Bayer’s decision to exit its New Zealand crop protection field research station in Hastings is a deeply worrying development for the future of innovation in this country.
Bayer is a world leader in crop research and development and operate globally. They have told us the current operating environment in New Zealand means that they do not see future opportunities to start new projects here.
Our thoughts are with affected Bayer staff. We’re also concerned for New Zealand farmers and growers, who will miss out on the latest pipeline of crop protection products as our international competitors benefit instead.
Many multi-national R&D companies have made it clear they have lost confidence in the approvals process for new trials and new products in New Zealand and point to their applications reducing in those areas.
The industry remains committed to change - providing regulators data, solutions and offers of engagement to support. Our future depends on it.
The Government is committed to change - their recent review offered a glimmer of hope and confirmed regulators can do more within existing means to immediately demonstrate that they are serious about supporting innovation in New Zealand.
We welcome the Ministers’ commitment to setting targets for Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) and revising Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) targets. But this review is not yet delivering outcomes on the ground.
Regulators have been saying since February that work is underway, but those awaiting product approvals say they still have no clarity when decisions will be made. Farmers, growers, and veterinarians say they are not yet seeing the new products they need most to battle diseases and pests.
The latest information about the regulators’ implementation of the review recommendations is unsettling for industry. Bayer’s decision reflects the reality - businesses need outcomes, not promises, to continue operating here. It’s no secret that other multi-nationals are actively reviewing their future in New Zealand.
It is up to each individual company to make their own decisions, but as the voice of the industry, we urge the Government to move with haste to restore confidence in New Zealand as a place to innovate and do business.
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The above statement is to be attributed to Dr Liz Shackleton, Animal and Plant Health NZ Chief Executive.
For more information or interview, please contact Linda Lim - email linda.lim@aphanz.co.nz or call 027 231 2834
