This project’s primary aim is to provide A Lighter Touch with a case study to test the regulatory pathway for biopesticides. It has the additional benefits of demonstrating integration of biopesticides into crop protection programmes and supporting pesticide resistance management.

The case study involves a new-to-New Zealand bioinsecticide for the control of diamondback moth, a priority pest in brassica crops. It aims to provide guidance to industry on how to navigate the complexity of the regulatory pathway in a faster and more cost effective manner.

The project is a partnership of industry and government, with funding from Vegetables New Zealand, Key Industries Ltd and the Ministry of Primary Industries via A Lighter Touch. It illustrates the role ALT plays in enabling collaboration across the sector for industry good.

The learnings from this project have potential wider benefits beyond vegetable and arable crops, in finding potential efficiencies in crop protection regulation. The case study will go through both the Hazardous Substance and New Organism requirements as well as registration under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines legislation. This is of particular importance because it is likely new and novel biopesticides will need to navigate all three regulatory requirements.

You can read updates about this project here and here.