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8 Virtual rural health centre launched Vol 22 No 30 | August 5, 2024
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Thumbs up for move to simplify regs NEWS
Regulation
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ARMING industry leaders are welcoming a government move to overhaul legislation it says hampers New Zealand agriculture’s ability to keep pace with the rest of the world. The Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Acts are to be streamlined and bought into line with regulations used by other countries.
This review marks a significant step in our efforts to work with regulators to streamline processes and to enhance competitiveness in our sector. Gavin Kerr Animal and Plant Health NZ The announcement came from the three ministers involved in the process – Regulation Review Minister David Seymour, Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds and Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard. “Right now, there are too many
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delays, and the process is too complex,” said Seymour. “It stops farmers and growers from getting access to products that have been approved by other OECD countries. “One business I visited recently described the current process as like being in the ice-cream queue behind a family of 13, because all applications, changes and new products are in the same line. “It all just takes too long.” Gavin Kerr, president of Animal and Plant Health NZ, welcomed the ministers’ announcement, which includes the terms of reference for the review. “This review marks a significant step in our efforts to work with regulators to streamline processes and to enhance competitiveness in our sector,” he said. “The review aims to find a balance between efficient regulation and the need for access to new technologies and innovations that will keep our industry globally competitive.” Kerr echoed a longstanding issue the sector has had with delays. Alison Stewart, CEO of the Foundation for Arable Research, said it was a good move and anything that streamlines the registration system for crop treatments would be a benefit for all players. She had earlier expressed disappointment that the Continued page 3
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NEWS 10
Genomics validate dairy beef sire choice
S FOECT CU OR S
Richard Rennie & Eric Frykberg
A genetic trial of dairy beef cattle has revealed how to enhance carcase performance while sidelining animals of lower worth, says GENEZ general manager Ben Watson.
SHEEP & BEEF 18-23 Agresearch makes more than 20 people redundant as it addresses funding issues.
Cow urine the hotly contested field of battle as scientists dispute to Nth degree.
Challenges around rights of land ownership yet to be solved, writes David Eade.
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OPINION 15
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