Growers hail Hi-Cane ruling

Kiwifruit grower's advocacy group New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers (NZKGI) led the industry to advocate strongly for the retention of Hi-Cane since the EPA's call for information on the chemical in 2020.

NZKGI argued that a ban would have had a massive economic impact on the country's most valuable horticulture export, closing orchards and hurting the communities that rely on the industry's prosperity.

Hi-Cane, used once per year on kiwifruit orchards, is a critical chemical for the success of the kiwifruit industry. It promotes uniform bud break of flowers, ultimately maximising the production of high-quality kiwifruit. It has allowed our industry to remain competitive and profitable in the markets to which we export.

NZKGI chief executive Colin Bond thanked growers and wider stakeholders who fought for the continued use of Hi-Cane.

"That the EPA's decision-making committee has decided for the retention of hydrogen cyanamide speaks for the industry’s collaborative response through many years of hard work. Growers and the communities who rely on our industry’s success will be relieved that the EPA have made the right decision to retain its use.

“Hi-Cane is a vital tool for kiwifruit growers and its retention will help support a booming industry. Despite the decision today, we will continue to protect our workers and environment and we are committed to an ongoing programme of continuous improvement and best practice that focuses on safe spraying practices both from a human and environmental health perspective.

“The industry has adopted a coordinated approach to maintain safe spraying practice over many years mandating low-drift technologies in relation to buffer zones and going above and beyond the required standards. In addition, we have engaged with the communities in which we live and work, including an education programme, so that people who have remaining concerns can get a better understanding of the chemical.”

Bond noted that the announcement of the retention of hydrogen cyanamide comes with some new controls, and they will now analyse the impact of these restrictions and consult with growers.

One of the country’s largest growers, Seeka Limited notes that the benefits from using Hi-Cane are significant.

Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says the EPA decision keeps the existing approvals, adjusts the rules for its use, updates its hazard classifications and removes the suggestion of a 10-year horizon for the use of the product.

Seeka is supportive of the proposed adjustments, which align to Seeka’s current operating procedures as a responsible orchard manager and grower, he says.

“Seeka takes its environmental responsibility very seriously and is confident the decision achieves a good outcome for kiwifruit growers without compromising the environment. We applaud the process and outcome,” says Franks.

The EPA says it’s important New Zealanders have confidence that hazardous substances such as hydrogen cyanamide are safe to use, and the rules for their use are appropriate for the level of risk.

“This decision demonstrates our robust reassessment process operating as it was designed to do, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcomes for people and the environment,” says Dr Chris Hill, EPA general manager hazardous substances and new organisms.

The EPA conducted comprehensive risk assessments, considered new research about potential effects on health and the environment, and weighed the economic benefits of continuing to use 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.”