level. I would like to have the chance to lead us into a collaborative and financially sound future, and to have an even better Organic Week in 2024. There are many challenges up ahead, financial and political, and we must work together to keep our Association strong and our message clear. Yes to organic growing everywhere! No to GE and pesticides! Yes to healthy soil, food, people, and climate!
About Kaitlyn Lamb
Kia ora ko Kaitlyn toku ingoa. Connection, and human, soil and ecosystem wellbeing (which is one interconnected health!) are a few of my passions. I am a compost encourager and an urban farmer from Rotorua, studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Canterbury. At the university I co-lead The UC Compost Club and grow kai at one of the halls of residence, at Ikigai Urban Farm. My dream is to set up an urban biodynamic market garden with localised composting in Rotorua.
Since February of this year, I have voluntarily been on the council to fill in an empty spot. I am now standing for council because I would like to develop my governance skills, learn from all the incredible humans on the council and make a positive difference to the health of the soil in Aotearoa. Everything that Soil & Health stands for, is what I deeply stand for.
About Rebecka Keeling
Rebecka shares her time between Slow Blooms flower farm in Matakana and a PR consultancy in Auckland City. A digital native who brings international experience in marketing and communications, and is passionate about practicing PR with a purpose.
She holds a degree from AUT in PR and Communications, as well as a New Zealand Certificate of Horticulture and a Permaculture Design Certificate. Also the co-founder of Permaculture Mahurangi, a freelance writer, and an outspoken advocate for produce grown locally, in its natural season, with care for the earth.
Rebecka is looking forward to supporting the Soil & Health Association in reaching more people with its important messages, while strengthening its profile in social as well as in traditional media. She has already been volunteering some time in 2023 to assist the current Soil & Health National Council.
Voting instructions
Each member may cast three votes, one each for the three vacancies on national council. You may only vote once for each candidate. The three candidates with the highest number of total votes will be declared elected. Even though we have fewer candidates than vacancies we still encourage you to vote. This ensures a strong mandate and support for these volunteers putting their hands up.
If you attend the AGM, you may vote over Zoom.
Alternatively, you can vote electronically by using the form below. E-voting will close at 5pm on Thursday 5 October.
Vote now
We may contact you regarding your vote. If your membership is not current, we will ask you to pay the relevant membership fee before your vote is counted.
Any queries please contact the returning officer: manager@organicnz.org.nz
2023 AGM of the Soil & Health Association
/in Association Meetings and EventsThe 2023 AGM will be held at 10am over Zoom on Saturday October 7th.
Save the Zoom link ahead of time: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85315336734
Register now
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Vote in the 2023 Election of National Council
Read about the candidates and vote here: soilandhealth.org.nz/association-meetings-and-events/2023-election-of-national-council
Electronic voting will close 5pm Thursday 5 October. If you attend the AGM as a member, you can vote on the day.
Agenda
A PDF of the AGM Agenda is available here. Please note that the previously advised agenda was amended on 4th October 2023.
Draft minutes
The draft minutes of the 2022 AGM are available here: Draft minutes of the 2022 AGM
Papers
The AGM papers are available below:
Remits
We have one remit, which is to adopt a revised constitution. To read more about the remit, and vote, see: soilandhealth.org.nz/association-meetings-and-events/2023-agm-remits/
Nomination for Honorary Life Membership – Brendan Hoare
Jenny Lux, Chair, would like to propose a motion that the members at the AGM ratify Brendan Hoare’s nomination as an Honorary Life Member of the Association, as agreed by the National Council. The motion is seconded by Barbara Collis, Treasurer.
The original nomination for Brendan’s life membership came from Philippa Jamieson and Marion Thomson.
The Soil & Health National Council consider Brendan a very worthy candidate of an Honorary Life Membership.
Brendan has had a long involvement in organics for well over 30 years. In particular, he has had a long and loyal association with Soil & Health, and he continues to take an active part in Soil & Health activities and direction.
Brendan’s organic involvement includes studying at the BHU under Bob Crowder, teaching organics at Unitec, organising Soil & Health conferences, and sitting on Soil & Health’s National Council for several years (including as the Association’s president). Brendan has been on the World Board of IFOAM, was CEO of OANZ for several years and has been involved with BioGro and OrganicFarmNZ. Brendan is also the Founding Director of Buy Pure New Zealand.
Organic regenerative farming needed to reduce climate change, not GE
/in Farming, Media Releases, OrganicsNew Zealand doesn’t need a loosening of GE regulation to combat climate change, it needs significant investment in organic, regenerative agriculture, says the Soil & Health Association.
Parliament recently passed the Organic Products and Production Act, with cross-party support. This should be a springboard to revolutionise our farming and exports, but making it easier to release GMOs into the environment will jeopardise that.
“By being GE-free, we’re far from ‘missing out.’ Being GE-free gives us a point of difference in the world market,” says Jenny Lux, Chair of Soil & Health.
“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.”
Obvious agricultural solutions to lower greenhouse gas emissions, such as reducing or eliminating synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, have not been implemented at scale. Now there’s a renewed focus on gene technologies, which are attractive to corporates and researchers because they can be patented and commercialised.
But GE has not yet lived up to the hope or the hype. The $25 million dollar New Zealand GE ryegrass trials have not yet yielded more dry matter than traditionally bred rye grasses. These would be grown in monocultures, or with only one or two other species, which is not good for long term soil health.
“It’s already been demonstrated that diverse, mixed species pastures reduce ruminant methane emissions, and are more resilient to climate extremes,” says Jenny Lux. “Organic regenerative farming methods are free for all farmers to adopt, and unsurprisingly, they’re not under any patents.”
Soil & Health urges all NZ political parties not to loosen regulations on GE in NZ, and instead to direct attention and funding towards expanding organic farming 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,” says Jenny Lux.
Our submission on the National Organic Standard
/in Campaigns, SubmissionsFollowing 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:
Special General Meeting – Saturday 3 June 2023, 10am to 12pm
/in Association Meetings and EventsThis meeting has been called by the Soil & Health National Council and is open to all members.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the priorities of the Association in the face of steep cost increases relating to Organic NZ magazine publishing, and an ongoing associated budget deficit.
National Council wants to inform and discuss with members the various challenges and options in front of Soil & Health. National Council is also formally proposing an increase to membership fees, to $90 per year. A change to membership fees requires a formal decision of the membership
The meeting is at 10am on Saturday 3 June. You can register below:
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Agenda
Background information and papers
What is the situation?
Soil & Health is a charitable incorporated society that provides education and advocacy on soil fertility and organics, and publishes Organic NZ magazine. We have a small staff team and a number of contractors, supported by a voluntary National Council representing members.
The Soil & Health Association has had a structural deficit in it’s finances for several years. This is because magazine cost increases such as paper and postage have not been covered by an increase in revenue. Recently the deficit has been masked by the receipt of two large bequests, and by grant funding received during Covid-19. However the deficit has now reached a point where action must be taken.
What has National Council done so far?
National Council have considered options to reduce the deficit over multiple meeting in recent months. These are outlined in the timeline below.
Papers associated with this process are attached:
December 2022 – “Soil & Health current investments and functions“
December 2022 – “Soil & Health Dec 2022 Budget Presentation.”
March 2022 – “Interim approved budget” – note this includes tabs showing budget with 4 issues of the magazine, and budget with 6 issues but a raised fee.
Why have we called an SGM?
National Council have determined that a discussion with the wider membership is the wisest next step. Any change to our functions or structure have major consequences. For example, reducing the magazine frequency is the simplest way to reduce costs but it risks creating a negative trend in our readership and membership.
National Council considers that keeping the magazine at six issues per year is ideal, but is currently not affordable. As an interim measure the Council has therefore approved a status quo budget for the 2023-4 year, which will be reviewed as soon as possible after this SGM.
Increasing the membership fee is considered to be inevitable due to rising costs. The last time the membership fee was increased was in 2019, when the price went from $45 to $55. It is now time to look again at the fees and ask what is the correct level. Part and parcel of the proposal to increase the fee is a recognition of Soil & Health as more than just a magazine. This means we should be setting our membership fee at a sustainable level for the Association to do its work, rather than benchmarking against other magazine subscription prices.
What are the priorities for Soil & Health?
Producing Organic NZ is currently the major activity of Soil & Health as it takes most of the financial resources and person-hours.
We would like to develop other functions such as: increased events and member community-building, advocacy and campaigns, and engagement with local and central government. However resourcing for these functions either has to come from voluntary effort or by diverting existing financial investment or person-hours.
Discussing these options with the wider membership is part of the purpose for this Special General Meeting.
Letter to Ministers and MPs: Seizing the opportunities of organic regenerative farming
/in Campaigns, Soil4Climate, SubmissionsA 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:
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?
/in Association Meetings and Events, Campaigns, Freshwater, VideoAbout 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.