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Pesticides and veterinary medicines agreement good for New Zealand

24 July 2006

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and will see both organisations working more closely together.

NZFSA’s Director (Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines), Debbie Morris, says the memorandum signed by New Zealand and Australia is an important one that is expected to reduce the time and cost of product registrations in both countries.

“NZFSA and APVMA are both internationally respected regulators of pesticides and veterinary medicines. By working closer, we are able to share knowledge and expertise and better provide users of agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines with increased choice while maintaining a robust assessment process.

“In addition, closer links will help further enhance the quality and efficiency of regulatory work, lowering the costs to food producers and improving New Zealand’s competitiveness.”

The memorandum provides a solid basis for the exchange of knowledge, expertise and cooperation in pesticides and veterinary medicines regulation.

Differences between the agricultural environment and systems make mutual recognition of regulatory decisions in the two countries unfeasible. The cooperation is aimed, however, at sharing important regulatory information and working towards aligning regulatory requirements where it is appropriate.

ENDS

Further Comment: Debbie Morris, Director (Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines). Phone (04) 463 2541 or (021) 888 267

More information: Gary Bowering, Manager (Communications). Phone (04) 463 2532 or (027) 443 2550