By Sophie Price – NZ Herald, 12 February 2016

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11588398

A group of local farming stalwarts is throwing its weight behind Hastings District Council as it prepares to fight for the district to stay GMO free.

Later this year the council will head to the Environment Court to defend its genetically modified organism free policy – a policy currently being appealed by Federated Farmers.

To help with the legal battle, GMO Free group Pure Hawke’s Bay, including members John Bostock, Bruno Chambers, David Mason and John Buck, are hoping to raise $150,000 to assist in legal costs.

Mr Chambers, Pure HB’s president, said having a GMO free region creates more economic and marketing opportunities.

“It means as Hastings producers we can tell buyers and customers that produce grown in our fields is officially GMO free,” he said.

“It adds more value to our exports and creates significant economic benefits for Hawke’s Bay. If we can’t claim this, we loose our competitive global advantage.”

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