This newsletter is possibly the last newsletter from Organic Futures in its current form.

Our company was formed 7 years ago to give support to organic farmers. The founding directors were Neville Parkinson and Maurice Hellewell, more recently Ian Atkinson joined as a director to service the North Island farmers.

It’s been a great journey and Neville, Ian and I have had a lot of fun and made a lot of close friends.

One of our primary goals was to create a supply chain for beef and lamb that was owned by the farmers. If farmers have this ownership it puts them in a very strong position.

ANZCO foods have been very supportive in helping to create that supply chain we thank them for going the extra Myles. As farmers, you have been very accommodating in working with ANZCO reps, Neville, Ian and myself, to level out the supply. Sometimes this has been at your own expense that has been very much appreciated.

A succession plan to give producers ownership of Organic Futures was in the draft stage. It involved a change of structure (simply the issuing of shares to all suppliers). A board of directors that retires by rotation and a designated person to deal with the red meat sector that reports to the board. This has been on the agenda however at this point we have not been able to move this concept forward. The current scope and structure of Organic Futures needed new direction to serve the red meat sector. So, a decision to wind up Organic Futures in its current form has had to be made.

Organic Futures has not achieved farmer ownership but rest assured out of adversity can come new and stronger structures maybe a new vehicle that will continue to support the strong position you as red meat producers are now in.

Neville has resigned from OFA and it is with sadness that we have accepted his resignation. He has done a lot for the organic red meat sector and in the early stages sometimes at his own expense. Neville will be able to continue the good work he has done and we respect and support a new direction.

An off-shoot of our contact with farmers has been the connections made between grain growers and processors, between store stock producers and finishers. We have also been able to give guidance with organic conversion on both large and small scale. We have also found ourselves in positions that meant we could advocate on your behalf. As producers it’s not easy to attend meetings and events but it has been great to see many of you at events.

Through your support it has meant that we have been able to offer our time to make these things happen, it has been a privilege to have contributed to organic growth.

It really has been a great journey for us all and it is with some sadness that we send this newsletter.

Footnote

From 1st Dec 2018 live stock will not be sent through Organic Futures our heads of agreement with ANZCO Foods will not continue. However, OFA will sit on the shelf until the end of this financial year 30th June 2018. Please continue to support ANZCO Foods and work through their reps as regard to summer/autumn and winter lamb contracts, beef and cull stock until we have a clearer picture of a united direction.

We would advise to protect the organic integrity.  Please sell as 'non-organic' if no premiums are offered.

Maurice Hellewell