More flexibility for growers of smaller-scale crops

The Government is making it easier for growers of smaller-scale crops to use the agricultural chemicals they need to control pests and weeds, says Minister for Food Safety Andrew Hoggard.

Agricultural chemicals are subject to risk-based maximum residue levels (MRLs). Until now, growers of minor crops such as strawberries or leafy greens have often had to rely on low default MRLs where no specific New Zealand limit has been set.

“These growers now have a pathway to use internationally agreed, risk-based MRLs, helping them get better value from available herbicides and insecticides.
Codex, the international standards-setting agency, has already done the work. This is a practical solution that balances safety with flexibility and makes it easier for industry to do business. Industry strongly supports this change, which will give growers more options and support export opportunities,” Mr Hoggard says. 

Most agricultural chemicals are registered for major crops, such as kiwifruit or apples, and their labels set out how they can be used.
Minor-crop growers who want to use the same products often need to do so off-label. Because default residue limits are low, they may have to use products early in the season or at less effective rates.

“Under the new pathway, strawberry growers could apply for a Codex MRL for sulfoxaflor, giving them another option to control aphids. A Codex MRL of 0.5 mg/kg would allow use during harvest with a practical withholding period, compared with New Zealand's default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg, which requires a longer withholding period and limits its usefulness during the picking season,” Mr Hoggard says. 

New Zealand Food Safety will assess each request. If it meets the criteria, public consultation will follow. If no concerns are raised, a New Zealand MRL based on the Codex MRL will be approved and adopted.

“This is about unlocking the potential of smaller-scale growers through sensible, practical rules that keep food safe and make it easier to get on with the job,” Mr Hoggard says.

More information about the new pathway and how to apply is on MPI’s website. ...