New Zealand's Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bill passed its final reading on 23 September, reforming how farm chemicals and animal medicines are approved. Federated Farmers welcomed the change but said the real test would be faster access for farmers and growers.

"It makes sense to make better use of trusted international assessments rather than duplicating work that's already been done," said Chris Dillon, the federation's hazardous substances spokesperson, adding that farmers need to see the reform translate into change on the ground and quicker approval of novel active ingredients.

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said farmers, growers and manufacturers had long faced delays and costs, so New Zealand could miss out on products that lift productivity and cut environmental impacts. The new law, he said, could mean dairy farmers getting new animal treatments sooner, growers more targeted crop protection, and wider use of products that reduce nutrient losses or emissions.

Photo: Halter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Source: Farmers Weekly NZ