A new bill to increase the data protection period for agricultural chemicals in New Zealand is good news for growers of minor crops including avocados, says Nikki Johnson of Market Access Solutionz.

Goat farmers are among those who would benefit from a proposed bill to give greater data protection to agricultural chemicals. Photo: File.

'The New Zealand agricultural chemical market is a small one for multi-national companies that develop new technologies for pest and disease control. Registrants need time to recover registration costs before other companies produce generic products that mirror the pioneer companies' label claims,” says Nikki.

Nikki says often agricultural chemicals are registered for only a few ‘major' crops in New Zealand which means that growers of minor crops have very few products available to them.

Minor crops include avocados, citrus, squash, sweet corn, kumara, tamarillo, field tomatoes, berry and stone fruit. Deer and goat farming is also considered as ‘minor' compared to dairying sheep and beef.

'The majority of crops produced in New Zealand are considered minor by chemical companies and due to low levels of chemical sales they do not justify the cost of specific registration trials.

'When the new data protection bill is passed it will make the economics of investment in registrations for minor crops more attractive. Data protection will be given to registrants that invest in trials on minor crops and this will mean growers willhave access to more sustainable chemicals to allow continued growth and production of a range of fruit and vegetables,” says Nikki.

Agcarm chief executive Mark Rosssays the sooner the new bill is introduced the better.

'Improved chemicals will assist in both managing resistance in animals and crops and providing more environmentally friendly alternatives.

'The passing of this bill will be beneficial for New Zealand agriculture because it would encourage the introduction of modern, innovative, and potentially lower risk plant science and animal health technologies into New Zealand.”

Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew says the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bill 2015 will increase the data protection period for companies registering agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines in New Zealand.

'Access to the latest technologies and effective agricultural chemicals is essential for New Zealand's primary industries. We need these products to manage plant and animal pests and keep farm animals healthy.

'This bill will encourage overseas suppliers to register new products and new uses for existing products in New Zealand.”