Victory for Food Safety: Government Rejects 100-Fold Glyphosate Increase After Public Outcry
MEDIA STATEMENT | 30 October 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victory for Food Safety: Government Rejects 100-Fold Glyphosate Increase After Public Outcry
Organic Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is welcoming today’s announcement from New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) that glyphosate residue limits in wheat, barley and oats will remain at 0.1 mg/kg, with new restrictions on how glyphosate can be used in crop production, specifically banning pre-harvest use on grains for human consumption.
Today's decision proves that collective action works. The 3,100 submissions opposing a 100-fold increase in glyphosate residues represent thousands of New Zealanders who refused to accept a future of higher chemical residues in their food. Farmers, consumers, health advocates, and environmental champions came together and changed the course of food policy in this country. This is a collective victory and a powerful reminder that citizens can shape the kind of food system we want.
“This is a win for New Zealanders and our food system”, says OANZ Chair Noel Josephson.
“The public response sent a clear message. New Zealanders want a food system that prioritises health, integrity and environmental protection over chemical convenience. We commend MPI for listening to that message and recognising the shift already happening on farms, away from reliance on glyphosate and towards more sustainable, organic practices.”
The new NZFS decision confirms the MRL for glyphosate will remain at 0.1 mg/kg. That glyphosate will no longer be permitted for pre-harvest use on wheat, barley or oats grown for human consumption, a move that OANZ says brings New Zealand in line with its “clean, green” image and supports market confidence in local and export food products.
Josephson says the result validates years of effort by the organic sector and its allies to raise awareness about chemical residues and the risks they pose to both consumers and soil health.
“This outcome shows the power of collective action. Farmers, organic producers, and consumers all stood together, and it worked. The next step is continuing to invest in organic and regenerative systems that eliminate the need for these chemicals.”
For New Zealand's organic sector, this decision protects market access and certification integrity. Organic standards prohibit the use of glyphosate entirely, but contamination from conventional farming practices, particularly pre-harvest spraying, has been an ongoing concern. By banning pre-harvest applications, NZFS has reduced the risk of drift and residue contamination that threaten organic certification and access to premium export markets, where zero tolerance for glyphosate is increasingly the norm.
OANZ thanked the thousands of New Zealanders who made submissions, signed petitions, and supported campaigns opposing the proposed increase, saying this decision strengthens trust in the nation’s food standards and supports export integrity.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Noel Josephson
OANZ Chairperson
Tel: 021 655509
Email: noel.josephson@ceres.co.nz