Growers of "minor crops" who want to use agricultural chemicals off label may be able to apply for a Codex-based maximum residue limit (MRL). Find out background information and how to apply.
"Minor crops" are crops that are grown on a small scale, so agrichemical companies usually do not find it worthwhile to develop and register crop-protection products specifically for them.
Appendix 1 of our guidance document has more information about what is considered a minor crop.
Guidance document: Off-label use of agricultural chemicals in minor crops [PDF, 635 KB]
Most agricultural chemicals registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997 do not have label claims for minor crops.
This means growers may need to use a registered agricultural chemical in a way that has not been specifically stated on the product label. This off-label use is acceptable for most products, provided residues in food are managed.
However, to comply with the low default residue requirements for off-label use (0.1 mg/kg), growers are often limited to using agrichemicals early in the season or at an ineffective rate.
To better support growers, New Zealand Food Safety has established a process where a person can request a maximum residue limit (MRL) for off-label use on a minor crop based on existing 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. It develops globally agreed standards to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in food trade.
Pesticide index – Codex Alimentarius
Minor crop growers wanting to apply for a Codex MRL for off-label use will need to follow several steps and complete an application form.
Before applying, applicants will need to check:
When you have that information, you can complete an application form. It's free to apply.
Request off-label use on a minor crop based on a Codex MRL [DOCX, 567 KB]
Our guidance document has more information and detailed instructions on the application process.
Guidance document: Off-label use of agricultural chemicals in minor crops [PDF, 635 KB]
If you need help with your application or have questions, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz
Information on this page is also available in a fact sheet you can download and print.
How to request a Codex-based MRL for off-label use on a minor crop - Fact sheet [PDF, 326 KB]
Using agricultural chemicals for growing and farming
Maximum residue levels (MRLs) for agricultural compounds
How safe levels are set for chemical residues in food
If you have ACVM questions, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz
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