Herbicide approved to control broadleaf weed in maize
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved an application from ETEC Crop Solutions Limited to import the
herbicide Cadet, for use to control broadleaf weed in maize crops. Cadet contains fluthiacet-methyl, an active
ingredient that is new to New Zealand.
The application was open for public submissions, which closed on 13 November 2014. Three submissions were received for
this application, one in support and two opposing it. A public hearing was held in November 2015 to discuss the
benefits, risks and costs associated with this herbicide during the various stages of its life cycle.
“The decision-making committee approved the application to release the herbicide Cadet with controls, in accordance with
the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act,” said Applications and Assessment General Manager Sarah Gardner.
Controls are conditions or rules imposed on the approval that restrict the use of the substance to ensure people and the
environment are protected properly when it is used, for example controls might require users to wear protective masks or
gloves when spraying.
“The particular controls imposed on the Cadet approval include the setting of exposure limits for this substance,
prohibiting the direct application into or onto water and within 10 metres of a downwind water body, setting maximum
application rates, restricting the application method and frequency of this substance, and labelling requirements.”
The EPA’s role is to decide on applications under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act to import and
manufacture hazardous substances. We put controls in place to manage the risks of hazardous substances to safeguard
people and the environment.
ENDS