Ex-MP takes on Organics job

Former MP Ken Shirley is taking up the helm of Organics Aotearoa New Zealand to develop domestic and export sales of organic products.

Mr Shirley, also executive director of the Forest Owners Association, will co-ordinate the diverse organics sector, which is expected to earn $1 billion by 2013.

"Our biggest challenge is to lift production to meet increasing global demand for organic products that have internationally recognised certification and consumer appeal," said the former Cabinet minister, who started his new job yesterday.