New Zealand Green Party Policy On Safe Food.

Press Release: Green Party. Monday, December 14, 1998. Right now New Zealand is at a crossroads. We could keep on the path of industrial food production, selling bulk commodities at low prices. Or we could position ourselves as an organic nation with a determined strategy to support our growers to produce and market the highest quality clean green food, making our reputation a reality before we lose it.

That opportunity is not compatible with embracing genetic engineering for crops grown in NZ. The production of pesticide-resistant insect pests, creation of new plant and animal viruses and the gradual pollution of the gene pool with unnatural genetic material will eventually make it impossible for any NZ production to comply with internationally recognized organic standards.

In other words, we have to choose, and we have to choose soon.

Food policy is also about democracy. Citizens have a fundamental right to know what is in their food, and to participate in decisions about what will be allowed. We cannot allow the imposed rules of a world trade club most New Zealanders did not choose to join to override our rights to information or to health.

Our Target: an organic nation by 2020

Our policies are aimed at having half of New Zealand's production certified organic by 2020, and the remainder in the process of conversion. As a first step towards this target, we aim to have 10% certified organic by 2005.

Policies to promote organic growing

* To help farmers over the transitional period when yields can drop temporarily, a mortgage guarantee or an interest free loan for up three years for growers converting to organics, with the interest payable at the end of the conversion period if certification is not achieved.

* Government endorsement of Bio-Gro and Demeter organic standards for domestic and export purposes.

* Establishment of an organics advisory service for growers with some government funding

* Redirect funding in the Public Good Science Fund into research that supports organics.

* Organic growing to be incorporated in all courses and qualifications in agriculture and horticulture Opportunities to experience organic growing to be available in all schools.

Pesticide Reduction Program

* Set targets for the progressive reduction in total pesticide use and monitor and report results.

* In consultation with consumers, growers and manufacturers, develop an immediate timetable for phasing out the most toxic and persistent pesticides, such as the...