Latest news with #TiffanyTompkins
Scoop
31-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Gene Tech Bill Report Delayed. OANZ Welcomes Opportunity For Greater Scrutiny.
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has welcomed news from Parliament this week that the Health Select Committee has extended its reporting deadline on the controversial Gene Technology Bill from 31 July to 22 August. While no official explanation for the delay has been given, OANZ views the extension as a positive sign that the widespread concerns raised by farmers, exporters, scientists, and consumers are being taken seriously. 'This extension reflects that the issues at stake are complex, contested, and critical to New Zealand's food future,' said OANZ Chief Executive Tiffany Tompkins. 'We welcome the opportunity for greater scrutiny and urge all parties to prioritise strong protections for environmental and human health, as well as economic well-being. OANZ is in Wellington this week for the sixth time in 12 months, continuing high-level meetings with MPs from across the political spectrum and key government departments. The focus is on the rising concern over the erosion of Aotearoa's food system, including the Gene Technology Bill and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Proposal P1055, which would allow gene-edited foods to bypass safety checks and be sold without labelling or traceability. 'Together, the Gene Tech Bill and FSANZ's deregulation proposal risk undermining not just the organic sector, but the wider food and farming system, including our export reputation and the public's right to choose GE-free food,' said Tompkins. 'It also sends the wrong message to global markets, which increasingly demand full traceability and integrity from a country that prides itself on claims its clean, green and '100% Pure'. OANZ has led a national campaign alongside farmers, scientists, Māori leaders and concerned consumers, calling for the Bill to be slowed down, properly scrutinised, and reshaped to reflect the values New Zealand's food sector is globally known for. While the reporting delay offers a vital window for further consideration, OANZ remains vigilant. The organisation is calling on the government to ensure any final legislation protects: The right to farm GE-free Consumer choice and transparent labelling New Zealand's global reputation and market access 'This is a defining moment,' said Tompkins. 'We will continue to advocate on behalf of the sector, and for New Zealanders who deserve a safe and trusted food system that prioritises public health and environmental well-being.''
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Florida is facing weather and climate risks. Here's a look at some
South Florida Florida is facing weather and climate risks. Here's a look at some This collection of stories highlights the challenges Florida faces with escalating climate risks and extreme weather events. One article discusses Miami's native trees, emphasizing the risk from rising temperatures and the shift toward possibly planting more exotic species. Another story covers the impact of funding cuts on flood control projects in South Florida, stressing the need for alternative financial resources. A third article questions preparedness for monster hurricanes like Helene and Milton, underscoring the lack of flood insurance coverage and the necessity for better disaster resilience. Read the stories below. Belongings stacked in front of a flood-destroyed home in Bradenton Beach after Hurricane Helene on Oct. 2, 2024. By Tiffany Tompkins NO. 1: ARE WE READY FOR MONSTER HURRICANES LIKE HELENE AND MILTON? NOT REALLY | OPINION This year's hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30, is on track to exceed NOAA's above-normal activity predictions | Opinion | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Brown Kenneth Feeley, UM biology professor and Director of the Gifford Arboretum Department of Biology, measures a tree on campus. His research found that more than half of Miami's trees will be stressed by rising temperatures. By Ashley Miznazi NO. 2: ABOUT HALF OF MIAMI'S NATIVE TREES AT RISK FROM RISING TEMPS. WHAT SHOULD WE PLANT NOW? 'Unfortunately many trees will be lost and that's a consequence of modern climate change' | Published December 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi Robert Husted walks through the flood waters surrounding his neighborhood with his dogs, Michael and Mi'Lady, at right, in North Miami, Fla., on Thursday. The state and multiple cities declared a state of emergency as floodwater poured into homes and businesses, stopped traffic on Interstate 95 and froze travel from both major airports. By Al Diaz NO. 3: MILLIONS IN SOUTH FLORIDA FLOOD-CONTROL PROJECTS ON HOLD AFTER TRUMP FEMA CUTS On the chopping block: projects in Miami, Key West and Broward. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Organic Sector Tops $1.18 Billion – Growth Slowed By Policy Gaps Despite Strong Global Demand
Press Release – Organics Aotearoa New Zealand Organics is delivering strong returns and long-term market relevance, said OANZ Chief Executive Tiffany Tompkins. But the sector is still working with one hand tied behind its back. WELLINGTON, NZ – New data released today in the 2025 Organic Market Report shows New Zealand's organic sector has reached a record NZ$1.18 billion in value. This includes for the first time organic sales in the foodservice sector and reflects a 37% increase since 2020 (excluding foodservice), marking strong and sustained growth. Given the evidence of strong growth in global demand and the premium commanded by organic products, organics is New Zealand's highest-value and lowest-impact of primary production, delivering premium exports, healthier food, and stronger environmental outcomes. But the report also delivers a stark warning. New Zealand's organic sector lags behind the rest of the world due to outdated policies and lack of investment. The looming threat to the country's GE-free status also puts this success at risk. Key growth highlights include: The sector has grown from NZ$723 million in 2020 to NZ$1.18 billion in 2024 Exports totalled NZ$606.7 million, growing at nearly twice the rate of total primary sector exports. Domestic consumption reached NZ$572 million, including NZ$190 million from the foodservice sector, now measured for the first time. Certified organic land grew 4.3%, reaching 89,544 hectares Leading export categories include fruit and vegetables (40.3%), dairy (35.3%), and wine (12.2%). New Zealand's largest producers, including Fonterra and Zespri, are leading the way with premium organic milk and high-value organic kiwifruit, capitalising on consistent global demand for trusted, certified products. 'Organics is delivering strong returns and long-term market relevance,' said OANZ Chief Executive Tiffany Tompkins. 'But the sector is still working with one hand tied behind its back.' Far from being niche, organic production is now embedded in the strategies of some of our most successful agricultural exporters, with growing potential across other sectors including wine, meat and wool. Despite strong performances, the report highlights critical structural barriers that continue to constrain the sector's full potential: Only 0.6% of New Zealand farmland is certified organic, well behind global benchmarks, limiting the sector's ability to scale. The National Organic Standard remains unfinished, more than two years after legislation was passed and despite over a decade of sector advocacy. Without it, producers face uncertainty and inconsistent recognition in international markets. Organic equivalency agreements with key trading partners remain undone, delaying access to lucrative premium markets and adding compliance costs for exporters. Certification and regulatory costs are rising, particularly impacting small and medium-sized producers and discouraging new entrants. The Government's proposed Gene Technology Bill would allow the outdoor release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), posing an existential threat to organic producers, jeopardising New Zealand's GE-free brand and risking the loss of access to premium organic export markets that prohibit GE contamination. 'This is a sector that's doing what government strategies call for – lifting export value, protecting the environment, and boosting regional economies,' said Rob Simcic, Chair of OANZ. 'But we can't lead the world with a regulatory system stuck in the past. If we get this right, organics can become a core pillar of New Zealand's future'
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Organic Sector Tops $1.18 Billion – Growth Slowed By Policy Gaps Despite Strong Global Demand
Press Release – Organics Aotearoa New Zealand Organics is delivering strong returns and long-term market relevance, said OANZ Chief Executive Tiffany Tompkins. But the sector is still working with one hand tied behind its back. WELLINGTON, NZ – New data released today in the 2025 Organic Market Report shows New Zealand's organic sector has reached a record NZ$1.18 billion in value. This includes for the first time organic sales in the foodservice sector and reflects a 37% increase since 2020 (excluding foodservice), marking strong and sustained growth. Given the evidence of strong growth in global demand and the premium commanded by organic products, organics is New Zealand's highest-value and lowest-impact of primary production, delivering premium exports, healthier food, and stronger environmental outcomes. But the report also delivers a stark warning. New Zealand's organic sector lags behind the rest of the world due to outdated policies and lack of investment. The looming threat to the country's GE-free status also puts this success at risk. Key growth highlights include: The sector has grown from NZ$723 million in 2020 to NZ$1.18 billion in 2024 Exports totalled NZ$606.7 million, growing at nearly twice the rate of total primary sector exports. Domestic consumption reached NZ$572 million, including NZ$190 million from the foodservice sector, now measured for the first time. Certified organic land grew 4.3%, reaching 89,544 hectares Leading export categories include fruit and vegetables (40.3%), dairy (35.3%), and wine (12.2%). New Zealand's largest producers, including Fonterra and Zespri, are leading the way with premium organic milk and high-value organic kiwifruit, capitalising on consistent global demand for trusted, certified products. 'Organics is delivering strong returns and long-term market relevance,' said OANZ Chief Executive Tiffany Tompkins. 'But the sector is still working with one hand tied behind its back.' Far from being niche, organic production is now embedded in the strategies of some of our most successful agricultural exporters, with growing potential across other sectors including wine, meat and wool. Despite strong performances, the report highlights critical structural barriers that continue to constrain the sector's full potential: Only 0.6% of New Zealand farmland is certified organic, well behind global benchmarks, limiting the sector's ability to scale. The National Organic Standard remains unfinished, more than two years after legislation was passed and despite over a decade of sector advocacy. Without it, producers face uncertainty and inconsistent recognition in international markets. Organic equivalency agreements with key trading partners remain undone, delaying access to lucrative premium markets and adding compliance costs for exporters. Certification and regulatory costs are rising, particularly impacting small and medium-sized producers and discouraging new entrants. The Government's proposed Gene Technology Bill would allow the outdoor release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), posing an existential threat to organic producers, jeopardising New Zealand's GE-free brand and risking the loss of access to premium organic export markets that prohibit GE contamination. 'This is a sector that's doing what government strategies call for – lifting export value, protecting the environment, and boosting regional economies,' said Rob Simcic, Chair of OANZ. 'But we can't lead the world with a regulatory system stuck in the past. If we get this right, organics can become a core pillar of New Zealand's future'
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Organic Sector Tops $1.18 Billion – Growth Slowed By Policy Gaps Despite Strong Global Demand
WELLINGTON, NZ – New data released today in the 2025 Organic Market Report shows New Zealand's organic sector has reached a record NZ$1.18 billion in value. This includes for the first time organic sales in the foodservice sector and reflects a 37% increase since 2020 (excluding foodservice), marking strong and sustained growth. Given the evidence of strong growth in global demand and the premium commanded by organic products, organics is New Zealand's highest-value and lowest-impact of primary production, delivering premium exports, healthier food, and stronger environmental outcomes. But the report also delivers a stark warning. New Zealand's organic sector lags behind the rest of the world due to outdated policies and lack of investment. The looming threat to the country's GE-free status also puts this success at risk. Key growth highlights include: The sector has grown from NZ$723 million in 2020 to NZ$1.18 billion in 2024 Exports totalled NZ$606.7 million, growing at nearly twice the rate of total primary sector exports. Domestic consumption reached NZ$572 million, including NZ$190 million from the foodservice sector, now measured for the first time. Certified organic land grew 4.3%, reaching 89,544 hectares Leading export categories include fruit and vegetables (40.3%), dairy (35.3%), and wine (12.2%). New Zealand's largest producers, including Fonterra and Zespri, are leading the way with premium organic milk and high-value organic kiwifruit, capitalising on consistent global demand for trusted, certified products. 'Organics is delivering strong returns and long-term market relevance,' said OANZ Chief Executive Tiffany Tompkins. 'But the sector is still working with one hand tied behind its back.' Far from being niche, organic production is now embedded in the strategies of some of our most successful agricultural exporters, with growing potential across other sectors including wine, meat and wool. Despite strong performances, the report highlights critical structural barriers that continue to constrain the sector's full potential: Only 0.6% of New Zealand farmland is certified organic, well behind global benchmarks, limiting the sector's ability to scale. The National Organic Standard remains unfinished, more than two years after legislation was passed and despite over a decade of sector advocacy. Without it, producers face uncertainty and inconsistent recognition in international markets. Organic equivalency agreements with key trading partners remain undone, delaying access to lucrative premium markets and adding compliance costs for exporters. Certification and regulatory costs are rising, particularly impacting small and medium-sized producers and discouraging new entrants. The Government's proposed Gene Technology Bill would allow the outdoor release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), posing an existential threat to organic producers, jeopardising New Zealand's GE-free brand and risking the loss of access to premium organic export markets that prohibit GE contamination. 'This is a sector that's doing what government strategies call for - lifting export value, protecting the environment, and boosting regional economies,' said Rob Simcic, Chair of OANZ. 'But we can't lead the world with a regulatory system stuck in the past. If we get this right, organics can become a core pillar of New Zealand's future'
