HortNZ director and organic grower, Tony Howey, and the organisation’s communications manager, Leigh Catley, attended the workshop, along with representatives from the primary sector and the wider organics industry.

The workshop heard from OANZ chair, Brendan Hoare, who made it clear the organisation is struggling to fulfil its members’ needs under its existing financial structure. There was a considerable amount of discussion about what OANZ could do to strengthen its funding base and therefore continue its work as a peak industry body for the sector.

HortNZ said it wholeheartedly supports the work of OANZ and has worked with OANZ on several issues recently, including labelling of organics, CoOL and the implications of the Food Bill for organic growers.