Food bill

What do you think about the food bill? There's a lot of opinions out there to sift through.

Opening this up for discourse, we'd like to present some of the views out there and get your feedback.

First, the food bill itself is online here

Here are a few articles published by Oooby, which explain the facts and myths about the new food bill. For example, seed swapping is no longer part of the new bill, thanks to an amendment made in response to feedback. Backyard swapping and neighborhood food growing is also no longer subject to the bill. Selling produce directly to the consumer is considered a "low risk" activity, and is not subject to lots of paperwork and fees. However, selling through a local cafe, shop or other third party will be. Read the articles here.

Here is an article by Kate Wilkinson, the Minister for Food Safety, stating that the food bill is "nothing to fear." She says that it will not impede people from exchanging, trading or giving away their food, and that small marketers like roadside stalls and charity sausage sizzles will be given free information about food safety. Click here for article

 Finally, here is an article in strong opposition. "[The food bill] allows for the state to absolutely deploy its full capacity to control even the minutest levels of food and food-related components."

The food bill certainly needs our attention. If you would like to sign a petition to oppose the bill, click here Or write directly to Kate Wilkinson, the Minister for Food Safety: kate.wilkinson@national.org.nz and let her know your specific concerns. Or contact your local MP.

You can post your comments below.

Here are those links again:

Food Bill: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2010/0160/latest/DLM2995811.html

Oooby articles:http://ooooby.ning.com/profiles/blogs/food-bill-time-for-action

Kate Wilkinson's article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/opinion/6271131/Nothing-to-fear-from-Food-Bill

Strongly opposing the bill: http://nzfoodsecurity.org/

Petition opposing the bill: http://www.petitiononline.co.nz/petition/oppose-the-new-zealand-government-food-bill-160-2/1301

Local MP look-up: http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/MPs/MPs/