Headline: Manuka honey chance for NZ to get it right
New Zealand’s honey industry has great potential to provide value and jobs as part of a smart, green economy
The recent Manuka honey labelling issue gives us a chance to focus on increasing the value we get from exports, and creating jobs here in New Zealand, the Green Party said today.
“The government’s role is to help protect and promote our valuable industries and it can do that for the Manuka honey industry with just a few changes,” said Green Party agriculture spokesperson Steffan Browning.
“The solution to this recent issue is to set government regulations for Manuka honey to be exported in properly labelled retail packs that have been through government certified testing,” said Mr Browning.
“Consumer confidence can be preserved if we set rules to ensure that all New Zealand produced honey, particularly Manuka, is exported in retail packs not bulk, so that the quality and labelling can be assured.
“We can also ensure consumers are getting the product they are paying for by certifying the testing of Manuka honey through government certified laboratories.
“New Zealand’s honey industry has great potential to provide value and jobs as part of a smart, green economy.
“To be a strong industry, customers need to be able to know that what’s on the label is what’s in the jar and government can do more to help provide that surety.”
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