Submission on Restricted Entry Intervals for pesticides

The NZKGI & Zespri REI Submission argues that proposed increases to Restricted Entry Intervals for several key agrichemicals are impractical, unjustified by evidence, and would significantly disrupt essential orchard operations during critical Psa‑risk periods. The submission emphasises that existing REIs – backed by manufacturer labels, ACVM approvals and long‑standing industry auditing – already ensure worker safety while enabling time‑sensitive tasks such as bud thinning, pruning and canopy management. NZKGI warns that longer REIs, particularly for tools like Kasumin, Aureo®Gold and Actigard, would exacerbate labour shortages, compromise disease‑management programmes, push growers toward less desirable substitutes, and undermine efforts to reduce copper use. The submission supports REI changes only where evidence aligns with product labels and proposes maintaining current intervals or clarifying PPE‑based re‑entry conditions to keep practices both safe and workable for growers.