Government releases terms of reference for review of agricultural and horticultural products

The review is aimed at making new products such as pesticides and feed more accessible to farmers and growers. File photo.
photo: Peter de Graaf

The government has published the terms of reference for a regulatory review of agricultural and horticultural products.

The review, announced in June, aims to make new products such as pesticides, inhibitors, feed and fertilizers more accessible to farmers and growers.

Regulation Minister David Seymour said that at the moment, there are too many delays and the process is too complicated for farmers and growers to access products that have been approved in other OECD countries.

“This regulatory review will look at how we can speed up the process so farmers and growers have access to the safe, innovative products they need to remain competitive.

“One business I visited recently described the current process to me as being like standing in line behind a family of 13 for ice cream, because all applications—changes and new products—are in the same line. It all takes too long.”

He said the ministry would now engage with those who import, manufacture or sell agricultural and horticultural products as well as regulatory agencies and relevant interest groups and report back to the government by the end of the year.

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said the review would be welcomed by the primary sector.

“Farmers and growers need to remain competitive so New Zealand can grow GDP and reduce the deficit.

“This review will ensure that the approval pathway for these products strikes a balance between access and managing risks to human health, trade, the environment and animal welfare.

“Throughout the review we will be mindful of the relationship between regulation and trade in agricultural and horticultural products, and the importance of maintaining New Zealand’s reputation as a trusted trading partner,” Hoggard said.