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1. Soil & Health Press Releases

Endosulfan: An appalling ‘proposed’ insecticide decision by ERMA: Posted on 30-06-2008 A gender bender (endocrine disruptor) insecticide banned in 55 countries with residues found in Antarctica, breast milk and New Zealand tomatoes looks set to have continued use in New Zealand following an ERMA reassessment.
Highly toxic Endosulfan found in lettuce, strawberries, courgettes: Posted on 13-05-2008 Endosulfan, already banned in 56 countries because of its high toxicity and environmental persistence, has been nominated by the European Union for a global ban under the Stockholm Convention.
Wellington Regional Council’s independence compromised: Posted on 21-04-2008 Toxic methyl bromide gas again wafted out from under a huge tarpaulin on Wellington’s waterfront under dangerous conditions last night from the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) majority owned CentrePort.
Get diet drinks out of our schools!: Posted on 16-04-2008 A petition requesting the removal of all products containing aspartame and other artificial sweeteners from schools will be presented to parliament on Thursday 17 April at 12.15pm. Free Phoenix drinks without aspartame will be distributed at the petition presentation on the parliamentary forecourt.
Review shows that NZ is not ready for GE production - time for Organics to lead the way: Posted on 16-04-2008 The Review of the Forty-Nine Recommendations of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification released today by Sustainable Future, reinforces the deep concerns recently expressed by the Soil & Health Association of NZ about GE decision making and field tests.
New GE onions trial a waste of resources: Posted on 11-04-2008 Crop & Food’s application for a new, riskier field trial of genetically engineered (GE) onions, plus shallots, spring onions, garlic and leeks is a waste of resources and expertise and will receive widespread public opposition, according to the Soil & Health Association of NZ.
Euthanase GE animals, don’t create more!: Posted on 11-04-2008 An application by AgResearch to trial many different genetically engineered animal types in its laboratories and farms is an ugly step in the wrong direction for brand New Zealand’s clean green 100% Pure image, according to the Soil & Health Association.
Food safety review lacks true independence: Posted on 27-03-2008 Soil & Health is concerned that the review of some New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s (NZFSA) decisions including A1-A2 milk, artificial sweetener aspartame and campylobacter, lacks the independence required.
GE brassica planting possibly illegal: Posted on 18-03-2008 Soil & Health is alarmed that Crop & Food has planted genetically engineered brassicas ahead of the March 31 Wellington High Court appeal against the ERMA decision granting permission last year.
Rotorua GE Tree Trial remains an environmental threat: Posted on 16-03-2008 The GE tree field trial at Rotorua, run by Crown research institute Scion, has an increasing risk of spreading GE pollen.
New Zealand's Fast Forward must be organic: Posted on 12-03-2008 Yesterday’s government announcement of a new fund called New Zealand Fast Forward of $700 million for future research, development and innovation in the pastoral and food industries has overlooked the obvious need for organics.
Wellington’s Regional Council compromising air safety again: Posted on 11-03-2008 Several hundred kilograms of toxic methyl bromide gas were released into Wellington air from Port Wellington late Tuesday, according to the Soil & Health Association. Conditions were wild with a wind of about 50 knots that had tarpaulins meant to contain the gas, flapping and tearing.
Soil & Health boosts Methyl Bromide protest: Posted on 04-03-2008 Soil & Health today joined with Green Party members including MP Sue Kedgley, Greenpeace, and student protestors outside Wellington’s CentrePort log yard to alert morning commuters to the use of methyl bromide there.
Wellington’s air quality safety agencies are dangerously misleading: Posted on 29-02-2008 Failure by Greater Wellington Regional Council, CentrePort and the Department of Labour to detect toxic methyl bromide gas at CentrePort’s Port Wellington boundary on Tuesday shows that monitoring is inadequate, according to the Soil & Health Association.
Wellington’s toxic gas plume headed to Oriental Parade: Posted on 26-02-2008 Large volume toxic methyl bromide fumigation continued this morning at Wellington’s CentrePort with the cruise ship Statendam berthed today 140 metres north of the fumigation site.
ALERT !! Wellington’s air to be poisoned Sunday & Monday: Posted on 24-02-2008 Soil & Health has been told by the Greater Wellington Regional Council that log fumigation using methyl bromide is to be carried out this weekend at Port Wellington.
MAF Biosecurity choking on the truth: Posted on 18-02-2008 Soil & Health is alarmed at the collusion between government agencies that is being displayed in their damage control efforts, following serious breaches of the trial of genetically engineered pine trees near Rotorua.
Organic farming is the clean green solution: Posted on 14-02-2008 Organic farming is the truly sustainable solution to our dirty record in agriculture, says the Soil and Health Association, in response to the recently released 2007 State of the Environment Report.
Wellington’s methyl bromide log fumigation must stop immediately: Posted on 06-02-2008 The Soil & Health Association is appalled that large volumes of highly toxic methyl bromide gas from fumigation of export logs is being vented across Wellington’s Westpac stadium, cruise ships, ferries, Marae, schools, Wellington Railway Station, and Parliament Buildings.
Failure in GE tree reporting may bring tears to Crop & Food’s onion trial: Posted on 05-02-2008 State-owned GE tree researcher Scion has been negligent in its reporting, as has GE trial auditor MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, and the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) may have been complicit in this, the Soil & Health Association has discovered.
GE Tree trial breach shows institutional contradictions: Posted on 16-01-2008 The Soil & Health Association hopes that Biosecurity NZ’s investigation of last weekend’s security fence breach and cutting down of genetically engineered (GE) trees at Rotorua, will lead to far more rigorous controls and compliance checks at the Scion GE tree field trial.
Christmas is over Scion, take the GE trees down: Posted on 13-01-2008 “Scion appears unable to manage its genetic engineering tree experiments to meet the requirements of its ERMA consent, so like any Christmas trees, their time is up,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.
Ditch the Diet Coke, the facts are out: Posted on 21-12-2007 True Independence Needed For NZFSA Aspartame Review. The Soil & Health Association of NZ is impressed with the Phoenix Organics ‘Think Before You Drink’ anti-aspartame campaign and their bringing into the public arena the shonky science and politics behind the approval of the artificial sweetener.
Aspartame research needed, not Coca-Cola’s soft sell: Posted on 26-11-2007 The Soil & Health Association is calling for open and independent research into how widespread the effects of the artificial sweetener aspartame are on the health and well-being of New Zealanders, following last week’s admission by the Ministry of Health that there were links to adverse effects.
NZFSA A2 spin just tip of iceberg: Posted on 10-10-2007 The Soil & Health Association of NZ wants to see dramatic changes to New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s (NZFSA) focus, following the further evidence of its communications spin supporting large food industry interests.
Urgent need for Methyl Bromide moratorium: Posted on 08-10-2007 The Soil & Health Association of NZ is calling for an urgent moratorium on methyl bromide gas fumigation in New Zealand, following TV3’s 60 Minutes feature on the health risks of the gas at Picton and Port Nelson. Both ports use methyl bromide for fumigation of export timber, sawn timber at Nelson and logs at Picton’s Shakespeare Bay.
Sustainable wine growing is not clean or green enough: Posted on 04-10-2007 The Soil & Health Association is concerned that key wine industry figures are fudging the reality of herbicide use and environmental protection in Marlborough. Soil & Health recommends faster moves to organic production.
Marlborough vineyard herbicide use now touching 70% soil coverage: Posted on 20-09-2007 The Soil & Health Association is calling for Sustainable Wine Growing to lift its game, as close to 70% of Marlborough’s grape growing area is currently herbicide sprayed,” said spokesperson Steffan Browning. “No wonder the industry changed its marketing strategy away from ‘The Riches Of a Clean Green Land.’”
NZFSA used in aspartame propaganda: Posted on 10-09-2007 “The Soil & Health Association is appalled that Japanese aspartame manufacturer Ajinomoto is using statements by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) in promotional material that supports poor research to medical professionals,” said spokesperson Steffan Browning.
Picton’s toxic gas use needs complete ban: Posted on 06-09-2007 Cancellation by Port Marlborough of an export log shipment from Picton that was due to be fumigated with toxic methyl bromide comes as good news for the Soil & Health Association.
Landcorp behind the times on organics: Posted on 03-09-2007 Landcorp’s resistance to organic production flies in the face of truth, sustainability and competitive advantage, according to Soil & Health Association spokesperson Steffan Browning.
Clopyralid, a great start to ridding supermarkets of agrichemicals: Posted on 22-08-2007 The Soil & Health Association welcomes the removal by ERMA of the selective herbicide clopyralid from retail sale, and now wants all retail sales of agrichemicals reassessed.
Food Safety Authority continues to shoot the messenger: Posted on 22-08-2007
Formaldehyde in diet coke more dangerous than chinese pyjamas: Posted on 21-08-2007 Formaldehyde is one of the synthetic sweetener aspartame's by products, and is an even greater health threat than formaldehyde in imported clothing according to Soil & Health.
NZFSA fails food test, bring on the organics: Posted on 16-08-2007 “NZFSA should reduce the spin it puts in its pesticide residue results and admit that it is pure good luck to find pesticide and heavy metal residue free food,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.
1080 A Dirty Green Poison: Posted on 13-08-2007 The decision by ERMA to allow ongoing aerial drops of 1080 for possum control leaves no real incentive for operators in so-called ‘clean green’ New Zealand to find an alternative, according to the Soil & Health Association.
Soil & Health applauds pause on high lysine corn: Posted on 05-08-2007
Aspartame: an inconvenient truth: Posted on 05-08-2007 Groups campaigning about the dangers of the artificial sweetener aspartame are disappointed that the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is shooting the messenger rather than listening to the message.
NZFSA and New Zealand Nutrition Foundation short on credibility: Posted on 03-08-2007 “It is time people retired or were fired from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) so New Zealanders might be given independent and reliable information about food safety,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning today, adding that, “the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation was also a food industry mouthpiece lacking credibility.”
Toxins OK for Kiwi kids but not for export beef?: Posted on 01-08-2007 The Soil & Health Association supports the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s (NZFSA) tracing and successful prosecution of a farmer who misused the neurotoxic insecticide endosulphan on cattle, and now Soil & Health wants NZFSA to take the neurotoxic artificial sweetener aspartame out of schools.
School Test: Dump the Diet Coke.: Posted on 31-07-2007 Soil & Health wants schools to try a 60-day diet beverage and sugar-free gum break to test for pupil behaviour improvement. Diet and sugar-free products often contain the neurotoxin aspartame.
GE food safety tests not up to scratch: Posted on 22-07-2007 Another GE corn has been recommended to be approved as safe for human consumption by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. But the food safety trials used were flawed,and new ones need to be developed, according to the Soil & Health Association. The high lysine corn (LY038) was compared not with regular corn, as should be the case, but with another variety of GE corn, on the basis that this was already approved.
NZFSA refuses to meet Betty Martini: Posted on 19-07-2007 The Soil & Health Association and Safe Food Campaign are calling for the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) to meet with visiting aspartame expert Dr Betty Martini.
Successful Therapeutics Campaign needs to push further: Posted on 17-07-2007 The success of the community in stalling the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill needs to be extended to rolling back Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) decisions allowing risky additives in food, according to the Soil & Health Association.
Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill’s demise would be sweeter with the demise of Aspartame: Posted on 13-07-2007 United States veteran Aspartame activist Betty Martini’s arrival next Tuesday in New Zealand should be a natural sweetener.
Time to ban aerial spraying here too: Posted on 06-07-2007 COMBINED MEDIA RELEASE: Pesticide Action Network Aotearoa NZ, Soil & Health Association, Safe Food Campaign
“Congratulations to the European Union for their enlightened approach to protecting human health and the environment by progressing plans to ban aerial spraying of pesticides”.
New editor at Organic NZ: Posted on 05-07-2007 New Zealand’s leading magazine on organics and sustainable living, Organic NZ, has a new editor.
Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill Rethink Time: Posted on 22-06-2007 Community opposition to the Bill remains very high, and Soil & Health has received 1600 signatures through a modest appeal to members and friends over the last two weeks. Thousands have signed other petitions and hundreds attended last weekend’s Auckland rally against the TPMB.
Picton’s toxic gas use lacks consent: Posted on 21-06-2007 Methyl bromide fumigation at ports around New Zealand needs urgent reassessment, according to the Soil & Health Association, following the Marlborough District Council’s refusal to require their Port Company to apply for resource consent to discharge the toxic gas to the Picton environment.
Former Crop & Food Scientist says GE Brassica field test approval lacked scrutiny: Posted on 30-05-2007 A former Crop & Food GE scientist, Dr Elvira Dommisse, said today that proper scrutiny by ERMA of evidence would have prioritised the need for food studies over fund-wasting field trials.
GE brassica decision lacks justification: Posted on 28-05-2007 Today’s Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) decision approving a Crop and Food application to field trial brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and forage kale) genetically engineered with a toxin derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt), lacks justification in New Zealand’s new era of sustainability, and is full of contradictions, according to Soil & Health’s spokesperson Steffan Browning.
Organic Means Certified Organic: Posted on 23-05-2007 Soil & Health is celebrating that the Fair Trading Act is being interpreted to mean that products called organic should be certified organic, following the release last night of Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s Review Report, again recommending the introduction of folic acid fortification to all but organic bread.
MAF dinosaurs must stop robbing sustainability budgets: Posted on 18-05-2007 Soil & Health welcomes the budget initiatives around true environmental sustainability announced yesterday, including the household sustainability programme and the public recycling scheme, and the $800 million investment quoted by Environment Minister Benson-Pope, “to take a big step towards New Zealand becoming the world’s first truly sustainable nation”.
Improved market access good for NZ sustainability: Posted on 22-04-2007 Soil & Health is grateful for the efforts of New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) staff in supporting BioGro New Zealand’s drive for better access for New Zealand organic produce into the demanding Japanese market.
Food tests before field tests: Posted on 16-04-2007 Soil & Health is calling for more integration of environmental and food safety analysis on GE and pesticide applications, following last weeks Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) Bt Brassica hearing.
Yes to Organic Exemption from Mandatory Folic Acid Fortification: Posted on 03-04-2007 The Soil & Health Association is pleased that efforts to have organic bread exempted from mandatory fortification with folic acid appear to be successful.
Breast cancer pesticide to be reassessed this year: Posted on 26-03-2007 The reassessment of a pesticide linked with cancer is great news, according to the Safe Food Campaign, Pesticide Action Network Aotearoa and Soil and Health Association. The three groups all commend today’s announcement by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) to give priority to the reassessment of endosulfan this year.
Withdraw GE and apologise FSANZ (Food Safety Australia New Zealand): Posted on 20-03-2007 Soil & Health wants a ban on seed imports of alfalfa, soy, corn & maize, as well as GE foodstuffs, from the USA and other GE producing countries, following shonky environmental and food safety appraisals by overseas agencies coming to light.
$2.1 million Organics Advisory Service Launch: Posted on 13-03-2007 The Soil & Health Association welcomes the launch of the Green Party initiated $2.1 million Organic Advisory Program, and sees the program as part of New Zealand’s aim of being a truly sustainable nation.
NZ needs a clean seed industry: Posted on 04-02-2007 NZ needs a clean seed industry, not slack border staff says Soil & Health.
Ban Breast Cancer Pesticide: Posted on 30-01-2007 A joint media release from the Safe Food Campaign, Pesticide Action Network, Soil & Health and the Breast Cancer Network.
Dirty Food Technologies: Posted on 22-01-2007 Time for Government to Pull Up NZ’s Slide into Dirty Food Technologies says Soil & Health.
NZ doesn’t need dirty sweet corn: Posted on 03-12-2006 Following the latest GE seed border incursion, the Soil and Health Association of New Zealand is once again calling for a stop to imports of sweet corn and maize seed, until absolute certainty of nil GE contamination is achieved.
Organic Farming Offsets Food Miles: Posted on 02-11-2006 Organic farming offers solutions to the current food miles debate. Not only that, but it leads the way in low energy farming, and will help New Zealand reach its carbon neutral targets, according to the Soil & Health Association.
Brassica trial crazy: Posted on 01-11-2006 Crop & Food’s intended GE Brassica field trial is even crazier than their existing GE onion trial, according to Soil & Health, and move in the opposite direction to the Prime Ministers sustainability vision.
PMs Sustainability Vision most important statement for some time.: Posted on 30-10-2006 The Soil & Health Association congratulates Prime Minister Helen Clark for the vision of New Zealand being the world’s first truly sustainable nation.
An organic exemption from folic? Could be.: Posted on 27-10-2006 The Soil & Health Association is thrilled that there is to be a review of the decision to mandatorily fortify bread with folic acid.
Let Us Spray: Posted on 25-10-2006 As further exposed in Monday’s TV3 Let Us Spray documentary, the clear links between 2-4 5 T and 2-4-D manufacture and use, and spina bifida and other tragic deformities, show a need for a quick conversion by mainstream agriculture to organic production.
Consumer Choice with Folic Acid: Posted on 16-10-2006 Soil & Health and Organic Bakers & Millers Call for Consumer Choice - Media Release.
Animal Welfare Spin is Cruel Talk: Posted on 19-09-2006 Federated Farmers President Charlie Pederson’s spin on caged animal welfare is cruel talk, when there are far more humane options available according to Soil & Health. Mr Pederson was commenting on battery farming of poultry and pigs on TV3's 'The Killing Fields' 60 Minutes program last night.
Government call for Consumer Choice ignored by FSANZ: Posted on 13-09-2006 Soil & Health is appalled at the lack of consumer choice from Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) mandatory folic acid fortification of bread proposal released on Friday evening. The proposal is for effectively all bread to have synthetic folic acid added.
Mass Medication not on says Soil & Health: Posted on 31-07-2006 The Soil & Health Association is calling for certified organic foods to be exempt from any possible mandatory food fortification schemes.

2. Submissions & Campaign Information

Submissions Against GE Brassicas: Posted on 08-12-2006 Soil & Health urges its members to make a submission on GE application to ERMA by 12 December 2006.
Members' respond about Folic Acid: Posted on 19-10-2006 Response from members of S&H about the proposal for mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid.
Soil & Health submission on Mandatory Fortification of Iodine in bread: Posted on 19-09-2006 Submission to FSANZ.
Hi-cane Decision & S&H Summary: Posted on 01-08-2006
S&H submission to FSANZ re Folic Acid: Posted on 31-07-2006 Submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand re: PROPOSAL FOR MANDATORY FORTIFICATION WITH FOLIC ACID
S&H submission regarding GE lucerne/alfalfa: Posted on 30-07-2006 Soil & Health submission to Biosecurity NZ about GE lucerne/alfalfa.

3. Organic Sector Press Releases

The Ecological "Fishprint": Posted on 16-11-2006 Marine Protected Areas, Reduced Seafood Consumption and More Responsible Seafood Choices Needed to Replenish Oceans. New analysis of humanity's Ecological "Fishprint" finds oceans dangerously overfished but identifies ways to reverse the impact.
Demand for organic dairy products is booming: Posted on 03-11-2006 Profits prove that that organic dairy production is better for both for farmers and the environment. Organic Dairy Producers Group.
US inquiry into fertility: Posted on 02-11-2006 Fertile Grounds for Inquiry: Environmental Effects on Human Reproduction. Story from the American National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences about research into the impact of environmental substances on pregnancy (or lack of it).
NZ's GE-Free status at risk: Posted on 31-10-2006 An application to field test genetically engineered broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and forage kale must not proceed, the Green Party says.
Greens welcome six-month folate reprieve: Posted on 26-10-2006 Consumers have been given a reprieve with the announcement of a six-month delay of a final decision on the fortification of all bread with folic acid, Green Party Health and Safe Food Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.
BFA calls for consumer choice: Posted on 20-10-2006 Biological Farmers of Australia calls for consumer choice with regards to folic acid.
Greens call for folate exemption: Posted on 15-10-2006 Greens call for folate exemption for organic breads - Media Release
Environment Policies to Review Climate Change Impacts: Posted on 15-10-2006 Media release attached, summarising the annual State of the Nation's Environment address at Lincoln University. This year's lecture was presented by Hugh Logan, Chief Executive, Ministry for the Environment.
IFOAM Tackling Frequent Attacks Against Organics: Posted on 10-10-2006 IFOAM is building on the development of the Principles of Organic Agriculture through several activities aimed at advocating for and defending the Principles.
WHO irresponsible promoting DDT: Posted on 27-09-2006 Media release from the Pesticide Action Network Aotearoa and Safe Food Campaign
Chicken carnage revealed in MAF report - Green Party media release: Posted on 20-09-2006 A report prepared for MAF that purports to show chickens are relatively well treated in New Zealand broiler farms actually indicates some 3 million chickens die per year as a result of the appalling conditions in which they are forced to spend their brief lives, Green Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.
NZ not doing a whole lot for ozone - Green Party media release: Posted on 18-09-2006 Saturday 16 September was International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer but New Zealand should not be too quick to celebrate its efforts as it is emitting more methyl bromide, a powerful ozone depleting substance, than it was 10 years ago, the Green Party says.
It's time for ecological tax reform - Green Party Press Release: Posted on 18-09-2006 The rising tide of evidence about climate change shows why the Government's Business Tax Review must consider ecological tax reform and stop ignoring the environment, says the Green Party, in releasing its submission to the Review.
An Inconvenient Truth a call for action - Green Party media release: Posted on 14-09-2006 Once all New Zealand gets to see Al Gore's film 'An Inconvenient Truth' climate change deniers will no longer be able to ignore the issues, the Green Party says.
Folate decision fails consumers - Green Party Media Release: Posted on 11-09-2006 Plans to fortify all bread sold in New Zealand with a synthetic form of folate will deny consumer choice and fails to address questions about potential adverse health effects, the Green Party says.
Animal suffering on the rise: Posted on 05-09-2006 Media release from Green Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson Sue Kedgley
Here comes the sun - Green Party Media Release: Posted on 01-09-2006 Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation and Green Party MP Jeanette Fitzsimons today released a discussion document setting out ideas for a new programme to increase the use of solar water heating and is interested in receiving feedback from those in the industry and members of the public.
How green is the Oslo Conference on an African Green Revolution?: Posted on 31-08-2006 IFOAM Media Release. The Oslo Conference, organized in response to a call for action made by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in 2004, is pushing for the adoption of unsustainable agricultural practices in an effort to rapidly increase farm production, which threatens traditional farming practices throughout Africa.
1st IFOAM Conference on Animals in Organic Production Advances Global Organic Livestock Sector: Posted on 27-08-2006 St. Paul, Minnesota, August 27th 2006 - From August 23rd to 25th, over 250 of the world's leading organic livestock experts from 24 countries joined together for the 1st IFOAM International Conference on Animals in Organic Production at the University of Minnesota's Continuing Education and Conference Center.
Buy Kiwi-Made programme on track: Posted on 11-08-2006 Media Statement from Sue Bradford - Government Spokesperson on Buy Kiwi-Made
Climate Change Minister: Let's start with measures people understand: Posted on 10-08-2006 Climate Change Minister Hon David Parker says he wants to build a comprehensive and durable consensus as part of the climate change policy development process. Policies will affect all communities throughout New Zealand, he says, in this speech to New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development members.
You don't want GM foods? Too bad: Posted on 30-07-2006 From the www.telegraph.co.uk website. Written by Michael Meacher - MP is a former UK environment minister
Speech to Solar Industries Association AGM: Posted on 28-07-2006 Jeanette Fitzsimons - Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency. Speech to Solar Industries Association AGM
Government chickens out on battery cages: Posted on 26-07-2006 The Government has chickened out and crossed the road on imposing tougher measures for more humane conditions for layer hens, Green Party MP Sue Kedgley says.
GE Free Northland submission on Lucerne: Posted on 25-07-2006 Submission to Biosecurity NZ about Lucerne/Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (potential GE contamination).
Levin Branch Newsletter - July 2006: Posted on 21-07-2006 ORGANIC GROWING NEWS - Newsletter No 230, July 2006
IFOAM is First to be Compliant with the ISEAL Standards Setting Code: Posted on 20-07-2006 Bonn, July 20th 2006 — The International Social and Environmental Labeling Alliance (ISEAL) has declared that IFOAM is fully compliant with ISEAL’s Code of Good Practice for Setting Social and Environmental Standards, and is the first ISEAL member to achieve this status.
ORGANIC BYTES #87 - Health, Justice and Sustainability News Tidbits with an Edge!: Posted on 20-07-2006 Written and edited by Craig Minowa and Ronnie Cummins
BioGro Response to Charlie Pederson: Posted on 19-07-2006 Statement from BioGro New Zealand - Response to Charlie Pederson
Submission on GE & lucerne/alfalfa seed imports to Biosecurity NZ: Posted on 14-07-2006 Soil & Health is concerned at the risks of GE contamination to organic production from seed imported into New Zealand and requests that Biosecurity NZ maintains a strong stance to negate that risk. Soil & Health supports the setting up of an effective protocol that will ensure New Zealand gardeners and primary producers do not have to deal with issues of GE contamination.
Climate change issue so big it needs cross party deal - NZBCSD: Posted on 05-07-2006 Business wants the Government to strive for cross-party agreement on a long term approach to managing the huge climate change issues facing the country. The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development – whose 51 members’ turnover equates to 28% of the gross domestic product – says the Government is doing a lot of sensible things in the work programmes outlined in its “way forward” on climate change. There will be no rush for a quick fix that could unravel at the next election.
Organic Agriculture Contributes to Food Security and Rural Development in Africa: Posted on 04-07-2006 Thiès, Senegal, June 28th 2006 — The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) today presented diverse and effective examples of how Organic Agriculture contributes to Food Security and Rural Development in Africa. African press, leaders and representatives from NGOs, the FAO, the World Bank and national dignitaries witnessed the potential of Organic Agriculture.
Consumer Right to Know Bill defeated: Posted on 03-07-2006 Many thanks to every person who sent an email or signed a postcard in support of my Consumer Right to Know (Food Labelling) Bill which would have required all GE ingredients in food to be labelled, mandatory country of origin labelling, labelling of eggs as to whether they come from caged, free range or barn raised hens, and the disclosure of veterinary, pesticide and other residues in food. I am sorry to say that the bill was defeated by the opposition of the National Party and the Labour Party - although it was supported by New Zealand First, United Future, ACT and the Maori Party as well as the Greens.
Levin Branch newsletter - June 2006: Posted on 20-06-2006 The Levin Branch of the Soil & Health Association Newsletter for June 2006.
World Day to Combat Desertification: IFOAM Encourages the Adoption of Organic Agriculture: Posted on 19-06-2006 Bonn, Germany, June 19th 2006 - Ten years after the ratification of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the World Day to Combat Desertification - June 17 - has again come and gone without any significant media coverage. Recognizing that seventy percent of the world's drylands are currently degraded and in the process of desertification, the situation is indeed dire. IFOAM encourages farmers worldwide to adopt organic agriculture methods, governments to integrate investment and support for organic agriculture in their UNCCD National Action Programs (NAPs), and denounces the abuse of water by corporations in industrial agricultural systems.
Consumer Right To Know (Food Labelling) Bill - 1st Reading Parliament: Posted on 14-06-2006 Consumer Right To Know (Food Labelling) Bill - 1st Reading Parliament, 14 June 2006 by author of the bill, Sue Kedgley MP. This bill should be supported by every party in this House because it is a bill about the basic democratic right of every New Zealander to know what is in the food they eat and where it comes from.
Corn which could cause diabetes on the brink of release in NZ says Green Party: Posted on 13-06-2006 A type of corn due to be approved for use in New Zealand if a draft recommendation by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is followed could have serious health implications for New Zealanders, the Green Party says.
Africa Fertilizer Summit Poses Deep Concern to IFOAM: Posted on 08-06-2006 Bonn, Germany, June 8th 2006 — The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) questions the purpose and goal of the Africa Fertilizer Summit and expresses its concern. The Summit takes place from June 9th – 13th in Abuja, Nigeria.
First IFOAM International Conference on Animals in Organic Production: Posted on 08-06-2006 Bonn, Germany, June 8th 2006 - From August 23-25, 2006, the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus will be the international epicenter for organic livestock producers and researchers, when the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) holds the first-ever international conference on organic livestock.
EM & Nature Farming Newsletter - May 2006: Posted on 06-06-2006 Includes a review of a very successful international seminar which was held at Lincoln on Effective Microorganism (EM) Technology.
Consumer Right to Know Campaign: Posted on 31-05-2006 It is now less than two weeks until Sue Kedgley's Bill, the Consumer's Right to Know (Food Information) Bill will receive its first reading in Parliament. Whether it then proceeds to a select committee for deliberation depends on support from other parties, in particular the National Party. Sue is urging you, in these last few days, to contact National MPs and let them know that you support my Consumer Right to Know (Food Information) Bill, because you want to know what is in your food and where it comes from.
Bio News - May 2006: Posted on 31-05-2006 BioNews - Email Edition May 2006 News from BioGro New Zealand Ltd
Incentives needed to stop pollution from dairy run-off: Posted on 31-05-2006 Dairy farmers should be congratulated for performing well above targets when it comes to keeping stock out of waterways, but further action is needed to control damaging nutrient and fertiliser runoff to protect streams and rivers from pollution, the Green Party says.
Survey shows consumers want better food labelling: Posted on 28-05-2006 There is overwhelming support amongst consumers for better GE labelling and for country of origin labelling according to a survey conducted by independent research company ConsumerLink for the Green Party.
New CEO announced at BioGro.: Posted on 24-05-2006 BioGro is very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michelle Glogau to the position of Chief Executive Officer.
Levin Branch newsletter: Posted on 24-05-2006 ORGANIC GROWING NEWS. LEVIN BRANCH of the NZ Soil & Health Association. Newsletter No 228, May 2006.
First IFOAM Conference on Animals in Organic Production.: Posted on 16-05-2006 The First IFOAM International Conference on Animals in Organic Production. University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul, MN, USA. August 23rd- 25th 2006.
Soil & Heath congratulates new Executive Director at OANZ: Posted on 16-05-2006 The Soil & Health Association congratulates Ken Shirley on his appointment as Executive Director for Organics Aotearoa New Zealand.
Wal-Mart Wants to Sell More Organic Food: Posted on 15-05-2006 Wal-Mart wants to sell more organic food — and because of its size and clout, Wal-Mart usually gets what it wants.
Chewing Over the Benefits of Organics: Posted on 15-05-2006 If you're prepared to - or are preparing to - fork out the extra cash and go organic in your eating, it may be what you're not paying for that will do you the most good. Pesticides, for example.
Funding Set Aside for Buy Kiwi-Made Programme in Budget 2006: Posted on 15-05-2006 Funding of $11.5 million will be made available over the next three years to fund a Buy Kiwi-Made programme, Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard and Government Spokesperson for Buy Kiwi-Made Sue Bradford announced today.
Soil & Health submission on Hydrogen Cyanamide: Posted on 15-05-2006 Submission on behalf of The Soil & Health Assocciation of New Zealand Inc to the ERMA reassessment of hydrogen cyanamide.
Cruel Hen Cages Move Closer to Phase-out: Posted on 09-05-2006 Hens have now been given a better chance to live out their egg-laying lives within more humane conditions, Green Party MP Sue Kedgley said.
First IFOAM Conference on Organic Wild Production an Impressive Success: Posted on 05-05-2006 The First IFOAM Conference on Organic Wild Production created greater awareness and understanding of organic wild production. The conference has demonstrated unequivocally the worldwide interest in sustainable wild collection.
Oil Prices & Strategy - Green Party Questions 2 May 06: Posted on 03-05-2006 Questions to the Prime Minister from the Green Party during question time in Parliament - 2 May 2006 - with respect to oil issues and NZ's preparedness for change.
Biodynamic Association welcomes funding for organic advisory service: Posted on 02-05-2006 The Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association welcomes the $2.2m funding provided by the Government for an organic advisory service, following its cooperation agreement with the Green Party.
Farmers to get $2.2 million help to go organic - Green Party Media Release: Posted on 26-04-2006 Farmers wanting to go organic will soon find it easier thanks to a $2.2 million three-year funding programme for an organics advisory service that will provide research and advice to farmers converting to organic production. The announcement was made in Wellington today by Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton and Green Party Organics spokesperson Sue Kedgley.
OANZ thanks Government for Advisory Services Funding: Posted on 26-04-2006 Doug Voss chair of Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) today thanked the Minister of Agriculture Jim Anderton, and the Green Party for their joint agreement to fund an organics advisory service.
Advisory Funding Could Be A Catalyst: Posted on 26-04-2006 Today’s announced funding for an Organics Advisory Service is another small but very positive step forward by this Government towards the development of organics, says Soil and Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.
BioGro welcomes funding for advisory service: Posted on 26-04-2006 The announcement by Agriculture Minister, Jim Anderton, of the Green Party initiated Advisory Service comes close on the heels of BioGro’s first three Certified Consultants being announced, said BioGro Chair Derek Broadmore.
Soil & Health applauds Fair Food Labelling Bill: Posted on 13-04-2006 Soil & Health is optimistic that Sue Kedgley’s Consumers Right to Know (Food Information) Bill drawn last week from the Parliamentary ballot will answer many of Soil & Health’s food labelling concerns.
Organic Advisory Service & R&D - your help is wanted: Posted on 13-04-2006 Invitation to Participate in a workshop to help with the design of an Organic Advisory Service & R&D framework for New Zealand.
Greens survey shows labels keep consumers in the dark: Posted on 12-04-2006 A Green Party supermarket survey of 450 food items has highlighted the urgent need for improved labelling, Green MP Sue Kedgley says. The survey found that GE ingredients in food are not declared on labels; that there is no indication of where most fresh items such as meat come from and that many labels are misleading or confusing.
The Consumer's Right to Know (Food Information) Bill: Posted on 12-04-2006 Sue Kedgley's bill, the Consumer's Right to Know (Food Information) Bill, has been selected from the parliamentary ballot box and is due for its first reading in Parliament in the next few months. It will enshrine in law for the first time in New Zealand the concept that consumers have a right to know what is in their food and where it comes from. I hope you will support it by writing to/emailing or telephoning MP's to tell them that you strongly support this bill and hope they will support it going to Select Committee.
Levin Branch newsletter - April 2006: Posted on 10-04-2006 ORGANIC GROWING NEWS Newsletter No 227, April 2006
Responsible Risk Journalism in the Biotech Debate: Sound Science & Public Fears: Posted on 06-04-2006 Royal Society Alert - Issue 417. Responsible Risk Journalism in the Biotech Debate: Sound Science and Public Feas. Wollongong University's Anna Salleh has been taking a good look at how the media cover science.
THE GE INFORMATION BULLETIN: Posted on 05-04-2006 THE GE INFORMATION BULLETIN - Issue 10, April 2006. An independent digest of widely-sourced information relevant to the GE debate.
ERMA to reassess Hydrogen Cyanamide - call for submissions: Posted on 30-03-2006 ERMA notification to reassess HYDROGEN CYANAMIDE under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996. Submissions due by 12 May 2006.
Inquiry into Obesity & Type II Diabetes - submissions sought.: Posted on 30-03-2006 Soil & Health is urging concerned people to make a submission on a comprehensive Inquiry into Obesity and Type II Diabetes in New Zealand that the Health Select Committee is conducting. Submissions close 26th April 2006.
Proposed EU Regulation on Organic Agriculture Undermines Integrity and Credibility of System: Posted on 28-03-2006 IFOAM concerned at potential for new EU regulations to undermine the integrity and credibility of organic production in Europe.
Praise with a little contamination: Posted on 21-03-2006 The Soil & Health Association of NZ is thrilled at the support that the Government is giving organics.
Organic Sector Delighted: Posted on 20-03-2006 Ministry of Economic Development funding of 1.5 million dollars over the next two and a half years for Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is evidence of the cohesion of the sector organisation and its potential for growth, said OANZ chair Doug Voss.
Rainbow Valley Farm wins: Posted on 17-03-2006 To all supporters of Rainbow Valley Farm - the decision is out! We are pleased to announce the Environment Court found in favour of Rainbow Valley Farm.
NZ - a GMO Exporter??!!: Posted on 13-03-2006 Soil & Health will be looking closely at New Zealand's position during talks in Brazil to see if New Zealand's current government is determined to pursue a GMO export drive as part of NZ's economic development.
Whangarei vs WTO: Posted on 10-02-2006 Whangarei District Council has a refreshing view of democracy compared to the World Trade Organisation when it comes to GMOs.
Launch Of Organics Aotearoa New Zealand: Posted on 02-11-2005 The Soil and Health Association of New Zealand will be well represented at the launch of the organic sector group, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand in Wellington this Friday.
IFOAM World Congress Declares Need for Increased Government Investment in Organic Agriculture: Posted on 25-09-2005 The 15th Organic World Congress of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Unites the Organic World in Adelaide, Australia. The Congress Declaration Calls for Increased Government Investment in Organic Agriculture
United Organic Community Achieved: Posted on 26-06-2005 The Organic community in New Zealand took a significant step forward this month in Wellington, with the acceptance of a new umbrella organisation for organics in New Zealand - Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ). Representative members of New Zealand's national organic organisations met to officially agree to the terms of reference of the new Organics Aotearoa New Zealand.
Government Should Support Liability Provisions For GM: Posted on 02-06-2005 The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand wants to know when the government is going to stop suppressing New Zealand’s organic producers.
Buying Eggs: Posted on 20-09-2004 Soil and Health Association co-chair Steffan Browning is calling on consumers to reduce their egg buying until eggs are labelled according to production methods. Of course genuine free range eggs are labelled and should still be bought according to Mr Browning.
Free Range Eggs: Posted on 31-08-2004 An urgent need to protect our access to genuine free range eggs from our local small to medium producers, requires your writing / emailing / faxing Jim Sutton, Minister of Agriculture.
Farm Gate Eggs Threatened: Posted on 30-08-2004 The Soil & Health Association is calling on Jim Sutton to save free-range egg producers from ruin. The bureaucratic madness hoisted on humane egg production by the barbaric cage producers must be reversed, said Steffan Browning, Soil & Health's co-chair.
27 Pesticides in Grapes and Raisins: Posted on 04-06-2004 Grapes, raisins and sultanas may contain up to 27 different pesticides, according to an analysis carried out by Soil & Health, the Safe Food Campaign and Pesticide Action Network Aotearoa NZ.
Tell Us Where the GE Contaminated Crops Are!: Posted on 04-06-2004 The Soil and Health Association of NZ is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) to make public the site specific location of GE contaminated maize plantings.
Stop Imports of Sweet Corn Seed: Posted on 12-05-2004 The Soil and Health Association of New Zealand is calling for a stop to imports of sweet corn seed until absolute certainty of nil GE contamination is achieved.
Emergency Fire Fund: Posted on 19-12-2003 On Sunday December 14 a large wildfire swept through properties in West Melton, Canterbury. One property to suffer considerable damage was that of Soil and Health members Joy Mcleod and husband Peter and family, Chris,Arna and Ben. The family are Bio-Gro certified poultry and orchard producers and Joy is a Bio-Gro and Organic FarmNZ auditor.
Organic sector GE rally at parliament grounds: Posted on 16-09-2003 Today the Soil and Health Association of New Zealand is presenting all Members of Parliament in their morning mail a call on the Government to enshrine GE free production in law and reinstate the moratorium on GE release for another five years.

4. Organic NZ Magazine Articles

Tea tree in NZ - Growing the good oil: Posted on 01-01-2007
Organic Cheats: Posted on 01-11-2006 Organic Cheats – The Commerce Commission has you in its sights. Fine distinctions are out – Consumer expectations are now the benchmark as to what is acceptable and what is not. By Allan Baddock
Sheep, beef and organics - the path to success: Posted on 01-11-2006 West Otago farmer Allan Richardson has an exciting vision for the future of livestock farming in New Zealand. He would like to see as many farmers as possible producing organically, or at least incorporating as many organic systems as possible into their farming operations. Andrea Kydd-Law asked him why & and how.
Milk – Hazard or Cure? by Robert Anderson: Posted on 01-03-2003 Printed in the March/April 2003 issue. Scientist Robert Anderson exposes a myth behind New Zealand’s favourite health food.
Growing Organic Tomatoes: Posted on 01-11-2001 Denise Mark describes exactly how to grow delicious, organic ‘Love Apples’. Reprinted from Soil & Health 2001, Vol 60 No.6.
Joint Venture into Vines: Posted on 01-11-2001 A shared passion for wine and commitment to Organics has brought about an intriguing business partnership between Kingsley Tobin, award-winning winemaker, and John Hawkesby, late of TV news.
Starvation and Politics: Posted on 01-09-2001 Biotechnology is not the answer to world hunger. Devinder Sharma explains how government sanctioned greed is the cause of rural poverty in India.
Pesticide Report Sept/Oct 2000: Posted on 01-09-2001 Pesticide Report by Meriel Watts - first published in the September/October issue of Soil & Health 2000. Covers Labour burying the Agricultural Chemical Trespass Bill and the case of Northland farm Lawrie Newman - a victim of spraydrift.
Avocados - Pears from Paradise: Posted on 01-07-2001 One of the most delicious and nutrient rich foods available, avocados still have an air of mystique and luxury but they’re not that hard to grow. Tim Vallings tells us how to grow the best avos, sustainably!
Feeding the World without Poisons - by Merial Watts: Posted on 01-07-2001 In May this year, Meriel Watts travelled to Senegal in West Africa to take part in Pesticide Action Network's international conference on "Feeding the World Without Poisons". Meriel is a member of the Steering Council of Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific. She filed this report on her return.
Towards a Sustainable Agriculture - The Living Soil Part 2: Posted on 01-05-2001 In the January 2000 issue, Lady Eve Balfour's article outlined the early years of the organic movement and listed a number of reasons why chemical agriculture is doomed. This concluding section gives practical advice on caring for the soil and then looks at the aim of sustainable agriculture systems.
Pesticide Report by Meriel Watts - May/June 2000: Posted on 01-05-2001 In this issue we bring you the third pesticides problem that requires government attention - the third is the principle of minimum harm.
Not So Natural - Is that Echinacea Supplement as healthy as it's meant to be?: Posted on 01-03-2001 Medicinal herbs are one of the largest growth areas for health product retailers. But some of them may be grown on contaminated soils, as Paul Smith explains.
Growing Medicinal Herbs: Echinacea Explosion: Posted on 01-03-2001 World-wide gluts, lack of co-operation and "naive" growers would seem to have burst the echinacea-growing bubble. Paul Smith finds that it is tough, but all is not lost - especially if you grow organic.
Pesticide Special Report by Meriel Watts: Posted on 01-03-2001 This is the first in a series of articles on pesticide matters that require government action. Soil & Health will place these issues before government and request that action be taken on them.
The Rise of the Mud & Muck Boys: Posted on 01-01-2001 Published in the Soil & Health Journal in Jan/Feb 2000. Paul Smith talks to the people who recall the early days of Soil & Health. They remained true to our principles through thick and thin - "for the love of it".
Pesticide Report by Meriel Watts - Jan/Feb 2000: Posted on 01-01-2001 PESTICIDE REPORT by Meriel Watts. Reprinted from Soil & Health 2001, Vol 60 No.1, p.16-18. Pesticide use in NZ - the MAF Pesticide Report.
Notes from a Garden - Blenheim: Posted on 01-01-2001 Dee Pigneguy visited Margaret Peace’s garden in Blenheim. First published in the Jan/Feb 2001 issue of Soil & Health.
Parkinson's Disease, Pesticides and Derris Dust: Posted on 01-01-2001 Pesticide Report by Meriel Watts. Reprinted from Soil & Health 2001, Vol 60 No.1, p.16-18.

Soil & Health Association of New Zealand Inc (est 1941) Healthy Soil - Healthy Food - Healthy People