New Zealand Government Sets Targets to Accelerate Agricultural Product Approvals

Faster access to new products could benefit farmers and growers by $272 million over 20 years

The New Zealand Government has taken a significant step towards supporting the agricultural sector by agreeing to set targets that will speed up the assessment of new horticulture and agriculture products. This decision comes in response to a comprehensive review of the product approval process conducted from August to December last year, which highlighted the challenges faced by New Zealand's agricultural industry.

Key Findings of the Review:

• Environmental, health and other risks associated with agricultural and horticultural products are well-managed by the regulatory system, however, the approval pathway is time consuming and uncertain due to inefficient regulations. This prevents efficient and timely access to new innovative products for NZ farmers.
• Halving current approval times for new products could generate benefits of $272 million over 20 years for New Zealand farmers and growers.
• New Zealand faces a competitive disadvantage in accessing new agricultural products due to:
  • Small market size
  • Reliance on crops considered minor internationally
  • Unique farming practices
  • Distance from main manufacturing bases

Government's Response:

The Cabinet has agreed to all 16 recommendations made by the review, including:

1. Setting targets to speed up assessments and reduce application queues
2. Utilising international regulators' assessments to save time
3. Exploring a strategic pathway for priority products
4. Updating EPA's risk assessment models
5. Increasing the use of rapid pathways for HSNO considerations
6. Expanding the use of registration exemptions for ACVM
7. Implementing self-assessments for appropriate applications

Progress Already Underway:

• Environment Minister Penny Simmonds reported that the EPA has already:
  • Appointed more staff
  • Created a prioritisation framework
  • Developed new group standards for low-risk hazardous substances
• Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard stated that MPI is addressing recommendations as part of its ACVM modernisation work programme, with 8 out of 13 applicable recommendations already in progress or ready to start

Impact on the Agricultural Sector:

"HSNO and ACVM products are critical to farmers and growers. Technological developments in these products could be the difference between surviving or thriving," said a government spokesperson. "The Government is cutting red tape to ensure farmers and growers can quickly access the high-quality products they need so we can grow the economy. Faster access to new products for farmers and growers will lift primary sector productivity and growth."

This initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting New Zealand's agricultural sector by streamlining processes and reducing barriers to accessing innovative products. Nicola Smith, Country Manager for Syngenta New Zealand comments "Syngenta (NZ) welcomes these changes and we look forward to working closely with regulatory bodies to bring cutting-edge solutions to our farmers and growers more efficiently".