Animal and Plant Health NZ appoints crop protection technical adviser

Animal and Plant Health NZ has appointed Jo-Anne Stokes as Technical Adviser – Crop Protection to help its members tackle the hurdles associated with bringing innovative solutions to New Zealand to manage pests and diseases.

Jo-Anne gained an appreciation for these tools in her biosecurity role for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), where she managed treatments for pests and diseases intercepted at the border.

“It is vital for Aotearoa to have the most effective options for managing up to 15,000 pests and diseases considered direct threats to our economy, environment and way of life,” she says.

“I’ve seen first-hand what can happen when an unwelcome pest or disease invades our country.  Climate change and resistance to treatments will likely see these threats evolve.”

She said she was excited to be helping Animal and Plant Health members navigate complex regulatory requirements as they develop innovative solutions for protecting New Zealand’s land-based economies.

In her 14 years with MPI, Jo-Anne Stokes was instrumental in developing a programme to ensure imports are treated before arriving on our shores, as well as meeting requirements for exporting goods.

Before that, she held technical and policy-based roles at Federated Farmers NZ and Rural Women NZ.

She is no stranger to getting her gumboots dirty, having managed farming operations in dairy, beef and horticulture locally and overseas. Her combined background has taught her that there aren’t enough tools to eradicate pests and diseases to protect the land for the next generation.

Animal and Plant Health NZ represents the New Zealand animal health and crop protection industries as well as rural retailers.

The industry association promotes the benefits of safe, effective, quality products and services for the health of animals (including pet care) and crops. Its members are committed to the responsible use of products from research to disposal.

The association was formerly called Agcarm.

Source:  Animal and Plant Health NZ

Author: Bob Edlin

Editor of AgScience Magazine and Editor of the AgScience Blog