EU's pesticide residue Ban and Its Implications for New Zealand's primary industries.
In a significant move with huge implications for NZ farmers and producers, the European Union (EU) announced a ban on food imports containing residues of neonicotinoid pesticides. This decision by the European Commission announced in 2020 and coming into force by 2026, adds considerable political weight to the EU's Farm to Fork strategy and aims to address concerns over the harmful effects of these chemicals on humans and the environment.
Neonicotinoids, including clothianidin and thiamethoxam, are widely used in horticulture, posing a high risk to bees and other pollinators and have been linked to long-term effects on human health. The EU has already prohibited their use within its member states due to their detrimental impact on biodiversity and human and ecosystem health. The ban will extend to imports, signalling a stringent stance on pesticide residues in food products entering the EU market.
For New Zealand's primary industries, this announcement holds significant implications. OANZ CEO Tiffany Tompkins was recently interviewed on RNZ and said, ''Europe has 195 banned pesticides, compared to only 27 banned in NZ; that's a significant discrepancy and could see NZ exports with banned chemical residues getting stopped at European borders''. Tiffany advises farmers and growers to get clued up about what pesticides are prohibited in Europe, especially several neonicotinoid insecticides currently approved and commonly used in horticulture in NZ despite being heavily restricted in the EU. Awareness of these regulations is crucial to avoid export disruptions and ensure compliance with international standards.
The EU's decision underscores the growing global concern for better agricultural practices and biodiversity protection. While it poses challenges for New Zealand's primary industries, it also presents an opportunity for the country to reassess its pesticide usage and align its practices with evolving international standards. By adopting more organic and regenerative practices and adhering to stricter regulations, New Zealand can maintain its access to key export markets and contribute to the global effort towards climate-friendly farming and biodiversity conservation.
Learn more about the European Green Deal’s Farm to Fork strategy and the potential ramifications for NZ’s primary sector.