Suspended product a real concern for regional councils

24 January 2013

Today the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) released a statement saying that, with immediate effect, Ravensdown is suspending the sales and application of its ‘eco-n’ product which contains dicyandiamide (DCD), due to a potential food safety risk.

Eco-n is currently being used by around 500 customers. It is applied as a fine particle suspension spray to grazed pastures to control nitrogen losses from cow urine patches. It is said to improve water quality, reduce greenhouse gas liabilities and increase production while minimising a farms environmental footprint.

Fran Wilde, Chair of Wellington Regional Council acknowledges the need for food products to meet appropriate safety standards. Nonetheless, the unavailability of DCD will have an impact on regional councils throughout New Zealand as they look at ways of reducing nitrogen and improving water quality in their regions.
“The withdrawal of nitrogen inhibitors from fertiliser is a major concern for both New Zealand’s agriculture-based economy and for our environment,” says Ms Wilde.

“Regional councils will be seeking advice from MPI to get more understanding of the magnitude of the food safety risk and will be working with government and industry partners to ensure that there is continued focus on other nitrogen mitigation measures.”

ENDS

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