Meeting to get the facts about the Food Bill

March 2nd, 2012
[by David Armstrong]

Those concerned about the Food Bill currently working its way through Parliament can find out more details on Monday evening, directly from the lips of our local MP, Damien O'Connor.

Many people around the country have been expressing worries about what the bill may mean for them and for local food suppliers, largely driven by a scary e-mail campaign that circulated near the end of last year claiming conspiracies and dire restrictions on small producers and home gardeners.

These fears were particularly felt in places such as rural Tasman and Golden Bay, which have food growing at the heart of their economies. A Facebook petition that says the bill "will seriously impede initiatives like community gardens, food co-ops, heritage seed banks, farmers markets, bake sales, and roadside fruit and vegetable stalls" had attracted more than 27,000 signatures in the past five months.

The bill updates the Food Act 1981. Its main purpose is to ensure that the food people buy is safe to eat. It is yet to proceed to its second reading, so it still has several hurdles to jump before becoming law.

Damien, who is on the select committee considering the bill, was one of several MPs who sought to pacify the fears with explanations of what the bill would actually mean. The Green Party has also been trying to dampen down the more extravagant accusations by the bill's opponents, while concentrating on situations where the proposed regime may be too onerous.

In January, Damien said the Labour Party was reconsidering its position in the light of a number of practical examples that have come to light in which the bill would capture activities that are minor in nature. He said his party would not support the bill unless areas had been clarified.

"I have asked the select committee for a full update on the bill, including any changes the Government is planning for it," Mr O'Connor said. "We do not want to see New Zealand end up with some unwieldy piece of legislation that confuses the retailers and those working in this area, particularly those working in volunteer or community settings."

So if you want to hear what the bill actually means, and to find out how much of the campaign against the bill is just fear-mongering, come along to the meeting to be held Monday, March 5th, at 7pm at St Thomas Church in High Street.

Comment by Beth Bryant:
[Posted 12 March 2011]

The Consumer has done a very useful article on the food bill - see this link - especially useful for those who are raising money for charity!

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

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