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.
RURAL RETAILERS are backing government's safety message to farmers.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), in partnership with Agcarm and WorkSafe New Zealand, is launching a campaign to increase awareness about the importance of wearing the right safety gear when using farm chemicals.
The campaign directly addresses the "she'll be right" attitude toward using safety gear.
Agcarm distributor members across New Zealand will display posters and distribute flyers with practical tips about safety gear.
More than 260 stores will be participating in the campaign, including PGG Wrightson, Farmlands, RD1, ATS and nine independent stores. In addition to the posters and flyers, articles and advertisements based on the posters will appear in the stores' marketing and trade publications.
HortNZ, Federated Farmers, Rural Contractors and WorkSafe NZ are also distributing campaign materials through their Safer Farms programme. More than 150,000 flyers will be passed out during the campaign.
The campaign runs from July 2014 to coincide with the start of the peak sale of agrichemicals - from late winter to spring.
The campaign is designed to address an estimated 600 to 900 New Zealanders dying every year from exposure to hazardous substances. Although, there is no evidence that any relate to agrichemicals, Agcarm member companies are behind the intent of the campaign.
Agcarm chief executive Graeme Peters says "The health and safety of people and the environment is a key driver for our member organisations. This demonstrates their commitment to that".
"It's also important for manufacturers' of agrichemicals to have clear label statements regarding safety precautions for their products including describing what safety equipment is needed for each use – like our members do.
"I would like to commend our members for supporting the campaign and dedicating their time to this," Peters says.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…