After reassessing the chemical, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has added new rules for using hydrogen cyanamide on kiwifruit and other crops.
Hydrogen cyanamide is the active ingredient in products, including Hi-Cane, which is widely used in the kiwifruit industry to help buds form by simulating the effects of frost. It is also applied to apples, cherries, apricots, and kiwi berry crops.
Products containing hydrogen cyanamide have been restricted to commercial use and can only be used by trained professionals who must follow strict rules when spraying.
The rule changes include further restrictions on using hydrogen cyanamide products, the amount that can be sprayed, and the need for buffer zones when spraying crops.
The EPA conducted comprehensive risk assessments, considered new research about potential health and environmental effects, and weighed the economic benefits of using this chemical against the potential impacts on people and the environment.
“We also publicly consulted on our proposed changes and held a hearing, which gave individuals and industry a chance to provide valuable information. An independent decision-making committee considered this input and our expert assessments and information,” said Dr Chris Hill, General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
“It’s important that New Zealanders have confidence that hazardous substances such as hydrogen cyanamide are safe to use and that the rules for their use are appropriate for the level of risk.
The decision-making committee had received much information from submitters at the hearing and during the reassessment process and has approved the continued use of hydrogen cyanamide because the benefits outweighed the potential risks.
