When the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) announced its proposal to raise the allowable glyphosate residue limits on food crops, the public barely heard a whisper. But make no mistake — this is a big deal.
Submissions closed Friday, 16 May at 5 pm
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At its core, this proposal isn’t really about safety. It’s about harmonization — a term that sounds harmless enough until you realize it means aligning New Zealand’s glyphosate limits with other countries to keep trade flowing smoothly. In other words, the government wants to make it easier for New Zealand producers to sell their crops overseas, even if it means exposing Kiwis to higher levels of a controversial chemical.
But why now? Why the rush to raise limits on a chemical that’s been at the center of global controversy for years? Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, was classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2015. Since then, countries worldwide have debated its safety, and some have even banned or restricted its use.
Yet here we are, facing a proposal to allow more of it in our food. Why? Is this really about trade and harmonization — or is it about bending to pressure from global agribusiness and international markets?
The Gene Technology Bill: A Convenient Coincidence?
There’s another piece of this puzzle that’s hard to ignore: the proposed Gene Technology Bill. Could this push to raise glyphosate limits be linked to an increased presence of genetically modified (GM) crops in New Zealand? If new GM crops are introduced, many of which are engineered to withstand glyphosate applications, wouldn’t it be convenient for the government to raise the allowable residue limits at the same time?
Are we seeing the groundwork laid for a shift towards more GM crop cultivation, all under the guise of trade harmonization? The timing feels a little too convenient to be a coincidence.
Let’s Not Just Accept This — Let’s Question It
MPI’s rationale centers on keeping trade frictionless and staying aligned with international standards. But what if harmonization just becomes an excuse to prioritize trade over public health? What if the real cost of this decision isn’t measured in dollars but in long-term health outcomes for New Zealanders?
And if you’re unsure how glyphosate actually gets into the food New Zealanders eat, we’ve laid out the main contamination pathways in our explainer: How Glyphosate Gets Into Our Food.
This proposal is open for public submissions until May 16. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of more glyphosate in your food — or the potential link to increased GM crops — now is the time to speak up. Let’s challenge this narrative and demand answers: Who really benefits from raising glyphosate limits — and who pays the price?
Want to make an effective submission? Check out our guide: How to Make a Submission That Gets Noticed.
Official MPI Resources on Glyphosate and Residue Limits
Glyphosate in Food – MPI Overview
This page provides an overview of glyphosate usage in New Zealand, including its application in agriculture and the regulatory framework ensuring food safety.
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/safe-levels-of-chemicals-in-food/fertilisers-pesticides-hormones-and-medicines-in-food/glyphosate-in-food/
Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) Database
This database allows users to search for the maximum residue limits permitted for various pesticides, including glyphosate, across different crops and countries. It’s a valuable tool for exporters and those interested in specific MRLs.
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/resources-and-forms/registers-and-lists/maximum-residue-levels-database/
Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds
This page details the regulations and notices related to MRLs for agricultural compounds in New Zealand, providing context on how these limits are established and enforced.
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/agriculture/agricultural-compounds-vet-medicines/maximum-residue-levels-agricultural-compounds/
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