An application to reassess hydrogen cyanamide has been publicly notified today and is open for submissions until 12 May 2006. Hydrogen cyanamide is a plant growth regulator used on kiwifruit and apples to enhance bud break.
'This is the first reassessment application initiated by ERMA New Zealand,' says Rob Forlong, Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand. 'It involves taking a closer look at these products as they are currently used in New Zealand to make sure they are being used safely.'
Hydrogen cyanamide is mainly used on kiwifruit to promote bud break. There is currently no equivalent substitute. These products are recognised as important tools for the kiwifruit industry, and to a lesser extent the apple industry.
'While we are concerned about the safe use of hydrogen cyanamide, we also know that its use is important to the kiwifruit industry. It helps the kiwifruit all ripen together so they can all be harvested in one go', says Rob Forlong.
'We recognise that the kiwifruit and horticultural industries have been proactive in the area of pesticide risk reduction. Their initiatives include - using less hazardous sprays instead of more harmful substances, working with Regional Councils on spray notification processes and through developing integrated pest management systems.'
Reassessments are one regulatory tool available to ERMA New Zealand to respond to public concerns over the use of certain chemicals. Conducting a reassessment does not necessarily mean that a substance will be banned, although this is one potential outcome. It provides a process for changes to be made to the conditions applied to that particular substance.
The application for reassessment is available from the Environmental Risk Management Authority's website