Farmers support rejection of country-of-origin food labelling

New Zealand farmers have welcomed the Government's rejection of a trans-Tasman regulator's call for compulsory country-of-origin labels on imported foods.

"Country of origin labelling provides no assurance that food is safe and its imposition would have amounted to nothing more than a crude form of protectionism," said Federated Farmers' food safety spokesman, Frank Brenmuhl.

"New Zealand has consistently opposed other countries' attempts to impose country of origin labelling for food and New Zealand would have looked hypocritical if we had agreed to bring it here," he said.

Mr Brenmuhl said there was nothing stopping food manufacturers from voluntarily labelling their food if it made marketing sense.

Australia has already adopted country of origin labelling (Cool) measures, drawn up by the trans-Tasman food regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

Yesterday New Zealand effectively opted out of the joint standard. New Zealand food exports to Australia will have to be labelled as "made in New Zealand", but there will be no similar requirement for foods imported on this side of the Tasman.

"Country of origin labelling should be a commercial decision for businesses, rather than a matter for the Government," Food Safety Minister Annette King said. "Mandatory COOL is potentially an unnecessary barrier to international trade."

The FSANZ labelling plan was criticised earlier this year by Wellington economists as having the potential to add costs without adding "significant consumer value".

But Green Party politicians backing a new "Buy NZ-Made" campaign -- promoted by the late Rod Donald -- said the decision not to label imported foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, with the country of origin will kneecap its impact in the food sector.

"Many consumers want to buy New Zealand-grown produce to support local growers and avoid the environmental damage caused by transporting food long distance," said the Greens' safe food spokeswoman, Sue Kedgley.

The only food that requires an origin on its label in NZ is wine, but there are also country of origin labels required for shoes and clothing.

Ms King said the decision would not damage the Government's commitment to support an expanded Buy New Zealand campaign.

"If businesses see an advantage in using country of origin labelling voluntarily, then we welcome them doing so."

- NZPA