About Us
Phytos operates within New Zealand’s forestry sector
to enhance market access through world leading phytosanitary solutions.
We bring together government, research, treatment and supply chain organisations with a view to aligning work to enhance market access solutions, coordinate trade advocacy and communications and support phytosanitary access to new markets.
Our Purpose
Phytos operates within New Zealand's forestry sector to enhance access to international markets for log exporters through world leading market access phytosanitary solutions for sustainable wood fibre.
Our Background
In anticipation of the Environmental Protection Authorities (EPA) 2010 methyl bromide reassessment, and the requirement for all methyl bromide fumigations to be recaptured by 2020, Phytos (formerly known as STIMBR) was created to support initiatives aimed at enhancing phytosanitary market access while reducing the release of methyl bromide and finding alternative fumigants.
The New Zealand forestry industry is a vital part of New Zealand’s economy, contributing over $4.75 billion per year in export products. The industry, and New Zealand’s economy in general, is susceptible to biosecurity threats from quarantine pests and diseases which can spread through international trade. Preventing pests establishing in New Zealand and meeting the phytosanitary conditions of trading nations is key to the ongoing success of New Zealand and its forest industry.
Funded by a voluntary levy on export log tonnage, membership subscriptions and co-funding arrangements with government and industry partners, Phytos has developed a research strategy with a long term focus on protecting and growing the value of New Zealand’s wood fibre export sector. In doing so Phytos helps to ensure New Zealand remains competitive in the global market, enhancing New Zealand’s ‘clean green’ international reputation and reducing environmental and health related harm.
Our work has delivered a number of positive industry outcomes, including the continued use of phosphine in hold and transit, approval to use EDN on timber and logs, research and development to improve methyl bromide recapture technologies and demonstration that methyl bromide concentrations can be reduced while maintaining efficacy, the establishment of laboratory bark beetle colonies, the potential for joule heating to be trialled commercially and the growth of debarking as a phytosanitary tool.
Phytos has completed a significant body of work and built a reputation for professional research, strong relationships with government agencies, trading partners, and key parties in off-shore markets.
Our prioritised research and development programme includes work with EDN, phosphine and debarking. Our work is guided by our vision to enhance access to international markets for log exporters through world leading market access phytosanitary solutions for sustainable wood fibre.
Origins
In anticipation of the Environmental Protection Authorities (EPA) 2010 methyl bromide reassessment, and the requirement for all methyl bromide fumigations to be recaptured by 2020, Phytos (formerly known as STIMBR) was created to support initiatives aimed at enhancing phytosanitary market access while reducing the release of methyl bromide and finding alternative fumigants.
Forestry Context
The New Zealand forestry industry is a vital part of New Zealand’s economy, contributing over $4.75 billion per year in export products. The industry, and New Zealand’s economy in general, is susceptible to biosecurity threats from quarantine pests and diseases which can spread through international trade. Preventing pests establishing in New Zealand and meeting the phytosanitary conditions of trading nations is key to the ongoing success of New Zealand and its forest industry.
Research Focus
Funded by a voluntary levy on export log tonnage, membership subscriptions and co-funding arrangements with government and industry partners, Phytos has developed a research strategy with a long term focus on protecting and growing the value of New Zealand’s wood fibre export sector. In doing so Phytos helps to ensure New Zealand remains competitive in the global market, enhancing New Zealand’s ‘clean green’ international reputation and reducing environmental and health related harm.
Our work has delivered a number of positive industry outcomes, including the continued use of phosphine in hold and transit, approval to use EDN on timber and logs, research and development to improve methyl bromide recapture technologies and demonstration that methyl bromide concentrations can be reduced while maintaining efficacy, the establishment of laboratory bark beetle colonies, the potential for joule heating to be trialled commercially and the growth of debarking as a phytosanitary tool.
Future of Phytos
Phytos has completed a significant body of work and built a reputation for professional research, strong relationships with government agencies, trading partners, and key parties in off-shore markets.
Our prioritised research and development programme includes work with EDN, phosphine and debarking. Our work is guided by our vision to enhance access to international markets for log exporters through world leading market access phytosanitary solutions for sustainable wood fibre.
History
Industry debarking working group meets to finalise its quality assurance system
Minister McClay presents enhanced systems approach proposal to his counterpart Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal
Phytos develops a technical response to India’s queries regarding the systems approach proposed in August 2023.
Phytos submits on MPI’s consultation document regarding the use of a single dose of phosphine for logs in ship holds
Phytos part of NZ forest industry delegation to China and the methyl bromide reduction working group technical session with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC)
Phytos and the Forest Owners Association host a delegation from the China Timber and Wood Products Distribution Association (CTWPDA)
Phytos/MPI engages in talks with General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) as part of methyl bromide reduction working group
India approves the use of methyl bromide on arrival for logs from New Zealand (based on NZ’s phase out of the use of Mbr in ship holds)
Phytos represents the NZ forest industry as part of a 50 strong NZ business delegation to India. Minister O’Connor presents the systems approach (phytosanitary pathway) proposal to Indian officials for review.
MPI and Phytos lobby India to approve the use of methyl bromide on arrival for NZ logs
Plant and Food NZ releases its supporting report into the effectiveness of Vaporph3os (one-dose application for logs in ship holds) on bark beetles
Phytos facilitates industry consultation resulting in balanced changes to the OAP and the commitment to develop a quality assurance system for the debarking sector
Phytos commissions quantitative audit of all debarkers in NZ
Phytos launches its 3 point recommencement plan for logs to India
Industry stakeholders develop and approve a revised vision and strategy for the future of the organisation under the new name of Phytos.
Methyl bromide ship hold fumigations banned in New Zealand (as part of EPA modified methyl bromide reassessment decision 2021).
Vaporph3os (one dose) trial work commissioned.
Additional debarking capacity added in Napier, NorthPort and Kinleith.
Following WorkSafe’s approved (EDN) Safe Work Instrument, EPA approve EDN for use on logs and timber (under covers and containers but not ship holds) in New Zealand.
University of Canterbury publish proof of concept report on Joule Heating technology and its use as a viable phytosanitary treatment method for export logs.
EPA publishes its modified methyl bromide reassessment decision.
The decision has the effect of phasing out methyl bromide for use in ship hold fumigations by January 2023 and significantly reducing the use of methyl bromide for log stack fumigations.
WorkSafe complete its draft safe work instrument for the use of EDN
of logs and timber in New Zealand.
Additional debarking capacity added in New Plymouth.
EPA receive an application to reassess methyl bromide from STIMBR. The application seeks toamend the 2020 recapture definition and buffer zone controls. EPA decide to proceed with the modified reassessment.
Timberlands Limited and Kaingaroa Timberlands commission Murupara based log debarker.
EPA agree that there are grounds to reassess methyl bromide.
An application to import or manufacture EDN as a fumigant for logs and timber lodged with the EPA by manufacturer Lučební Závody Draslovka a.s. Kolín, and public notification of the application (2018).
STIMBR support efforts by Plant and Food Research to create laboratory colonies of key insects for disinfestation work.
Overarching STIMBR research strategy (2016-2030) and five key research areas defined (phosphine; alternatives fumigants (e.g., EDN); fumigation monitoring and modelling; reducing methyl bromide emissions; and non-fumigant risk management).
First comprehensive literature review of fumigants and disinfestation strategies, methods and techniques pertinent to potential use as quarantine treatments for New Zealand logs (Armstrong JW,Brash DW, Waddell BC).
Interpine Forestry Limited study into debarking completed.
EPA methyl bromide reassessment (2020 recapture deadline established).
STIMBR Board establish a Strategic Science Advisory Forum (SSAF).
Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction (STIMBR) Incorporated.
Supporting phytosanitary access to new markets
Our Work
Phytos operates within New Zealand’s forestry sector to enhance market access through world leading phytosanitary solutions.
We bring together government, research, treatment and supply chain organisations with a view to aligning work to enhance market access solutions, coordinate trade advocacy and communications, and support phytosanitary access to new markets.
Supporting phytosanitary access to new markets
We will identify and scope new markets and barriers to entry, and develop the right trade development and access relationships to support access to new markets.
Coordinated trade advocacy and communications
We will deliver coordinated trade advocacy and communications by continuing to foster strong and meaningful relationships with all key stakeholders and partner with others to be a united voice for our industry.
Enhanced export market access solutions
We will define licence to operate issues by region, develop industry contingency and continuity plans, and implement a prioritised research and development programme to deliver enhanced export market access solutions.
Our Stakeholders and Partners
Our work brings together a diverse set of stakeholders both domestically and overseas, including levy payers, the forestry industry, government and regulatory bodies, research entities, treatment and supply chain organisations.
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