The Development of Organic Horticulture in New Zealand/Activities&action=edit&preload=Template:Otago Template Activities

The following resources and activities will be useful for people who have an interest in the development of organic gardening in New Zealand. The resources and activities will enable learners to understand the social and cultural factors that have influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand.Learners will also look at the environmental and commercial factors that influence organic horticulture and then be able to define key factors that would help determine the viability of an organic horticulture venture.The activities and resources have been specifically developed for Otago Polytechnic students who will be assessed on unit 10325.If you are not an Otago Polytechnic student but have found our information useful-please let us know.You can email hortykim at kimt@tekotago.ac.nz Please choose the activity link for assessment details.

Session 1 - Orientations

Old push mowers. Image by Kim Thomas

Welcome ! This week we'll take a look at the unit and the assessment tasks.We will also start to identify and discuss the social and cultural factors that have influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand.

To do

1. As a group we'll look at the unit and this course schedule and run through the assessment expectations and establish a hand in date for your assignment.
2. We will also start to look at the social and cultural factors that have influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand. Hortykim has created a power point presentation which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
3. Discussion topics and the following questions will help us understand the concepts being introduced each week.(If you are enjoying a face to face class with a learning facilitator and other students then hard copies of related articles will be provided or try some of the resources suggested below.)

Questions related to how our increased awareness of personal health and safety has influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand

• Before we look at how organic gardening has developed in NZ it could be helpful to understand some base concepts about organics.If you are in a face to face class with a learning facilitator and other students,break into small groups and put your heads together and come up with some definitions for what could best explain what is organic horticulture?
• The history of organic horticulture stems back to when agriculture started to change from a largely organic systems which can be traced back to the neolithic revolution to one that became increasingly dependent upon industrial agriculture.When did we first experience the move to synthetic fertilizers and pesticidesand how was it driven?
• The benefits of industrial agriculture include:cheap and plentiful food,convenience for the consumer and the contribution to our economy on many levels,from growers to harvesters to processors to sellers.What are the downsides of industrial agriculture?
• Which of the following developments has most influenced you in taking more responsibility for your own health?

1. Product labels
2. Increased education about healthy lifestyles
3. food safety incidents/ product recalls
4. increased awareness of consumer’s rights
5. increased awareness of environmental issues.

• We have an increased awareness of health and safety issues associated with how we grow our food and consumers are starting to demand chemical free food.What kind of chemicals could be found in food?
• Briefly explain whyPesticidesare an important aspect of horticulture.
• Identify at least one concern you may have with some of the chemicals which are applied to some food crops.
• What is Panchakavya?
• There are organic herbicides which are more expensive and less effective than synthetic herbicides and are generally used along with cultural and mechanical weed control practices.List two organic herbicides and explain how they work.
• List some of the negative impacts that synthetic fertilizers on our environment.

Session 2

Welcome ! This week we'll review last week's topic and discuss any questions or observations from the first session.In session two we will continue to identify and discuss the social and cultural factors that have influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand. This session will focus on the influence of legislation that contribute to the development of organic horticulture in NZ.

To do

1. Hortykim has created a power point presentation which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
2. Discussion topics and the following questions will help us understand the concepts being introduced each week.(If you are enjoying a face to face class with a learning facilitator and other students then hard copies of related articles will be provided;if not try some of the resources suggested below.)

Questions related to how our increased awareness of personal health and safety has influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand

• What is the Fair Trading Act and how does it protect you as a consumer?
• What is the Consumer Guarantee Act and how does it protect you as a consumer?
• What is the World Health Organisation and how does it protect you as a consumer?
• What is INFOSAN and how does it protect you as a consumer?Interesting facts on food safety http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/food_safety/en/index.html

Session 3

Welcome ! This week we will continue to identify and discuss the social and cultural factors that have influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand. This session will focus on issues related to societal influences on the development of organic horticulture and what challenges and considerations we are facing in terms of sustainability,food safety,environmental awareness,globalization and social change.

To do

• Watch the following video and comment on what enormous challenges face the earth's food production industry.

1. Hortykim has created a power point presentation which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
2. Discussion topics and the following questions will help us understand the concepts being introduced each week.(If you are enjoying a face to face class with a learning facilitator and other students then hard copies of related articles will be provided;if not try some of the resources suggested below.For your convenience, many of the resources are embedded in your questions.)

Questions related to how our increased awareness of personal health and safety has influenced the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand

• Powdered dried kelp is fed to cattle to protect them from fungi that is found in some grass,why would this be irrelevant to an animal in a CAFO?
• How do you feel about cubicle dairy farming in New Zealand?
• Three companies are now planning to house 18,000 cows indoors in the Upper Waitaki Basin for up to eight months a year and this has caused a lot of debate amongst Kiwis.What do you think of this video from Close Up about indoor dairying in Winton,Southland?

Resources

Below is a list of resources related to this week's activities.

• If you do not have a computer at home with broad band then it may be useful to visit Otago Polytechnic Community Learning Centres
• If you prefer to read a book on the topic then have a look at some of the books listed under Books.

Links

• This is a list of environmental issues that are due to human activities. These articles relate to the anthropogenic effects on the natural environment.

Video

Assessment Options for Presentations

• Scenerio One: You have been employed to design and implement a plan for a small suburban property in Dunedin.Your clients would like to learn about the benefits of choosing an organic lifestyle but are not sure how to go about it.They also like the idea of being as self sustainable as possible with a view of eventually earning some money from their venture.What steps will you take to assure them of the benefits of going oraganic.....?