Even now, our operation is too small and too marginal to be considered a really economic unit and, as NZ is one of the few Western countries not to subsidize organic production, we are having to look seriously at further diversification to stay afloat. Reducing stock numbers and registering ourselves as a stud is one possibility. In retrospect yes, undoubtedly. Again, yes, undoubtedly. I believe NZ has the ability and the opportunity to create a wonderful niche market as the high value, pure food centre of the world.
Organics is the agriculture of the future.
Ian Ewen-Street is the Green Party spokesperson on Agriculture and Biosecurity. The views expressed are his own.