Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the regulatory review of agricultural and horticultural products.
The Ministry for Regulation's review looks at how to speed up the process of gaining farmers' and growers' access to the safe, innovative products they need to remain competitive.
The Ministry has received 80 comprehensive written submissions and has met with more than 50 representative groups and companies representing agricultural and horticultural primary producers, major exporters, product producers, and other interested parties.
There are too many delays, and the process is too complex. It stops farmers and growers from accessing products approved by other OECD countries.
“One business I visited described the current process to me 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,” said Seymour.
“If the submissions and engagements reflect what I have heard from farmers, growers and industry, then I expect to see clear ideas about where we can improve the regulations and reduce the red tape surrounding the agricultural and horticultural products system.
Simmonds has thanked everyone who submitted. She said the Ministry needed to hear directly from those most impacted by this regulatory system so they can understand the importance of farmers and growers having access to new products that protect against pests and disease.
Hoggard also commended the primary sector’s input into the review.
“The Ministry has heard through its direct meetings that our trade partners expect our products to meet certain standards to ensure the safety of our food. The challenge for the review is how to regulate smarter - meeting those standards more efficiently and effectively.”
The Ministry is now analysing written submissions and information from direct engagement. It will test recommendations and findings through a sector reference group and tailored meetings with other groups and government agencies.
The Ministry will provide a report to the Ministers for Regulation, Environment, and Food Safety, followed by a Cabinet paper seeking decisions on any recommendations and next steps.
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