9 June 1992 Agrichemical Education Trust Launched

A strong Canterbury presence is a feature of a landmark launching at the Beehive today (Wed. 10 June). Agriculture Minister John Falloon inaugurates the Agrichemical Education Trust of New Zealand, with three of its six trustees coming from the Canterbury region.

The trust has come into being as a watchdog authority to ensure that farmers and growers understand and follow agreed standards for the safe use of agricultural chemicals. It will also ensure that agrichemical usage safeguards the environmental and physical health of New Zealanders and preserves access for New Zealand produce to domestic and international markets.

Later, if accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, the trust will provide a national certificate in agrichemical use and certify the trainers of those using agrichemicals.

The three Canterbury men on the board of trustees are Graeme Robertson of Ashburton, representing farmer interests, Alastair Malcolm of Christchurch representing fruit growers and Professor David Penman of Lincoln University representing educational interests.

The other trustees are Colin Hagen of MAF's Flock House, Ken Shirley of the Forest Owners Association and Keith Jowsey of the Vegetable and Potato Growers Federation, who is chairperson.

"User responsibility for agrichemical use could have been approached either by regulation, with all its associated costs, or by education," says Professor Penman of Lincoln University, "and education became the favoured option, with preference for an industry-driven approach rather than one imposed by the Government.

"In pursuit of self-regulation a group of leaders from the main farm and grower organisations commissioned an Agrichemical Users Code of Practice with the aim of providing practical and specific guidance for the safe, responsible and efficient use of agrichemicals.

"However, publication of the code was not sufficient in itself. Delivery of its intent to as wide an audience as possible was the real issue, and the development of an educational programme became a matter of priority. That delivery task has now been taken on by the Agrichemical Education Trust.

"The challenge is enormous with the prospect of providing training to 30-40,000 users of agrichemicals in the primary production sector.

"Our hope is that through education we will limit the incorrect use of agrichemicals and the impact of such incorrect use on New Zealand's environment, population and trading activities."

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand