The Government’s agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review must address the current backlog of new products awaiting approval, says industry group Animal and Plant Health NZ.
Animal and Plant Health NZ today briefed Parliament’s Primary Production Select Committee on the importance of the review to New Zealand’s primary sector.
“New Zealand’s farmers and growers are facing big challenges such as climate change, emerging biosecurity threats, and increasing productivity and export value,” says Animal and Plant Health Chief Executive Liz Shackleton.
“They need timely access to new tools to tackle these challenges – such as treatments for emerging diseases, new and improved crop protection treatments, vaccines and innovative solutions like methane inhibitors.
“Currently there is a significant backlog of applications for approval of new products.”
As at June 2024, the EPA reported 121 release applications in the queue (EPA quarterly report). A 2023 Sapere report estimated 2-4 years to clear the queue, assuming no new applications and an additional 12-18 months assessment. (Sapere report).
Dr Shackleton says Animal and Plant Health members recognise the need for appropriate regulation to manage risks but want to see a balanced risk mindset and a more efficient, consistent and effective approvals process.
“Members also want to see greater transparency of how sector funding is being used, resource focus and the outcomes that are being delivered for that. Clear objectives, a business-like approach and strong governance are important for New Zealand to grow.”
Dr Shackleton says the review being undertaken by the Ministry for Regulation is a welcome opportunity to put the issues and possible solutions on the table.
Animal and Plant Health NZ has proposed a number of solutions, including
- Moving to a Group Standard for Trial Products, for example, for lower risk trials run to international standards, and away from environmentally sensitive areas. This would support resource focus on the backlog.
- A strategic leadership forum bringing together regulators, government, industry and independent expertise to strengthen alignment and address the backlog.
- For agricultural compounds and vet medicines, streamline minor changes that align with international practices for well-established products and processes, by introducing self-assessment.
- Harmonise with international standards, for example, rule of two for companion animals (that is, where two regulators in selected countries have approved a product, then it can be accepted here) and label harmonisation where appropriate.
