Application for the Reassessment of a Hazardous Substance under ...

value that can be attributed to dichlorvos is unknown. ERMA New Zealand notesthat dichlorvos has specific benefits associated with its volatility, and that there arelimited alternatives available at the present time, particularly for the minor cropssuch as persimmons, tamarillos and passionfruit. ERMA New Zealand cannotdetermine the amount of the value of the crops that can be attributed specifically tothe use of dichlorvos, but accepts the view presented by Horticulture New Zealandand Plant & Food Research that it is potentially significant.4.7.24 It is interesting to note that Japan is moving towards not allowing import of freshasparagus that has been treated with dichlorvos (Plant & Food Research). Japan isNew Zealand‘s major market for vegetable products taking 34% by value ofvegetable exports in 2009. Australia is the second biggest market at 23% (the UnitedStates of America is 3%). For fruit and vegetables the respective figures are 19%,14% (6%), with the EU taking 16%. If Japan were to extend this requirement toother produce then alternatives would need to be found quickly.4.7.25 Based on the information provided by Horticulture New Zealand and Plant & FoodResearch, and noting the specific benefits provided by dichlorvos (e.g. rapiddissipation), ERMA New Zealand considers that a minimal benefit is at least likely,resulting in a low level of positive effect.Benefits from use in the cymbidium growing industry and cut flowerindustry4.7.26 Information provided by the Northland Cymbidium Growers Association based on anational survey of cymbidium growers suggests that dichlorvos is used in thecymbidium industry mainly in the Northland and Auckland regions. Some growersuse it regularly while others use it as a chemical of last resort. Its volatility isvaluable here as well with relatively short restricted entry periods.4.7.27 The survey looked at the availability of alternatives, and growers were generally notaware of any product that would fill the particular function for which they useddichlorvos. Respondents that considered alternatives showed preference for otherorganophosphates in general, though no specific substances were identified.4.7.28 Cymbidiums have been consistent performers for a number of years. In 2003 thetotal value for exported cut flowers and foliage was just under $40m ($NZ38.5m forthe 2004-5 season). Plant & Food Research indicate that in 2009 this had risen toapproximately $NZ60m. In 2004-5 cymbidiums accounted for approximately half ofthis value, dropping to about one third ($NZ22m) in 2009. In 2005/6 Japan took51% of New Zealand flower exports and the United States 29%.4.7.29 Cymbidiums are therefore a significant export crop. Currently dichlorvos is used forscale insect and mite control with its main value being that it can be used within oneday of harvesting or packing. Based on the information provided about the use andvalue of dichlorvos to the cymbidium industry, ERMA New Zealand considers that aminimal benefit to the cut flower industry is unlikely thus leading to a negligiblebenefit. This does not mean that the export crop is not significant, but rather that thecontribution of dichlorvos to cymbidium production in terms of a national benefit isnot significant.Economic benefit associated with public health use4.7.30 Dichlorvos is considered to be particularly important for insect pest control in thedairy industry where control of products is difficult because of large, structures andyear round operations with short periods available for insect control. ReportedlyDichlorvos reassessment – application Page 61 of 436