1998, Volume 1, Paper 18
ISSN: 2209-6612

Risk Management for Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines

Bruce Burdon – Food & Animal Policy Group,  Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, New Zealand

Abstract

In early 1999 new legislation will seek to control agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines. The purpose of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 is to manage risks from the use of agricultural compounds to trade in primary produce, animal welfare and agricultural security. It also ensures that the use of agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines do not breach domestic food residue standards. The Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act is not a stand alone piece of legislation. It is primarily responsive to international trading arrangements and to standards and outcomes set under other legislation (Meat Act 1981, Dairy Industry Act 1952, Biosecurity Act 1993, Animals Protection Act 1960, and Food Act 1981). It is overlaid by the Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996, which has the purpose of managing environmental and human health risks. The task for those administering the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act is to ensure that its objectives are met efficiently without compromising or duplicating the outcomes of other statutes. A risk management approach has been used to make recommendations on the extent of regulation required, if any. Some cost benefit analysis and minimum cost techniques are also used to keep the bureaucrats honest.

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