05/09/2026
5/09/2026 EPA Confidential Pesticide Approval Bypasses Environmental Protection
https://www.gefree.org.nz/press-releases-2019-2025/5092026-confidential-pesticide-approval-bypasses-environmental-protection/
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPANZ) has approved 102 experimental pesticides - 82 from Syngenta and 20 from Corteva AgriScience. They will be subject to glasshouse and field trials over 3-4 seasons. These experimental pesticides include a range of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and plant growth regulators, which are in the early stage of development. [1],[2].
There is currently no data existing on these compounds and all information on the formulations of these pesticides is confidential and locations of the trials are secret. It is not known whether some of these compounds will be from made from synthetic genetic material to produce a new class of pesticides made with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).
Approval has already been given in NZ for trials involving the use of dsRNA to sterilise the varroa mite, a persistent pest in honeybee populations. The use of dsRNA has shown limited effectiveness compared with existing hive treatments. Unknown risks with the use of dsRNA include the possibility of sterilising queen bees and drone bees. The varroa mite may also become resistant to the dsRNA pesticide with time. [3]
The confidential nature of the approval bypasses the environmental protection that is required in legislation. Field trials of over 100 new pesticides will require many hectares of land.
“It is highly irresponsible of the EPA to approve such a high number of toxic pesticides when nothing is known about their compounds," said Claire Bleakley, of GE Free NZ. "They could pose potential health and ecosystem dangers and the public will have no access to any data from field trials. They will also not know about the toxicity on non-target organisms and our flora and fauna.”
Another concern is the risk of toxicity to other beneficial insects and animals.
All genetically engineered products, including dsRNA, are prohibited in organic agriculture, and any spray drift or contamination from them would threaten the organic industry. The lack of consultation with organic and regenerative farmers, and with beekeepers is of high concern.[4],[5]
The use of dsRNA pesticides, such as that used to control varroa mite, could result in our honey being contaminated with dsRNA. Some countries may reject our export honey because of this. In the past Japan has returned honey after detecting residues of the herbicide glyphosate.[6]
“The EPA is violating its responsibility to protect the public and farmers by fast-tracking more than 100 toxic chemicals with unknown risks and allowing large scale field trials. Some of these pesticides could possibly be made using AI synthetic molecules." said Bleakley
"Serious questions need to be asked as to whether the EPA is rubber stamping corporate chemical cocktails or protecting the environment and health of all organisms.”
References:-
[1]https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/hsno-ar/APP205221/APP205221-Application-form.pdf
[2]https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/hsno-ar/APP205201/APP205201-Application-form.pdf
[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/insect-science/articles/10.3389/finsc.2026.1814622/full
[4]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048357525004961?via%3Dihub
[5] https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/72548-Organic-Notice-Operators-2026
[6] https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/124578526/japan-rejects-nz-honey-with-traces-of-weedkiller-glyphosate
ENDS: Contact –
Claire Bleakley -027 348 6731
Dr. Elvira Dommisse – 021-0575123
Organic NZ GE Honesty Safe Food Campaign NZ RCR Reality Check Radio NZ
Photo: Science Direct article
