EPA no longer classify Hi-Cane as carcinogenHi-Cane phase out would create massive economic falloutSpray is safe when used appropriately
This week NZKGI responded to the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report on the
effects of their proposed hydrogen cyanamide ban, a spray used by kiwifruit growers commonly known as Hi-Cane.
Hi-Cane, used once per year on kiwifruit orchards, is a critical chemical for the success of the kiwifruit industry. It
promotes uniform bud break of flowers ultimately maximizing the production of high quality kiwifruit. NZKGI opposes a
ban on Hi-Cane and is of the view that any ban with any phase-out period is unnecessary and inappropriate. A ban would
create uncertainty and stifle investment.
NZKGI CEO Colin Bond says the EPA’s proposed ban of Hi-Cane is unjustified. “Hi-Cane is a vital tool for kiwifruit
growers and would result in significant losses for both the kiwifruit industry and the wider economy if it was banned.
As New Zealand’s largest horticultural export, kiwifruit continues to play a vital role in regional economic development
around the country and makes a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economic performance.” An independent economic
report commissioned by NZKGI found that banning Hi-Cane in New Zealand would cost the economy $1.56 billion.
“The magnitude of the economic and related benefits derived from the use of hydrogen cyanamide should be described as
massive and NZKGI is of the view that the EPA’s Update Report does not adequately consider the wellbeing effects on
individual growers or the impacts on national wellbeing that would arise from a ban of Hi-Cane.” Bond does however note
that the SIA report highlights that the effects on Māori growers and their whanau and communities would be significant
should Hi-Cane be banned.
The SIA report also recognizes the removal of the carcinogenicity classification for Hi-Cane, and NZKGI accepts that
appropriate training combined with industry led agreed continuous improvement actions will ensure that the risk for all
spraying operators is kept as low as possible. Further on the topic of spray, NZKGI is of the view that the role of
effective shelter in reducing spray drift ought to be recognized and provided for in relation to the proposed buffer
zones.
In addition to the impact of Hi-Cane on people, the sprays’ impact on birds and soil organisms has also been an
important component of the EPA’s reassessment. Based on the expert reports, NZKGI is of the view that the risk
assessments relating to birds and soil organisms are overly conservative, and in light of the new information in these
reports, the risks to birds and soil organisms should be re-assessed and the risk ratings reduced.
The EPAs full SIA report, and NZKGIs response to this report are available on the EPA website. These reports will be
complied with other evidence and a hearing, including presentations from experts, growers and other industry
stakeholders will be held in March to decide on the future of Hi-Cane.Kiwifruit Facts and Figures
· Kiwifruit is New Zealand’s largest horticultural export.New Zealand kiwifruit production is expected to jump from 150 million trays in 2020 to 190 million trays in 2027.The kiwifruit industry’s global revenue is expected to jump from $3.4 billion in 2020 to $6 billion by 2030.Kiwifruit industry contribution to the regions:Northland: $98mAuckland: $92mKatikati: $283Opotiki: $208mTauranga: $276mTe Puke: $1070mWaihi: $33mWhakatane: $122mWaikato: $75mPoverty Bay: $89mHawkes Bay: $39mLower North Island: $5mSouth Island: $27mAbout New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) works to advocate, protect and enhance the commercial and political
interests of New Zealand kiwifruit growers. We represent kiwifruit growers, giving them their own voice in industry and
government decision making.
NZKGI’s headquarters in the Bay of Plenty, the geographic heart of the kiwifruit industry, is the central hub for the
NZKGI Executive Committee, Forum members and staff.
More information about our portfolios of Industry Stability, Performance, Communications, Labour & Education, External Relations and Organisational Management can be found on our website: www.nzkgi.org.nz