1. science
2. medicine
3. veterinary medicine

[ INPUT ]
CONTENTS
THE AGCARM NEWSLETTER
Regulatory changes
and industry initiatives
02
Antimicrobial resistance 03
ACVM processing
03
Food safety by Minister Goodhew
04
HSNO committee visits Dow
05
Summer Conference
05-06
Agcarm Annual Conference
07
Spray drift
07
Veterinary medicines infographic
08
Update on bees
09
New qualification for rural retailers
10
Banned herbicide In compost
10
Pesticide resistance workshop
11
Chemical re-labelling
11
Regulator field trip
12
Agrecovery13
AGCARM
Level 5, City Chambers
Cnr Johnston & Featherston Sts.
PO Box 5069, Wellington 6145,
New Zealand
P +64 4 499 4225
E [email protected]
www.agcarm.co.nz
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
APRIL 2015
Message from Agcarm’s new Chief Executive
I feel privileged to lead Agcarm, the peak voice for the agrichemical industry.
Agcarm lobbies for a progressive
business environment on a wide range
of animal health and crop protection
issues. This includes resistance
management, data protection, cost
recovery for veterinary medicines
and crop protection products,
biotechnology, and worm resistance
to anthelmentics.
In addition to leading industry
policy, Agcarm provides networking
opportunities, media comment and
support for students through
a scholarship programme.
Agcarm doesn’t seem to have the
recognition it should amongst the
wider New Zealand community, with
people not aware of our importance
within the wider economy. A key part
of my role will involve networking,
and keeping stakeholders and
politicians informed.
Our ability to source information from
experts around the globe, enables
Agcarm to provide the best
possible advice for government
policy makers.
The annual Agcarm conference in
July is looking like a cracker, with
top speakers and a mixture of
networking opportunities including
meeting the regulators, cocktail
evening, dinner and quiz night.
With Winston Peters taking the
safe Northland seat off National
in the recent by-election, it is an
interesting time for Government
politics. National’s majority vote
has been reduced so changes
to legislation, like the Resource
Management Act, will be more
risk averse.
On this front, it is
reassuring to know that Agcarm
will continue to show leadership to
ensure our advocacy is heard, and
that decision makers take heed
of our issues. ■
MARK ROSS
[2]
Addressing regulatory changes and
promoting industry initiatives
Upcoming regulatory changes
and industry initiatives were
the focus of Agcarm President
Mark Christie’s address to the
Agcarm Summer Conference
Regulatory changes include data
protection increases, adopting a global
approach to classifying chemicals, and
health and safety legislation.
Agcarm is well-equipped for these
changes due to the strength of the
membership, board, and secretariat
explained Christie.
The biggest shake up in New Zealand
health and safety legislation in 23 years
is underway with the introduction of
the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Agcarm gives direct feedback to the
Environmental Protection Authority
(EPA) on the regulations as they are
written, through a health and safety
regulation stakeholders group.
“Both of these opportunities
have allowed Agcarm to have
significant input into the new
regime”
Agcam also advises the EPA through
a compliance advisory group. This
involves requirements for approvals,
labelling, packaging and safety data
sheets.
“Both of these opportunities have
allowed Agcarm to have significant
input into the new regime,” said
Christie.
The lack of data protection has been
a long-running issue for members.
”But it’s something we’ve persisted with
for many years”. Christie explained that
some members were holding off on
registering new uses and reformulated
products, to acquire a three-year
guard on intellectual property. Data
protection is at the mercy of the
government’s legislative priorities.
See update on data protection.
AGCARM PRESIDENT, MARK CHRISTIE
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
Another change will forgo New
Zealand’s chemical classification
system in favour of the Globally
Harmonized System of Classification
and Labelling of Chemicals. “The upside
is that it will align New Zealand with
global practice. But it will require extra
work and expense in the short term,”
said Christie. See Five years needed for
chemical re-labelling.
With all these regulatory changes, it’s
fair to say that our regulators have been
busy and will be getting even busier.
There is one regulator, however, that
is struggling with its current workload
and is not well placed for the increase.
So Agcarm has been pushing for a
boost to resourcing for the Agricultural
Compounds and Veterinary Medicines
(ACVM) Group at the Ministry for
Primary Industries. See Application
processing to speed up.
“Agcarm is also proactive in addressing
industry issues” stated Christie, giving
two examples: “Agcarm and the
New Zealand Veterinary Association
are working together to improve
the management of antimicrobial
resistance. To achieve this, a governance
group is being established to coordinate research, monitor AMR,
and communicate its findings.”
See Management of antimicrobial
resistance needs higher priority.
“The next piece of work took our
distributor members over five years
to develop. In conjunction with the
Primary ITO, members developed the
New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical
Supply,” he added. See New qualification
for agrichemical retailers ■
DATA PROTECTION UPDATE
The amendment to the data
protection rules under the ACVM
Act is progressing.
MPI aims to have it introduced into
Parliament by 1 July 2015.
Then the Bill will go to the Select
Committee for consideration and
stakeholders will have the
opportunity to make submissions
on the Bill.
Until the amendment is passed into
law, the current data protection
rules apply.
[ 3]
Management of
antimicrobial
resistance needs
higher priority
Agcarm is pushing the Ministry for Primary
Industries (MPI) to step up management
of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New
Zealand.
Agcarm and the New Zealand Veterinary
Association have been promoting a partnership
between industry and government to manage
and oversee AMR.
A dedicated governance group to manage
and address AMR issues in New Zealand was
proposed to the AMR Steering Group, a group
of regulators and industry associations with an
interest in AMR, late last year.
There was unanimous support for the initiative
from the Steering Group, run by the MPI.
The priorities for the governance group are
to co-ordinate research and surveillance of
AMR. Then communicate results of findings to
veterinarians and relevant stakeholders.
These efforts will provide crucial information to
help identify where and when resistance is most
likely to occur. This will identify what actions
can be taken to better manage antimicrobial
resistance in New Zealand - an issue of vital
importance to animal as well as human health.
Agcarm is now pushing for more action from
the MPI to get the governance group up and
running. ■
Application processing
to speed up
REGISTRANTS HAVE EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE DELAYS AND INEFFICIENCIES
WHEN SEEKING APPROVAL OF NEW VETERINARY MEDICINES OR CROP
PROTECTION PRODUCTS.
The drawn out processing by the Agricultural
Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM)
Group at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is
causing uncertainty and delay in getting products
to market, including those with softer chemistries.
The ACVM group has a crucial role in the provision
of modern technology to farmers and growers in
their role as gatekeeper of these products.
The uncertainty about timelines adds significant
cost to manufacturers who need to store products
awaiting approval. It also delays revenue received
from the sale of these products.
This has been a long–running issue for Agcam
members – industry feedback strongly states that
ACVM resourcing is well below par.
A survey undertaken last year on the group’s
performance showed that 85 percent of
respondents were unhappy with processing times.
Only 20 percent thought that treatment of their
applications were consistent.
The Agcarm board met with MPI twice regarding
industry concerns. More recently, Agcarm wrote
a submission on MPI’s proposal to recover costs
for food safety and biosecurity services.
Agcarm is supportive of a fee increase, but only
if core activities will speed up registrations.
The MPI consultation proposed increasing
processing fees by 5.5 percent to $485 per
product application. After submissions closed,
the MPI proposed a further fee increase to $540.
This is an 11 percent increase in total, payable
for each product.
The timeframe was alarmingly short. Agcarm
received a day’s notice to agree on the change
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
— MPI saying that the timeframe was to fit with
the government budget cycle.
The increase will enable MPI to employ two
extra staff – one for veterinary medicines , the
other for agricultural chemicals.
Agcarm agreed to the increase, on the condition
of a faster and more consistent service from the
ACVM Group. As part of this, Agcarm demanded
accountability – asking for baseline information
to measure the progress of applications, including
high priority, and guidance against.
MPI will need to gain Cabinet approval for the
changes. If it proceeds, the fee increase will apply
from 1 July 2015, with the new staff coming on
board immediately. ■
[ 4]
Message on food safety
from Minister Goodhew
The Honourable Jo Goodhew is
Minister for Food Safety,
Minister for the Community and
Voluntary Sector, Associate
Minister for Social Development
and Associate Minister for
Primary Industries.
New Zealand sends around $29 billion
worth of food offshore each year. Last
year our food exports, which make up
around 57 percent of our total exports,
grew by twenty per cent.
This trend is worldwide. The trade in
food is growing swiftly, particularly to
developing countries, and we are just
one of a number of food producing
nations competing for customers.
New Zealand companies export to over
160 countries and the final
destination is often not known
at the time of production, or can
change enroute. This requires our
food exports to simultaneously meet
the food safety requirements of
multiple countries, which is why it
is so important that our food safety
systems continue to be world leading.
To keep ahead of the game we need
to ensure our food safety legislation
is the best designed and most forward
looking. The Food Safety Law Reform
Bill, which I hope to introduce this year,
will include changes across all three
main Acts that cover the Food Safety
portfolio (the Animal Products Act, the
Food Act, and the Wine Act).
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
This is a great opportunity to get a
better and more effective system in
place for industry, and domestic
and international customers.
Among the changes are new
requirements to ensure producers
are able to swiftly identify and
locate ingredients and products
throughout the food supply chain.
There’s increasing scrutiny on food
safety and consumers now have far
greater expectations about the food
they eat and the way it has been
produced.
The food manufacturing system,
and food supply chain, have become
increasingly challenging. One slip up in
one part of the chain can affect product
further along, which is why traceability
requirements are so important.
For these reasons we can see benefits
to applying these requirements across
all food sectors.
These enhanced requirements will see
product traced through the supply
chain within 24 hours, and I am pleased
to say that many of our producers can
already do this.
Our economy relies heavily on our
continued success as a supplier of
safe and suitable food to the world.
One of my goals this year is to remind
industry of the importance of both
their food safety systems and their
food safety culture. Both are equally
important. Systems can be in place,
but people drive the culture. We need
to know those working in the industry
understand their role in protecting
our food safety reputation. ■
One of my goals this year
is to remind industry of the
importance of both their
food safety systems and
their food safety culture.
Hon Jo Goodhew
Picktreu
Summer Conference
THE AGCARM SUMMER
CONFERENCE HELD IN FEBRUARY,
GAVE AGCARM MEMBERS THE
OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM
GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS
SPECIALIST INDUSTRY SPEAKERS.
In his keynote address, opposition
spokesperson for primary industries
and food safety, Damien O’Connor
referred to government as the fastest
law makers in the west.
HSNO Committee
gets an education
Rapid change, he said, left us with
a short horizon, shallow thinking and
little vision. He attributed mistakes
in research, data protection and
biosecurity to the lack of strategy.
■■ Damien O’Connor
“A goal is not a strategy,” said O’Connor
in reference to the Government’s goal of
doubling exports by 2025. ■
The Environmental Protection Authority HSNO
Committee and staff went on an educational tour
of the Dow AgroSciences manufacturing plant and
research station in New Plymouth
The committee, who make decisions on
applications under the Hazardous Substances and
New Organisms (HSNO) Act, was accompanied
by Agcarm Chief Executive, Mark Ross and Dow
Government and Regulatory Affairs Leader, Colin
Sharp.
Attendees were informed of Dow’s processes,
stewardship schemes, as well as the cost of getting
a product from the lab to the user. They also heard
about the process of manufacturing pesticides,
conducting research and the challenges of
operating in a small market. ■
■■ Agcarm President, Mark Christie thanks outgoing
chief executive, Graeme Peters (top) and welcomes
incoming chief executive, Mark Ross.
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
[ 5]
[ 6]
Summer Conference Gallery
■■ Labour MP Damien O’Connor
(Spokesperson for Primary Industries,
Biosecurity and Food Safety) with
Holger Detje of Bayer CropScience
■■ Kimberley Crewther, Executive Director of
the Dairy Companies Association of New
Zealand, and Elspeth MacRae from Scion.
Both spoke at the conference.
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
■■ Daile Holz from Zoetis with
Virbac’s Nikki Cuff
■■ Rebecca Fisher from Access Soluntionz, Emma
Waller from Nufarm and Daile Holz from Zoetis
[ 7]
Agcarm Annual
Conference
If you have an interest in plant and animal science, consider
attending our next conference. You will have the opportunity
to learn more about current issues in crop protection and
animal health, and to network with our member companies.
THURSDAY 23 JULY 2015
CQ HOTEL, 213-233 CUBA STREET
WELLINGTON
Agcarm’s conference includes top
government and industry speakers,
such as Minister for Food Safety,
Hon Jo Goodhew; Chief Science
Advisor to the Prime Minister, Sir
Peter Gluckman; New Zealand’s
Dairy Woman of the Year, Katie
Milne; and Head of the Institute
of Agriculture and Environment,
Professor Peter Kemp. There
are also optional extras such as
cocktails, dinner, plus our popular
quiz night. There’s plenty of time
for networking.
The non-member registration cost
per person is $300, plus $90 for
the optional meal/quiz night. If you
would like to become a member of
Agcarm, the cost per person would
be $200, plus $75 for the meal/quiz
night. All figures include GST.
More information is available on the
Agcarm website, or by contacting
our conference organiser,
Lee Sheppard, email:
[email protected]. ■
Clarification needed
for spray drift risk
assessment
The absence of a spray drift risk assessment causes
uncertainty for registrants and could result in unworkable
spray drift buffer zones
Agcarm, as part of an industry
group, is helping the Environmental
Protection Authority (EPA) to write
a clear policy on spray drift risk
assessment and management.
The group consists of
representatives from the EPA,
Agcarm, Dow Agrosciences, New
Zealand Agricultural Aviation
Association, Rural Contractors,
Lincoln Agritech, Scion, Syngenta
and DuPont.
The policies of the British,
Australian, United States and
Canadian regulators were
discussed at the inaugural meeting
of the reference group held in
December last year.
The EPA was advised to postpone
the setting of buffer zones and
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
harmonise with the Australian
Pesticides and Veterinary
Medicines Authority (APVMA)’s
new policy due in late 2015.
In the meantime, the EPA were
advised to:
• Impose generic drift risk
management advice
on all labels;
• Engage with APVMA and
Australia’s National Working
Party on Pesticide Applications
(NWPPA);
• Prepare risk assessment, and
risk management policies for
consultation.
The next meeting is planned
for June. ■
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[9]
BEE HIVE NUMBERS
TOP HALF A MILLION
THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED
BEE HIVES GREW STRONGLY
LAST YEAR, AND THERE ARE
MORE THAN HALF A MILLION
MANAGED HIVES IN NEW
ZEALAND.
The number of bee hives rose by
nearly 50,000, or 10 percent, to top
546,837 hives as at February 2015. In
2004 there were 292,530 hives. So
the number of managed hives has
nearly doubled in a decade.
The Ministry for Primary Industries
(MPI), which collects bee industry
data as part of its annual apicultural
monitoring programme, reported
that the number of beekeepers
jumped 13 percent to 4,814 last year.
Prices paid to beekeepers increased
for all honey types due to strong
world demand.
New Zealand honey exports reached
8,706 tonnes and $187 million in the
year ending June 2014, an increase
of eight percent in volume and 30
percent in value.
MPI said there is no evidence of
colony collapse disorder in New
Zealand. But noted the bee industry
faced a range of issues including
pests and diseases, biosecurity,
varroa resistance to miticides, and
neonicotinoid insecticides.
According to MPI, the varroa mite
remains the single most detrimental
pest of honey bees. In many parts of
the word, varroa mites have become
resistant to the standard miticides.
This is a major threat to bees, and
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
finding new strategies to manage
resistant mite populations is critical.
AGCARM SUPPORTS BEE HEALTH SURVEY
Neonicotinoids are commonly
used in New Zealand agriculture
and horticulture – mainly in seed
treatments. They are subject to
controls imposed by both MPI
and the Environmental Protection
Authority. MPI said that “there
is little scientific evidence that
neonicotinoid pesticides, when
used according to the label, are
influencing bee health in New
Zealand.”
The crop protection industry recognises the vital role
that pollinators play in global food production and the
need to protect pollinator health.
A best practice guide to using
treated seed was prepared by
Agcarm and the New Zealand
Grain and Seed Trade Association
to promote the safe handling and
management of treated seed for
the benefit of bees, people and
the environment.
Agcarm is helping fund a bee health survey in
conjunction with the Ministry for Primary Industries,
National Beekeepers Association and Federated
Farmers Bees.
The survey will provide a comprehensive picture
of bee health in New Zealand.
Federated Farmers Bee Industry Chair, John Hartnell
said, “ We want the survey to be held every couple of
years so we have some benchmarkable data.” This
will help government in their policy making process.
Internationally, attention has been
given to the possible effect of
neonicotinoid insecticides on bee
health and their possible role in
colony collapse disorder.
From December 2013 the
European Union placed a two year
restriction on some field uses of
three neonicotinoid pesticides,
clothianidin, imidacloprid and
thiamethoxam, including seed
treatment, soil application, and foliar
treatment on plants and cereals
that attract bees. Before the ban is
reviewed, its effect on bee health will
be studied.
Both MPI and the EPA are
closely monitoring international
developments on neonicotinoids and
their potential impacts on bee health.
NOTES * Registered beekeepers and hives under the National Pest Management Strategy for
American Foulbrood.
Varroa was discovered in hives in New Zealand in 2000.
SOURCE AsureQuality Limited.
[[10]
2]
New qualification
for agrichemical
retailers
A new qualification developed by
Agcarm and the Primary Industry
Training Organisation (ITO) will upskill
staff in the rural servicing industry.
The New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical
Supply promotes safe storage, handling
and use of agrichemicals and animal health
products.
Training covers standards and regulations
on supplying agrichemicals and animal
health products. Topics include first aid,
environmental concerns and emergency
response as well as transport, storage and
disposal.
The level four qualification will also train rural
retail staff on providing advice on what to
wear when using agrichemicals – or at least to
know where to find the right information.
To enrol in the programme, students will need
to complete a level three retail qualification
adapted to include agrichemical topics.
Members of Agcarm spent many years
developing the qualification. The course
programme is being developed by the Primary
ITO with Agcarm distributor members to
fine-tune it for effectiveness and consistency
and ensure it is fit for purpose.
Pending final New Zealand Qualification
Authority approvals and a pilot programme,
the qualification is expected to be ready for
delivery in 2017. ■
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
Banned herbicide found
in compost
PRODUCTS FOR AGRICULTURAL WEED CONTROL AND COMMERCIAL TURF
MANAGEMENT ARE APPEARING ON HOME LAWNS.
Products containing clopyralid were banned for
use by home gardeners many years ago, but
composting operations are detecting residues of
the chemical.
Clopyralid is in a number of products used to
control broad-leafed weeds in lawns, sports
grounds, golf courses, field crops and forests.
It is sold under a variety of brand names,
including Versatill and Archer. Turf managers
at sports fields find it particularly useful against
prickly weeds and clover, and because of its low
toxicity, fields can be returned to use quickly.
The Environmental Protection Authority
reassessed clopyralid after it was found that
domestic use on lawns was affecting composting
operations by both local bodies and private
companies. The reassessment resulted in
requirements for the use of the substance to be
under the control of an approved handler and
mandatory labelling of products which warn
against use in home gardens.
A label on a typical clopyralid product states
clearly ‘Not for use in home gardens’ and ‘Do
not use for treating turf that will be mown and
the clippings used for making compost; or made
available for collection for, or deposited at,
a municipal green waste recycling depot’.
Agcarm is communicating the message to home
gardeners.■
[11]
Pesticide resistance
management workshop
Pesticide resistance in weeds, pests and diseases is
becoming an issue across the primary sector.
Effective resistance management is the driver for a Auckland-based
resistance management workshop, hosted by Agcarm and the New
Zealand Plant Protection Society.
TOPICS
• Review and update resistance
management strategies in New
Zealand and identify new threats.
• The role of the New Zealand
Committee on Pesticide
Resistance (NZCPR) - New
Zealand’s main advocacy
group for pesticide resistance
management.
• Effective resistance strategy
development.
DATE: 27 MAY 2015
9.30am to 3.00 pm
DRAFT PROGRAMME
• NZCPR and the status of
strategies
• Science input - the latest on
resistance development
Fungicides
Insecticides
Herbicides
• Industry - the challenges of
resistance
Vegetables
Pipfruit
Grapes/Wine
Arable
Kiwifruit
• Regulator view
• Crop protection industry view
•Workshops
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
Five years needed for
chemical re-labelling
Agcarm has been working with the Environmental Protection
Authority (EPA) on their proposal to replace New Zealand’s unique
chemical classification system in favour of a global system.
Adopting a globally recognised
system of safety information will
align New Zealand’s approach for
classifying chemicals to global
best practice. This will help clear
confusion, but it’s not just a case
of taking a label from an overseas
product and pasting it to the New
Zealand version.
The switch to the Globally
Harmonized System (GHS) of
Classification and Labelling of
Chemicals will demand a lot of extra
time and effort from industry and
government. It will require changes
to labels, safety data sheets, and
Haznotes.
The transition will create bottlenecks
as government agencies attempt
to keep up with demand from
companies trying to get labels
approved in time.
Agcarm wants the switch to the GHS
to be made over five years to allow
enough time to make the switch for
industry and for government. The
EPA proposed a two-year period.
Agcarm’s submission to the EPA was
supportive of the change but asked
for a more realistic time period. ■
[12]
REGULATOR FIELD TRIP 2014
AGCARM TOOK REGULATORS FROM THE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY,
MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND
WORKSAFE NEW ZEALAND ON A FIELD TRIP
THROUGH THE AUCKLAND AND WAIKATO
REGIONS.
CHALLENGES OF PEST CONTROL IN URBAN
AREAS
VETS EXPLAIN PRACTICALITIES OF WORKING IN
LARGE PRACTICE
Matamata Veterinary Services showed regulators
the ins and outs of running a large veterinary
practice in a dairying region. The firm explained
the types of medicines typically used, responsible
use of antimicrobials, setting up farm animal health
management plans, and emphasised the importance
of seasonal treatments such as dry cow therapy.
The purpose of the two-day trip over
October 15-16 2014 was to build knowledge
within government about crop protection
and animal health products used in the field.
Regulators visited 13 sites, including a veterinary
practice, poultry farm, spray contractor, a distributor
store and vegetable growers. Regulators also
got a demonstration on planting treated seed.
Contractor New Zealand Biosecurity Services explains
how agrichemicals are used to control pests and
weeds in Auckland parks and amenity areas.
PLANTING TREATED SEED
DRESSED TO IMPRESS THE CHICKS
Agricultural contracting company Gavins said that
nearly all maize clients used treated seed because it
minimised the risk of crop failure.
Regulators visit the Riverlands poultry farm, which
rears chickens for Ingham’s. The farm has around
140,000 chickens at any one time.
POTATO GROWER ASKS FOR ACTION ON
DATA PROTECTION
A S Wilcox grows potatoes, onions and carrots for
supermarkets and vegetable processors.
General manager of supply Brett Wilcox said minor
crops need better access to modern on-label
chemistry, and so it is vital that the government
introduce a better data protection regime.
Potato psyllid cost the potato industry $90 million highlightimg the importance of keeping a full toolbox
of chemistry and being able to access new products.
■■ Gavins demonstrated the process of planting treated
maize seed.
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
[13]
Sinochem Roundup
Launch
New chair for Agrecovery
Agrecovery, the plastic recycling and chemical recovery
programme supported by Agcarm members, has appointed
Adrienne Wilcock as Agrecovery Chair. Adrienne replaces
Graeme Peters, former Agcarm Chief Executive, who was in the
role of Agrecovery Chair for seven years.
Adrienne is a dairy farmer from
Matamata. She has served on
numerous community clubs and
organisations, while working
alongside her husband and raising
a family.
Sinochem New Zealand recently
launched its new distribution
model to leading rural traders.
A variety of invited guests
attended the launch including
rural distributers, Monsanto,
Sinochem senior management
and Agcarm’s Chief Executive,
Mark Ross.
Having represented the dairy
industry for Dairy NZ, Adrienne
brings her energy and pragmatism to
the rural sector. She is
solutions-focussed and enjoys
making a difference. ■
ADRIENNE WILCOCK
NEW BUSINESS MANAGER
AND TRUSTEE
Simon Andrew has replaced Jenna
Town as Business Manager. Simon
manages Agrecovery activities as
well as relationships with trustees,
operations managers, industry
representatives and stakeholders.
Simon has eight years in the rural
sector, most recently as Ospri’s
Business Development Analyst.
Agcarm chief executive, Mark Ross
was appointed trustee of the rural
recycling programme, which aims to
collect 230 tonnes of plastic. ■
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
SIMON ANDREW
[14]
Agcarm welcomes new members
ZELAM - MANUFACTURER
Zelam is a New Zealand privately owned and operated research
focused company which develops new products for local and
international crop and timber protection markets.
Zelam develops crop protection products suitable for New Zealand
conditions and growing methods. Products are thoroughly tested
and trialled in Zelam’s laboratories and research sites throughout
New Zealand prior to commercialisation.
EUROFINS AGROSCIENCE SERVICES - CORPORATE ASSOCIATE
Eurofins Agrosciences is a global service provider of field,
laboratory and regulatory programmes. The New Zealand arm is
based in Hawkes Bay and services the agrichemical, environmental
and agricultural industries.
It also offers contract research in plant health, animal health, and
environmental programs. Peter Melville manages the New Zealand
business.
RURAL CONTRACTORS NEW ZEALAND - CORPORATE ASSOCIATE
Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) is the association
and leading advocate for rural contractors in New Zealand.
Representing the interests of contractors engaged in a wide range
of activities, RCNZ monitors central and local government policies,
plans and proposals. and lobbies on behalf
of its members – with a range of organisations, including
government and other national bodies.
BRAD CRAWFORD - INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATE
Brad Crawford works for Agworld, an online farm management
software company for farmers and agronomists which originated in
Australia.
Brad established Agworld in New Zealand in 2012, joining
operations in the United States and South Africa.
Brad joined Agcarm to stay on top of issues facing the industry,
specifically around crop-protection. He aims to provide
information management and distribution solutions to suppliers
and distributors.
MARK LINTON - INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATE
Mark Linton is Managing Director and Formulation Chemist for
Renovo Technologies, which develops and manufactures specialty
chemicals.
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015
Mark has 20 years’ experience as an industrial chemist in the dairy,
paint and pesticides industries, including eight years with Dow
AgroSciences.
[15]
What is Agcarm?
Agcarm is the industry association which represents crop protection, animal
health, and rural supplier businesses. Agcarm members distribute and sell the
majority of veterinary medicines and crop protection products in New Zealand.
Agcarm members promote responsible use of products right through the
product life cycle, from research to disposal.
Agcarm is also a positive voice for its members and lobbies for a progressive
regulatory environment.
For information on joining Agcarm, go to www.agcarm.co.nz
The Agcarm Newsletter April 2015