Organic NZ

The use of a GE Canary pox virus vaccine to control equine influenza could threaten the livelihoods of New Zealand growers reports horsetalk.co.nz.

"Compulsory use of a genetically modified horse vaccine to control a flu outbreak could impact on the livelihood of organic growers, a group warns."

Bloody hell! Why don't we just add the GE vaccine to our water supply (or aerial spray west Auckland in the stuff)?

Seriously tho, the mandatory use of the vaccine could lead to the loss on GE-free status or organic certification for many growers - all for the short-term gain for the horsey industry.

Read about it here...

Stuff has a feeeeeeel-good article about Paraoa Bakehouse. 

"The bakery originally aimed at the organic market, but Mr Glensor says gluten-free products are the real growth driver."

That's pretty cool in my book. It's business - sometimes ideals just don't work. It all seems to make sense somehow: organic food having health benefits - does that somehow seem 'right'?

The Howick and Botany Times (I didn't know there was such a thing) reports that "organically grown foods costs have changed comparatively less than many “commercially” grown/manufactured foods. As a result consumers are reaping the benefits of buying organic..."

They then go on to promote a chain of Auckland-based health food supermarkets and feature products made in the US of A. Bunch of arse I say.

With the election only a few weeks away we're starting to see a few more party policies come to light. The Green Party has dropped this bomb-shell:

"On food, the Greens want moves to promote locally grown organic food, better labelling of ingredients and stricter rules covering the use of pesticides, growth hormones and additives."

Come on. The is pretty lame in my view. In the last 3 years GM animal feed has been approved (god knows what might go wrong there), labeling is marginally better (made from local and imported ingredients??? wtf?).

I'm a little disappointed with the performance of the Green Party over the past 3 years. I really expected more. Mind you, where else would my party vote go?

BIOLOGICAL HUSBANDRY UNIT ORGANIC TRUST (BHUOT) - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 8th Annual General meeting of the BHUOT will be held on Wednesday 15 th October, 2.30pm at the BHU rooms.BIOLOGICAL HUSBANDRY UNIT ORGANIC TRUST (BHUOT)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 8th Annual General meeting of the BHUOT will be held on Wednesday 15 th October, 2.30pm at the BHU rooms.

- Financial Report
- Organic College, First Annual Report
- Afternoon Tea

All members of the public are cordially invited.

If you wish to attend, please contact Ivan Barnett

Ph: 03 3295986
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thread.co.nz has a good review of a new book on Growing Organic - 'Organic Gardening Techniques' by Nick Hamilton with Philippa Jamieson.

"This brand new publication enters a market that is increasingly ready to adopt a healthy living/ healthy eating lifestyle. It is presented in an easy-to-use format; soft cover, clear line-drawn illustrations, and in-depth information for those who want it, or the beginner who needs to start from scratch."

Read more here...

Stuff, well actually the Nelson Mail, has a nice article about Nelson's annual Eco-festival which is coming up this weekend.

I've done some digging and found the Eco-fest website. It's a nice little site worth a visit (check out, and download the recepies from previous years festivals).

The expo runs from 16-17 August and is only $2.50 enrty at Founders Park. 8000 people paid a visit last year so, go on, check it out!

The Expo covers: building advice, solar options, water saving solutions, hybrid cars, “how to” workshops, gardening ideas, yummy food – a large variety of food stalls, natural health and beauty products.

The Transitions Town website keeps on surprising and delighting me. The site is worth a daily visit - especially the news page. I find their news on peak oil, climate change and politics very interesting - great stuff.

Visit Transition Towns here...

The BioDynamic Farming  Associationhas just updated it's website with dates on their biodynamics workshops.

Below are dates and notes about forthcoming workshops that are either fully biodynamic or are organic workshops with a biodynamic contribution. For further information please contact the Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association.

13th August: Berryfruit - Hawke's Bay

24th August: Public lecture - Havelock North

11th September: Berryfruit - Hawke's Bay

27th September: Sheep/Beef - Gisborne

Further information on these events.

Stuff reports that the gap between the price of organic food and 'conventional' food is narrowing.

Article here...