New Zealand legislations makes growing easier on niche farmers
Growers of minor crops - including citrus, kumara, leafy vegetables, tamarillos, berry fruit and feijoas - will be able to access products they need which are readily available overseas. These products were not introduced to New Zealand due to the small size of the market.
The reason growers and farmers were missing out on new technology was due to the lack of protection on the data proving that a product works, is safe for people and the environment, and that residues in produce are within acceptable limits. Manufacturers need to provide this information in order to get approval from two regulators: the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Environmental Protection Authority.
It also allows New Zealand farmers and growers access to new products favoured by trading partners. Access to the newest advances in technology allows them to comply with international best practice for the environment and food safety - and be internationally competitive. They are also more likely to have maximum residue levels set in our export markets.
A greater variety of new products will mean more solutions for growers. It does not mean that product use will increase overall. Instead, there will be more to choose from - ones that in most cases will be more environmentally-friendly, more effective and more targeted.
source: scoop.co.nz