Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones doesn't see a role for the provincial growth fund in meeting the costs of trade-marking the manuka honey brand

An industry group wants the multi-million dollar industry to trade mark the term, with the cost expected to come in at more than five million dollars.

Shane Jones says there are avenues in which the government could help to protect the brand.

He says there's certainly a lot that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can do, with it being a practical demonstration of the Waitangi Tribunal report dealing with flora and fauna.