Ruling to open organic door

WELLINGTON - A recent decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allowing organically grown meat to be labelled "certified organic" could mean opportunities for New Zealand farmers.

The USDA move means United States ranchers can now sell organic pork, beef or poultry as certified and distinguish themselves in the market, in the same way organically grown fruit, grains and vegetables are differentiated.

Grant Washington-Smith, director of the Agresearch centre for pastoral foods research, a joint venture between Massey University and Agresearch, said the decision could open doors for NZ organic producers.

Mr Washington-Smith said this would give New Zealand farmers an edge over their foreign counterparts.

He said the centre was actively looking at ways it could help organic farmers with research already under way at Massey University and Agresearch, where a number of forage crops were being studied that appeared to have special benefits for some animals.

"Sales for organic vegetables and fruits in the United States indicate organics is a booming market." - NZPA