EPA's plan 'not good enough'
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is bolstering its frontline applications teams in a bid to reduce the timeframe for new product applications, but agri chemical producers say that it isn't good enough.
The aerial use of 1080 during 2017 covered 875,000 ha of land, says the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
In its report the EPA says there were 50 1080 aerial operations in the year.
General Manager of the EPA’s hazardous substances group Dr Fiona Thomson-Carter says 1080 remains one of the most strictly controlled hazardous substances in New Zealand.
“It is a critical tool in the ongoing fight to protect our native birds from introduced predators – possums, rodents (rats and mice) and stoats,” she says.
“While around 30 research projects continue to look at 1080 alternatives and ways to improve the targeting of pests, the EPA believes the current rules around 1080 keep people and the environment safe.
The report includes information on 12 incidents of non-compliance with the rules, and three complaints reported to the EPA; all 12 incidents were investigated and none posed significant risk to public health or the environment.
“During 2016, there were 36 operations which covered a total of 1,051,201 hectares of land, due mainly to the Department of Conservation’s Battle for our Birds programme,” she says.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
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