Organic growers in Hamilton fear they will lose their certification if their properties are sprayed with pesticide to eradicate the asian gypsy moth.
Organic certifiers say they will suspend certification for sprayed land.
A lone male asian gypsy moth was found in the city in late March. It is thought to have come from eggs attached to an imported car.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials have briefed Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton on the ministry's recommendation for aerial spraying. The Cabinet will probably discuss the matter this month.
The Cabinet has the power to over-ride the Resource Management Act and approve spraying. MAF could then start spraying in early October.
New Zealand's main organic certifier, BioGro, has told anti-spray campaigners that properties would have their organic status suspended if sprayed with pesticide Foray 48B.
Although 48B is based on the naturally occurring bacteria Btk, its other ingredients are unknown.
Organic Farms NZ certifies small-scale domestic organic producers. Chairman Peter Downard said "quite a few properties" on the city outskirts could be affected by spraying.
Hamilton's organic recycling centre, which provides certified products to commercial organic growers, is working with the ministry and BioGro to assess whether spraying would affect certification.
The Hamilton City Council, which meets tomorrow to discuss the spraying, wants assurances that it is necessary and safe.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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Moth spraying will threaten growers' organic status
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