Wednesday, 14 August 2024 07:55

'A game changer'

Written by  Staff Reporters
Animal and Plant Health NZ president Gavin Kerr. Animal and Plant Health NZ president Gavin Kerr.

Animal and Plant Health Association NZ says it welcomes a review of regulations "hampering NZ agriculture's ability to keep pace with the rest of the world".

The Government recently announced the next steps in improving efficiencies in approving crop protection and animal health products with the terms of reference for a regulatory review that will assess how to "speed up the process to get our farmers access to the sorts of safe, innovative products they need to remain competitive".

Association president Gavin Kerr says the review is a 'game-changer' for the agricultural community, setting the stage for a more efficient regulatory environment that fosters innovation while maintaining New Zealand’s high safety standards.

“It’s all about finding that sweet spot where regulation meets opportunity, allowing farmers to thrive in a competitive global market.

“This is a chance for industry voices to be heard by contributing to a future where innovation flourishes,” adds Kerr.

It signals that industry and government share the common goals of innovating and growing New Zealand by “maintaining the country’s amazing farming and food safety reputation, which underpins our export success”.

Kerr says it’s also a chance to grow leadership, collaborate and rediscover our ambition.

“We encourage our members to contribute their expertise and experiences to shape a regulatory environment that supports innovation and growth while upholding our high standards. Our industry contributes to New Zealand’s economic growth, sustainability efforts, and global competitiveness in the agrifood sector.”

More like this

Call to fast-track animal medicines approval

With an amendment to the Medicines Act proposing human medicines could be approved in 30 days if the product has approval from two recognised overseas jurisdictions, there’s a call for a similar approach where possible to be applied to some animal medicines.

Mocktails and menopause

For those rural women who feel menopause might be getting the best of them, a series of events is heading to the Waikato that could help.

Featured

Synlait, Nestlé Expand Eco-Focused Dairy Partnership in NZ

A partnership between Canterbury milk processor Synlait and the world's largest food producer, Nestlé, has been celebrated with a visit to a North Canterbury farm by a group including senior staff from Synlait, the Ravensdown subsidiary EcoPond, and Nestlé's Switzerland head office.

National

Machinery & Products

Chinese Tractors Eye Western Europe

Having caused quite a stir at last year’s Agritechnica, Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion is reported to be conducting large-scale field trials…

Franz Grimme Turns 80

Franz Grimme recently celebrated his 80th birthday earlier March and continues to be an entrepreneur with passion and pioneering spirit,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

What A Choice!

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…

Your Call!

OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter