Source: Environmental Protection Authority
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has added new rules for the use of hydrogen cyanamide on kiwifruit and other crops, after reassessing the chemical.
Hydrogen cyanamide is the active ingredient in products, including Hi-Cane, that are widely used in the kiwifruit industry to help buds form by simulating the effects of frost. It is also applied to some apple, cherry, apricot, and kiwiberry crops.
Products containing hydrogen cyanamide are restricted to commercial use and can only be used by trained professionals who must follow strict rules when spraying.
The rule changes include further restrictions to the way hydrogen cyanamide products are used, how much can be sprayed, and the need for buffer zones when spraying crops.
The EPA conducted comprehensive risk assessments, considered new research about potential effects on health and our environment, and weighed the economic benefits of continuing to use this chemical against the potential impacts on people and the environment.
“We also publicly consulted on our proposed changes and held a hearing, which gave individuals and industry a chance to provide valuable information. This input and our own expert assessments and information were considered by an independent decision-making committee,” says Dr Chris Hill, General Manager Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
“It’s important New Zealanders have confidence that hazardous substances such as hydrogen cyanamide are safe to use, and the rules for their use are appropriate for the level of risk.
“This decision demonstrates our robust reassessment process operating as it was designed to do, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcomes for people and the environment.”
The decision-making committee received a large amount of information from submitters at the hearing and during the reassessment process, and decided to approve the continued use of hydrogen cyanamide because it found the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
