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[ 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. ■ 2. Number of species 2. Number of species 1. Market size 1. 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The v from produ etc. R chara requir to the unnec More We don’t eat people More info on More info on www.ifahsec.org www.ifahsec.org But we eat meat, fish, eggs, etc. www [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