New Zealand’s primary sector is urging the Government to be bold in tackling the backlog of applications for new animal and plant health products that will help grow the economy.
There is currently still a backlog of over 100 applications awaiting approval, with estimates of up to four years to clear the queue.
The Ministry of Regulation is undertaking a review into the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory approval process and Cabinet is due to consider the review findings next month (February).
Now, a dozen primary sector businesses and organisations have co-signed a letter to Ministers urging the Government to take the opportunity to deliver prompt, real and positive change.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand, Business NZ, Zespri, Farmlands, Federated Farmers, Silver Fern Farms, Horticulture New Zealand, Foundation for Arable Research, PGG Wrightson, Seed and Grain New Zealand, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers and New Zealand Apples & Pears are united in seeking a transparent, consistent and enabling regulatory approvals process.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) chief executive Dr Liz Shackleton says that products sitting in the queue are mission-critical to achieve the Government’s goal of economic growth from primary sector exports. They include new innovations and other products that will help reduce farm input costs and address supply chain and security risks as a small country.
“All the signatories to the letter have welcomed the review and the opportunity to contribute through the Ministry of Regulation process and look forward to seeing real change as a result.
“There’s one chance to get this right. If the Government doesn’t get the settings right, we risk losing global and regional investment. International companies are telling us that without change it will be too hard to do business in New Zealand.”
Sector leaders are calling on Ministers to take the opportunity of the review to set a clear direction for the approval process including a plan to tackle the backlog. They want strengthened governance, accountability and legislative settings to ensure risk balance and predictable timeframes.
“We want transparency so that we can have confidence that the sector’s views are being heard and sector funding is being used wisely,” says APHANZ chair Gavin Kerr.
“The sector sees the need for a more balanced risk mindset, where the current precautionary ‘say no’ approach is balanced with saying ‘yes’ to innovation that supports growth and improves sustainability and trade outcomes.
“New Zealand’s primary sector is relying on the Government to make the necessary changes quickly. History has shown us all too often that reviews like this can get left on the shelf, but we cannot afford to let that happen this time,” says Mr Kerr.
For more information, or for a copy of the letter, please contact:
Communications Advisor Janice Rodenburg
Ph: 021 705301
Email: Janice@latitudesc.co.nz