Agricultural compounds are chemicals – including veterinary medicines – used to improve the quantity and quality of produce and slow down the rate at which it spoils.
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVMs) are used in the production of primary produce (farmed plants or animals), by home gardeners and for the health of domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
The registration and levels of usage of chemicals in primary production is closely monitored by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are used to determine the maximum level of a chemical residue that may be present in a food. MRLs are set below levels which are known to have any adverse health effects, so that at slaughter (or harvest) the chemical has done its job and the resulting residue is as low as possible.
When using agricultural chemicals, it is recommended that you follow label instructions carefully and store/dispose of excess product safely.
Find out more
Read about Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines on the MPI website.
