FSANZ P1055 Proposal - How to Take Action!

What is Proposal P1055?

Proposal P1055 seeks to redefine what constitutes gene technology and new breeding techniques (NBTs) under food standards law. The proposal aims to update the definitions used to classify genetic modifications in food production. This could impact how various techniques, such as CRISPR and other gene-editing methods, are regulated in the food and agricultural industries.

Why BioGro and the Organic Sector Oppose Proposal P1055

At BioGro, we stand firmly against Proposal P1055, and here’s why:

The proposed shift from a “process-based” to an “outcome-based” definition of GM foods raises significant concerns. This change could compromise transparency, making it more difficult for consumers to identify whether their food has been produced using gene technology.

We’re particularly troubled by FSANZ's decision to exclude New Breeding Techniques (NBT) foods and refined ingredients from pre-market assessment, under the claim that they present no greater risk than conventional foods. This approach threatens to erode consumer trust and undermine the integrity of organic labeling, which relies on full traceability and clear labeling of all GM ingredients. Recent studies show the claim is also incorrect.

Despite public calls for clear labeling of GM and gene-edited foods, FSANZ has indicated that GM labeling is "out of scope" for this proposal, although some changes to labeling provisions are suggested.

FSANZ during a webinar on 02 September, that “FSANZ is not concerned with the brand of New Zealand food,” at BioGro we are concerned that a $440 billion value has not been considered.

BioGro’s Commitment

BioGro remains committed to upholding the principles of organic farming. We believe that any changes to the definitions of gene technology must be approached with caution, prioritising transparency, consumer choice, and the integrity of organic farming systems.

How You Can Help: Take Action Against Proposal P1055

Your voice matters in the fight to protect the integrity of organic farming and consumer choice. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Request an Extension to the Submission Process

To ensure that all stakeholders have adequate time to review and respond to Proposal P1055, it's crucial to ask for an extension to the submission process. Organic Aotearoa New Zealand has created a guide and template on how you can request this extension.

2. Make Your Voice Heard: Submit Your Feedback

BioGro has developed a short guide on how you can make a formal submission against Proposal P1055. Your feedback is vital to demonstrating widespread opposition to the proposed changes.

Steps to Make a Submission:

• Download the BioGro Guide: BioGro Guide to Making a Submission.

• Craft Your Submission: Use the guide to help structure your submission. Be sure to include personal experiences, express your concerns, and explain why you oppose the proposal.

• Submit Your Feedback: Follow the instructions in the guide to submit your feedback before the deadline - September 10. Remember, each submission strengthens the case against Proposal P1055.

3. Contact Your MP

Another effective way to oppose Proposal P1055 is by contacting your local Member of Parliament (MP) to express your concerns. MPs have a significant influence on policy decisions, and hearing directly from constituents can make a big difference.

Steps to Contact Your MP:

• Identify Your MP: Find the MP for your electorate.

• Draft Your Message: Clearly state your opposition to Proposal P1055 and explain why. You can use points from your submissions, OANZ’s talking points or personalise your message with your own view.

• Send Your Message: Whether by email or phone call, make sure your MP understands the importance of this issue to you and your community.

4. Spread the Word

Encourage others to take action by sharing information about Proposal P1055 and the potential threats it poses. The more people who understand the implications, the stronger the opposition will be.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

BioGro and the organic community need your help to ensure that the voices of organic producers, consumers, and advocates are heard. By taking these steps, you contribute to the collective effort to maintain the integrity of organics and consumer choice in New Zealand.

Proposals for the National Organic Standard: Phase Two

The proposed standards are now available to view, and MPI is seeking feedback on them.

The consultation period closes at 5pm on 14 July 2023.

Proposals for the National Organic Standard

The proposed standards are now available to view, and MPI is seeking feedback on them.

The consultation period closes at 5pm on 19 May 2023.

Third Reading

The Organic Products Bill finally had its third reading in Parliament last week. Delays from COVID-19 have pushed this process back considerably, so we were extremely pleased to see the resolution. There were 107 in agreement to see this bill carried forward and only 10 who opposed it. The house was enthusiastic to bring confidence to the sector and New Zealand consumers - alongside exploiting international opportunities that will result from supporting this Bill. All updates regarding its progress can be found on the Parliament website.

BioGro’s Submission 2022

MPI gave the organic community another opportunity to have our say on the proposed regulation. They held information sessions in late November and provided thorough Information Sheets. Submission entries were extended to 23 December.

All information regarding the latest submission process can be found on the MPI website. Below you will find access to BioGro's latest submission. If you'd like to endorse any statements made throughout the document, please do so by sending an email to the following address - OrganicsConsultation@mpi.govt.nz.

BioGro Organic Regulation Submission

Second Reading

The Organic Products Bill finally had its second reading in Parliament this week. Delays from COVID-19 have pushed this process back considerably, so we were extremely pleased to see some progress. There were 108 in agreement to see this bill carried forward and only 10 who opposed it. The house was enthusiastic to bring confidence to the sector and New Zealand consumers - alongside exploiting international opportunities that will result from supporting this Bill. The Bill's title has now been adjusted based on submission feedback to be called 'The Organic Products and Production Bill' and all updates regarding its progress can be found on the Parliament website.

Technical Working Groups

MPI have informed us that they are looking for nominations for people to join Technical Working Groups to help draft the future National Organic Standard. Deadline for applications is 30 June 2021 - we urge you to get involved if possible.

Extension for Submission 2021

The consultation period has been extended to 5pm on 21 June 2021. MPI will also be hosting online workshops which will be announced soon. If you are interested please be sure to register your interest.

BioGro has issued a submission guide to help you through this process - be sure to utilise this as you please. Don’t hesitate to contact BioGro if you have any queries

Proposed Regulation Available

The proposed regulation is now available to view, and MPI are seeking feedback for organic primary sector products.

BioGro has put together a guidance document to help you with your submission - this is now available to download. Workshops and Hui's will be taking place across the country, and we urge you to attend and have your say by attending.

The consultation period closes at 5pm on 8 June 2021.

Concerns for Current Proposed Bill

The Organic Products Bill has now been presented to The House of Representatives and is no longer with the Primary Production Committee. The full report can be accessed on the Parliament Website.

Based on the report available, the sector still have some major concerns with the recommendations put forward. BioGro is currently providing comment with other sector leads to ensure these are consolidated and escalated accordingly.

The Committee’s recommendations are now to be debated by The House of Representatives.

MPI Request for Support Requirements

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) are actively requesting feedback from the organic sector of how they can further support organic operators and improve market access. BioGro is one of many organisations that put forward our support to see the implementation of a National Regulation and Standards.

National Standard Consultation - 2018

Agriculture and Food Safety Minister, Damien O’Connor put forward an official proposal for a National Organic Standard to be consulted on.

MPI have issued a discussion paper and invite the public for comment. The discussion paper specifically asks for comment on 22 queries surrounding many components that would be taken into account when implementing a National Regulation. They will be hosting 9 public meetings around the country to run through the paper and answer queries, all details are on the website.

Public comments are required before 11th June 2018.

208 Submissions received - Great Progress

MPI have issued an update regarding the calls for Public Comment - 208 submissions were received from businesses, consumers, industry and consumer representatives, organic certification agencies, interest groups, consultants, scientists and other entities;

• 177 submissions (85%) supported a change in the way organic are currently regulated. Consumer confidence and supporting trade were key outcomes of a new regime.

• 158 submissions (76%) supported the introduction of a mandatory standard for all. Again, consumer confidence is the key driver, alongside ‘levelling the playing field’

• 100 submission (48%) supported ongoing verifications with limited exceptions. It was acknowledged that there was a need to design a regime that would not impose high compliance costs on small business.

BioGro acknowledges this as a positive outcome. The next step is for Government to consider whether and how it would like to proceed with work on new regulation.

Online Submissions Available to Watch

All oral submissions were expressed to Parliament, with the majority concerned about the Organic Products Bill as it stands. You can watch these submissions on the following links;

Subcommittee A

Subcommittee B - BioGro NZ speaking from 40 minutes onwards

Final Reminder

We make one final plea for you all to get involved and make a submission on the Organic Products Bill with a deadline of Thursday 28 May.

We would like to thank everyone who submitted their valuable feedback to BioGro throughout this process. Our final submission points have been adjusted and collated based on many of the sectors comments.

Submission Guide Available

BioGro has circulated a Submission Guide for the proposed Organic Products Bill that we hope will help you formulate your own submission.

What we would like you to do;

1. Read through the Organic Products Bill and all associated documentation
2. Read through the Submission Guide put together by BioGro
3. As an organisation, put together your own submission points and include any points we have raised that you agree with
4. If you have identified any points we have not recognised within our guide, let us know so we can include this within our submission using the form available - Please ensure all comments are back to us by Friday 15th May.
5. Make your own public submission by Thursday 28th May using the platform provided

We cannot stress enough the importance of utilising all public submissions made available to us throughout this process. We are in unique position to shape the sector in a way that makes sense to New Zealand - we hope you will join us in being an integral part of this.

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We have received the below notification from MPI regarding the Draft Organic Regulation - this is now available to download from the MPI website.

In the meantime, to help you see how the Bill could work in practice we can now provide the draft regulatory proposals for organic food, beverages, and plant and animal products. The proposals can be found on our website.

 “This is not formal consultation and we are not accepting any feedback on the draft regulatory proposals at this stage. This draft discussion document is for your information only to help inform your submission to the Select Committee on the Bill. We will formally consult on the proposed regulations at a later stage.

 With regards to engaging with you in the development of the national organic standard, this will also occur at a later stage. This work will involve significant sector input throughout the process, so we will take a highly collaborative, co-design approach. We will be talking to those that are currently involved in, and those that are wanting to enter, the organic sector throughout the process. We want to draw on your expertise, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say. Everyone will also have a final formal opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Standard before it is published.”

Extension for Submissions

1st April 2020

Due to Covid-19, the public submissions for the Organic Products Bill has been extended to the 28th May.

A ‘Digest’ describing the Bill has been made available to read - we advise you read this before making any submissions.

Calling for Public Submissions

The introduced Organics Product Bill passed its first reading, with all in favour of the bill going ahead.

It is now time to do your part, and its crucial for everyone within the organic sector to get involved. The Chairperson of the Primary Production Committee, Hon David Bennett, is calling for public submissions on the Organics Products Bill. 

The Organic Products Bill and all associated documents are available to download on the New Zealand Parliament website. We advise you to read through these documents carefully and focus on key areas specific to your own operation.

Due to Covid-19, the public comment regarding the Organic Regulation itself has been postponed due to current circumstances

Organic Products Bill introduced to Parliament

Agriculture and Food Safety Minister, Damien O’Connor has announced that he has introduced the Organics Products Bill to Parliament and if passed, will create a national standard for organics.

Confirmed National Standard for Organic Production

Agriculture and Food Safety Minister, Damien O’Connor has confirmed that a National Standard for Organic Production WILL be progressed as a Government bill next year