An Auckland University professor is pushing for New Zealand to develop its own Eco label for food produce. David Irving, a former Heinz-Watte CEO who lectures in enterprise and management, believes that if New Zealand can become the first country in the world to develop such a label, then the food industry can be steered out of the doldrums.
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Exports are essential to New Zealand’s domestic food industry, and the country’s clean, green and disease-free reputation has already been staunchly defended against foreign claims and misjudgements. Consumers around the world are currently entrenched in issues of food safety; foot and mouth, BSE, E-coli, and GM all threatening to undermine confidence in the industry to a devastating degree.
In an article for The New Zealand Herald, Irving points out that the crisis is driving opportunity for the establishment of regulatory bodies to prove to consumers aspects of quality and environmental safety. The Marine Stewardship Council is working with the fish industry, but so far no similar body has been set up for the livestock industry, and this is something Irving believes needs remedying.
The aims of Project ‘98, an abortive attempt at an Eco label during the last decade, are highlighted by Irving as he argues that higher environmental standards will mean better consumer care and confidence and better producer lifestyles. Scientifically proving the standards will also bring commercial reward with higher profits and export earnings, greater market access, sustainable production and increased tourism.
Project ’98 failed to develop a strong country-of-origin brand, something Irving puts down to a lack of cross-sector support in the food industry, control by the retailing multiples, a lack of understanding about sustainable farming and a lack of real need for without the livestock disease epidemic. Today, however the situation is different, and Irving stresses the need to “restart the sentiments of Project ’98.
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By GlobalData“An Eco label would stand out among food products in a world ravaged by environmental concerns. This is still a big opportunity for New Zealand. The world is begging for clean, safe food. We want to preserve our environment. Our businesses want more profits.
“We must lift our environmental standards of production to be better than those of anyone else, gain a scientifically valid reputation for this and market the advantages. This will give us preference in world markets. There is a strong future for New Zealand if it adopts this position.”
