Ministers Welcome Interest in Review of Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulations

The review aims to simplify and speed up the approval process for innovative, safe products, ensuring farmers and growers stay competitive.

Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have expressed their support for the growing interest in the Ministry for Regulation’s review of agricultural and horticultural product regulations. The review aims to simplify and speed up the approval process for innovative, safe products, ensuring farmers and growers stay competitive.

The Ministry has received 80 detailed written submissions and conducted meetings with over 50 groups representing primary producers, major exporters, and product manufacturers. Minister Seymour acknowledged that the current regulatory process is too slow and complex, preventing timely access to products already approved in other OECD countries. He highlighted the frustration expressed by businesses, with one comparing the process to waiting behind a large family in an ice cream queue.

Seymour expects the submissions and engagements to provide clear ideas for improving regulations and cutting red tape in the system.

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds thanked contributors for their input, emphasizing that the Ministry needs to understand the concerns of those most affected by the current system. She stressed the importance of ensuring farmers and growers have access to new products that protect against pests and diseases.

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard commended the primary sector’s involvement in the review, noting that while trade partners require strict food safety standards, the challenge lies in regulating more efficiently without compromising quality.

The Ministry is now analyzing the submissions and input from direct engagement, with plans to test recommendations through a sector reference group. A report will be presented to the ministers, followed by a Cabinet paper outlining any decisions and next steps.