Pesticides Bring Trade Problems

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29872, 12 July 1962, Page 12

Pesticides Bring Trade Problems

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 11.

The increasing volume and variety of pesticides used in agriculture and unilateral action by countries to control their use and to fix tolerances for residues in plant and animal products have complicated international trade in farm products.

Reference to this world pesticides problem was made by the former Director-General of Agriculture (Mr P. W. Smallfield) in the annual report of his department, tabled in the House of Representatives today.

During the year the department, in co-operation with the Agricultural Chemicals Board and the Stock Remedies Board, has given increased attention through its advisory services and by regulations to ensuring the safer use of pesticides. Mr Smallfield says the legislation is only part of the effort needed to keep residues in export produce within limits acceptable to overseas customers. It is just as important for farmers to understand fully the reasons for restrictions on the use of some agricultural chemicals, the dangers to export markets if chemicals are not used properly, and the alternatives available.

A major effort has been made by the department to inform farmers fully on the

residue problem, and advice has been offered on the efficient use of DDT, in the main classes of farming within the terms of the regulations. Inquiries into whether farmers and agricultural contractors are adhering to recommended procedures in the use of insecticides on pastures have shown that a frequent fault is the failure to allow enough time to elapse between application and grazing. This makes it possible for animals to eat small quantities of the chemical and for residues to be held in their body fat. Most errors in the use of pesticides are caused by failure to read label directions.

Experience has shown that observance of the regulations need not entail any lowering of management standards or loss of production and does not make the use of insecticides any less effective.

"Agricultural produce can be very vulnerable to the residue requirements of importing countries and this risk of contaminated produce called for immediate action to keep residues in export produce within the limits acceptable by our overseas customers,” says Mr Smallfield. The department is continuing experimental work on the new insecticides and there is a warning in the report that recommendations might have to be altered as a result.