By IRENE CHAPPLE
A project to stamp a sustainability mark on New Zealand primary industry exports is continuing despite opposition from industry heavyweights.
The Green Project, a set of voluntary standards for sustainable farming, was officially launched on three farms around the North Island this week.
Around 200 people were expected at each farm to hear how the standards can "future proof" exported animal products.
The standards are expected to be used to provide a traceable quality assurance system for fibre and livestock food exports.
Although the initial plan was to represent New Zealand's primary industry, big hitters such as Federated Farmers and Fonterra no longer support the project.
Fonterra says it has its own sustainability programme in place, and Federated Farmers' Meat and Wool section says farmers already have enough quality assurance standards. They also fear it would become a compulsory standard through industry pressure.
Project leader Rod Pearce said the project had continued because there was still support from a large number of farmers, including members of Federated Farmers.
Pearce says the 50 farms trialling it will use the mark to exploit niche markets and future-proof themselves in anticipation of consumers favouring sustainable foods.
"There is a trend now toward sustainability issues ... If we are not ready now our access to markets may be limited in the future."
Pearce says using the Green Project management tools on his Waitotara farm have raised production.
"Our experience will show sustainable farming is about redirecting existing resources and does not require a high level of extra financial costs."
The Green Project, which has so far cost around $740,000 in cash and kind, was started three years ago with financial support from the Business Council for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Farming Fund.
Australia and Europe have similar initiatives.
Farmers to use produce quality mark
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