- Print Friendly - Help

Previous page  | Contents |  Next page

Recent Meetings

Work sharing in the registration of pesticides includes the sharing of data assess-ments (monographs) on pesticides carried out by one authority with others entitled to receive those assessments, and the splitting of the work in assessing data and preparing the monographs amongst countries.

An example of this would be, for example (in a three-country co-operation) one country does the acute toxicity and muta-genicity studies, another the reproduction and developmental toxicity, and the third does the long-term toxicity. In addition, the regulatory authorities of two countries ‘swap’ individuals so that each can gain confidence in the other’s work.

This type of activity has been going on for a few years, and the OECD organised a workshop in Brussels on work sharing on 12-14 February 2001 so that participating countries could share their experiences. This (it is hoped) will encourage others to join in the process. Non-OECD countries were invited to attend, and some took advantage of that invitation.

The workshop opened with participating countries (including New Zealand) giving brief talks on the benefits and downsides of the programme, and how the process was being utilised to their advantage. Issues arising in countries were discussed, and it was decided to draft a detailed report on the benefits of work sharing so that senior policy makers in governments might be persuaded to support adoption of the programme in all (particularly OECD) countries as the normal approach to assessing applications for registration.

John Reeve (National Manager Toxicology and Residues) attended and gave the New Zealand perspective. He was also asked to be a rapporteur for one of five breakout groups (a task shared with an Irish delegate), and so will have a hand in the final report of the workshop.

Industry Liaison Group Meeting

A meeting of the ACVM Group Industry Liaison Group (ILG) was held on Tuesday, 13 March 2001. Those present were:

• Jack Richardson (ACGARM)
• Richard Paxman (ARPPA)
• Murray Gibb (NZVA)
• Peter Ensor (NZ Fruitgrowers & Vegetable Growers’ Federations),
• Tony St Clair (Federated Farmers)
• Bob Diprose (NZ Feed Manufacturers Association & Poultry Industry)
• Tony Ivecivich (Observer)
• Debbie Morris (Director, ACVM Group)
• Brian O’Sullivan (National Manager ACVM Approvals)
• John Reeve (National Manager Toxicology/Residues)
• Brian Pidford (National Manager ACVM Verification) and
• Larry Moolenaar (Technical Advisor Standards/Policy).

At the meeting, Jack Richardson advised that AGCARM is preparing a Code of Practice for Labelling under the ACVM and HSNO Acts. For further information on this, please contact AGCARM.

Peter Ensor advised that representatives from VEGFED would be going to Australia the following week to explore the possible harmonisation of the registration processes between Australia and New Zealand. Debbie Morris would be attending this meeting also.

Brian Pidford reported on the following compliance issues:

• A trial capsule had been found in a carcass at the meat works. The section 63a approval was revoked and the research organisation concerned is now under extra scrutiny to ensure that it does not happen again.
• An unlicensed selenium product has been recalled.
• Four unlicensed oral nutritional products are now going through the processes of being licensed as low risk products.
• A report was lodged on the lack of a withholding period on the label for Cydectin. Investigation determined that there is no withholding period assigned for this product.
• The licence for the product ‘Cartrophen Vet’ has been revoked due to the licensee’s continued refusal to comply with Board requirements.
• There have been a number of cyanide incidents on walking tracks.
• A food residue survey has found what was thought to be a banned substance. Internal control and the audit programme implemented by the grower organisation will be monitored to prevent a recurrence.
• Protestors were present at a large controlled pesticide drop against possums. Assistance was sought for inspectors authorised under the Pesticides Act to clear the site.

[ continued... ]