A blueprint to ensure farmers, growers and veterinarians can access the tools they need to fight pests and diseases has been launched as New Zealand’s primary sector faces ongoing regulatory delays.
Developed by Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ), the Blueprint for Rapid Change recommends practical steps the Government and regulatory agencies can take to streamline approvals for agricultural and horticultural products.
The blueprint comes seven months after the Ministry for Regulation’s review of the regulatory approval process. It includes options discussed with regulators since December 2023.
While legislative reform to the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Acts (HSNO) is underway, APHANZ’s blueprint identifies three operational levers that can be pulled immediately by regulators.
These include a specialist taskforce to clear applications that matter most for farmers and growers - new active ingredients and new label uses - and greater use of international harmonisation and trusted regulator data to streamline approvals.
The sector is also seeking meaningful engagement to co-design workable, risk-based solutions.
“This isn’t about asking for shortcuts,” says Dr Liz Shackleton, APHANZ Chief Executive.
“It’s about asking regulators to use the tools they already have to make timely, risk-based decisions.
“Every delay adds stress, cost and risk to our farmers and growers who are trying to do the right thing - grow healthy food, protect the environment and meet rising standards. We need to move from promises to progress.”
In the field, farmers and growers are urging Government to do more. Despite Cabinet greenlighting reform and Ministers setting targets, access to new products remains stalled. In the queue, applicants report no meaningful change to the process.
“One recent approval for a new active ingredient has moved apple growers one step closer to the first blackspot tool in 18 years - but more are needed,” says Dr Shackleton.
“A broad toolkit with new actives and new label uses is needed by farmers and growers so they can rotate products to manage resistance, improve environmental outcomes and phase out older chemistry.
“In the business world, global R&D companies are voting with their feet. Projects for grass grub, crown rot, nematodes, vaccines and other actives are being deprioritised to other countries - leaving New Zealand behind. These products are mission critical.
“They underpin export growth, trade agreements, emissions targets, resistance management, animal welfare and sustainability. Without regulatory efficiency and certainty, New Zealand risks losing its competitive edge.
“We have been encouraged by the overwhelming support from across the sector for the change we’ve been leading on.
“We are not alone in this - we are actively working with wider sector partners. This is a united front, and together we’re pushing for a system that delivers the innovation our sector needs.
“APHANZ welcomes the Government’s commitment for change and the Ministers’ targets for regulator performance, but industry needs tangible results now.
“APHANZ is hearing from farmers and growers about a toolbox that is near on empty to help them grow food for New Zealanders and our global markets. They’re frustrated knowing there are products that can solve certain diseases and insect problems that are stuck in the approval process.
“I’ve spoken to growers and farmers across the country who are facing mounting pressure - from rising costs and climate volatility to increasingly discerning markets.
“The solutions exist - safer, more effective tools are sitting right on our doorstep. They are already in use overseas, but our regulatory system is holding the door shut.”
-ends-
See here for the full Blueprint for Change
