New Zealand’s inaugural Organic Sector Conference is set to investigate whether there will be a “cottage or corporate” future for the country’s NZ$200 million (£78m) organic sector.

“It is now widely appreciated that certified organic production is a serious commercial option, with Organic Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) aiming to grow our organic sector to NZ$1 billion by 2013,” said OANZ executive director Ken Shirley.

“Many international markets have been growing by more than 20 per cent a year, but this rapid development brings new challenges, which New Zealand’s organic sector must be equipped to meet. We can prepare ourselves by learning from the experiences of other countries,” said Shirley.

The conference will comprise presentations from international speakers, a range of workshops and a field visit to a certified organic fruit and vegetable farm.

The event will also consider environmental impacts of organic production, as well as questions around the marketing of organic products, organic certification, Maori values, the role of organic food in healthy diets and what risks and opportunities organic producers might face in the future.

The event is being held at Lincoln University from August 17-19.

“The entire organic sector is backing this conference, which also incorporates the annual gatherings of OANZ constituent members Bio-Gro, the Biodynamic Association and the Soil & Health Association. More than 200 people have confirmed their attendance, with late registration available from August 1,” added Shirley.

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