Why we regulate agricultural chemicals
Growers and farmers use agricultural chemicals to help protect the food supply and maximise the quantity and quality of the food they grow.
To ensure the risks to food safety, trade in primary produce, animal welfare, plant safety, and biosecurity are identified and managed, these products must be registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997.
Registration means they have been assessed to appropriately manage these risks. This includes showing that these products:
- work as intended,
- do not cause unexpected plant safety issues
- will produce food that is compliant with domestic residue standards when used on food-producing crops or crops fed to food-producing animals.
Find out more about how we set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for agricultural compounds
Farmers and growers must follow agrichemical product label instructions
The best way to avoid potential issues with the use of an agricultural chemical is to follow the instructions on the product label. Labels contain all the key information on how to use a product safely and appropriately.
Not following these instructions can lead to issues such as plant damage and unacceptable residues in food-producing crops or animals which have been fed these crops.
Off-label use for minor crops
In some situations, particularly for crops that are considered minor, there may be no registered agricultural chemical with an appropriate label claim available for use.
However, it might be possible to use the product off-label. For example, the product could be used:
- on a crop not explicitly stated on the label
- on the same crop but at a different application rate or timing
- on the same crop but to control a different pest or disease.
It is important to make sure all legal requirements are met before using a product off-label by checking the product's ACVM registration conditions and the relevant Hazardous Substances and New Organism (HSNO) Act approval controls.
To better manage compliance with domestic residue standards (such as maximum residue levels or MRLs), growers can request an MRL for off-label use on a minor food-producing crop based on international Codex MRLs.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission is an international food standards body, established by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, that develops globally agreed standards to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in food trade.
Find out more about using Codex MRLs for off-label use on minor crops
Related topics
Introduction to agricultural compound residues in food
Maximum residue levels (MRLs) for agricultural compounds
How safe levels are set for chemical residues in food
Using agricultural chemicals for research, testing, or teaching
Food monitoring and surveillance
Contact us
If you have ACVM questions, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz