The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New Zealand is currently assessing the future use of hydrogen cyanamide, known commercially as Hi-Cane, a critical agri-chemical for kiwifruit cultivation, New Zealand's leading horticultural export. The reassessment, initiated due to concerns over the chemical's suspected carcinogenic properties, is examining its potential human health, environmental, and ecological impacts despite some earlier evidence being retracted by the EPA. Public hearings are underway, with input from kiwifruit industry representatives, Māori agri-businesses, and WorkSafe.
Zespri, representing a significant portion of the industry with 92 percent of its growers using Hi-Cane, argues against the proposed ban, highlighting the chemical's importance for bud formation and even fruiting. The company stresses the substantial scientific evidence indicating low risk, fearing significant economic and operational repercussions for growers and the broader New Zealand economy should a ban be implemented.
Seeka, another major kiwifruit entity, also opposes the ban, emphasizing the detrimental impact on Māori communities and advocating for regulatory measures to mitigate risks rather than an outright prohibition.
Source: rnz.co.nz