2021 NZEPA Glyphosate - Call for Information

September 17, 2021, for deadline October 22 2021. Our submission highlighted pervasive issues that are yet to be addressed by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority and that - remaining unaddressed - contribute to declining public trust in the regulatory agency.

Our submission highlights:

Failure to address cumulative herbicide use as applicators struggle to deal with herbicide resistance, and use increasingly toxic mixtures in an effort to control weeds.
The knowledge that there is 'new information' - it is just that the specific committee has never met to deliberate on the 'new information'.
Recognition that banning home use will have little impact on real use and risk to human and environmental health.
Fact that applicator exposure is normal, accidental poisonings, such as dermal contact with the pesticide, is a normal part of use.
Reality that a lot of mechanical technologies are available that can immediately result in the transition of local and regional governments away from roadside and urban spraying.
New technology is advancing swiftly in the more heavily regulated countries - as regulation precedes innovation for taking steps to protect human and environmental health. Cabinet budgeting can support rapid uptake of integrated weed management and associated tech (mechanical and robotics technologies) in agriculture.

COMPLETE SUBMISSION HERE

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