increase font size
The EPA is deciding whether there are grounds to reassess the use of the herbicide glyphosate in NZ.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is deciding whether there are grounds to reasses the use of the herbicide glyphosate in NZ.
This follows an application from the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI), which claims there is significant new information about the negative effects of the substance to warrant a reassessment.
Glyphosate - widely used on many arable farms - is the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. However, Roundup is only one of 89 mixtures containing glyphosate that are approved for use in New Zealand. A broad spectrum herbicide, glyphosate works by targeting an ESPS synthase enzyme, found in plants but not humans or animals.
Glyphosate was approved for use in New Zealand before the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act came into force in 1996. A number of glyphosate-containing substances were moved into the HSNO framework during a 'transfer' process in 2004. At the time of this transfer, glyphosate-containing substances were assessed and assigned rules for use as well as hazard classifications.
Since then, there have been a number of applications under the HSNO Act seeking approval to import and manufacture glyphosate-containing substances. Grounds for reassessment requests are non-notified processes, meaning requests are not publicly notified and there is no opportunity for submissions to be made.
Applications are assessed to determine whether the benefits of using the substance outweigh the adverse effects, with the process looking at potential effects on the environment, public health, Māori culture, people and communities and the economy while also considering how the potential risks from substances can be managed.
ELI Director Legal and Research Matt Hall told Rural News that since glyphosate was last considered in the 1970s, significant new information has emerged about the health and environmental effects of glyphosate.
"The volume and complexity of the information is not for the faint heart on glyphosate. I think that is indicative of the fact that a proper reassessment would be a good thing," he says.
"We've curated and submitted a high level selection of the most important, independent, scientific information. That information does show that there are significant environmental and health effects and our submission is that that should establish the legal grounds for reassessment."
In a statement to Rural News, an EPA representative said that the organisation continually reviews global research and developments on hazardous substances including glyphosate.
The EPA added that it is currently reviewing the findings from a European Food Safety Authorityreport on glyphosate released in JUly this year, as well as recommandations from the European Chemicals Agency on hazard classifications for glyphosate.
Some 28 countries worldwide have banned glyphosate either at a national or divisional level. While Hall says the regulatory processes will differ from country to country, he is wary of industry influence in regulation. A decision-making committee will consider information from the applicant and EPA research to decide whether there are grounds to reassess glyphosate. If the committee decides that grounds do exist, then a reassessment can be undertaken.
Researchers are celebrating an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ruling that removes restrictions on the use of null segregants- descendants from genetically modified organisms but do not contain genetic modifications themselves.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says it aims to highlight innovation and empower people to act now in the interests of the planet with its Sharing Shed exhibit at this year’s National Fieldays.
The country's environmental regulator agency has released the public feedback it has received on the glyphosate weed killer - commonly known as Roundup.
There's growing talk around New Zealand and the world about glyphosate being a health hazard, possibly a carcinogenic.
A Northland grower wants the horticulture sector to show stronger leadership in opposing a proposal to ban the chemical Hi-Cane.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…
