May 2, 2002
Organic Weed Killer Performs Well In Australian Tests
Statement made by Dr Earl Stevens, Managing Director,
Certified Organics Limited
Results from field trials undertaken in Australia to test the weed killing ability of Organic Interceptor™ are
excellent, and in line with our expectations.
In the tests in four states, Organic Interceptor™ proved as effective at controlling a wide range of weeds as chemical
herbicides. The trials were conducted by Australian agricultural research company Serve-Ag, headquartered in Tasmania
The tests were conducted under rigorous scientific conditions on weeds growing on bare earth, and in association with
crops of corn, grapes and potatoes.
The crops trials are particularly relevant. Organic Interceptor™ showed the ability to kill weeds effectively without
destroying the food crop, but just as importantly left the food free of toxic residues.
Organic Interceptor™ kills weeds through dehydration, achieved by disrupting leaf and stem cells so that they
effectively leak.
The results achieved mirror those obtained by AgResearch in New Zealand trials, the results of which were released in
March.
The Australian field trials are an important part of the documentation we need to complete our application to the
National Registration Authority (NRA) in Australia to obtain commercial use registration of Organic Interceptor™.
We are on track to receive approval in Australia to market Organic Interceptor™ to the organic and conventional
agricultural, horticultural and viticulture markets by the end of the year.
Our Australian plans are on track but, as expected, are a few months behind developments in New Zealand, which has been
our primary focus to date.
We are already selling Organic Interceptor™ in concentrate form to the home and garden markets in New Zealand and
Australia, and will be selling it in a ready-to-use, Premix spray pack product range from retail outlets in New Zealand
this month.
In Australia we are currently finalising the application to the NRA to enable us to sell the Organic Interceptor™ Premix
ready-to-use products to the retail market. We are also finalising our plans to extend our Australian distribution to
all market segments.
ENDS