30 July 2026, NZ: Growers of smaller-scale crops will have more options to control pests, diseases and weeds under a new process announced by the Government, says Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
The change means growers can ask to use safe residue limits already accepted internationally when New Zealand does not have a limit for their crop. New Zealand Food Safety will review each request and seek public feedback before making a decision.
“This practical change will give smaller-scale growers access to more effective crop-protection tools while maintaining strong food safety safeguards,” says HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott.
Most crop-protection products are approved and labelled for widely grown crops such as apples and kiwifruit.
However, growers of smaller crops may need the same products but often have to use them outside the label directions. This can restrict when they can apply a product and how effectively it can be used.
“HortNZ has worked with the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines team at the Ministry for Primary Industries on this issue, and we are pleased the Government has put a workable pathway in place.”
For strawberry growers, the pathway could provide another option for controlling aphids. They could seek the Codex limit for a very efficacious fungicide, which may allow use closer to harvest with a practical withholding period.
“We are partnering with the Strawberry Growers Association to pilot the approach using two crop protection products,” says Scott.
“This will provide valuable practical experience and help demonstrate how the pathway can work for other minor crops.
“Access to a wider range of effective tools is increasingly important as growers respond to pest and disease pressures, changing conditions, and the need to produce more fresh food sustainably.
“Ultimately, this change will improve smaller producers’ access to more effective crop-protection options, support domestic food production and supply and help growers remain productive and resilient.”
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