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Our VisionSTIMBR (Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction Incorporated) brings together New Zealand industry, government and research organisations and individuals with the aim of:
Providing a united voice in support of initiatives aimed at enhancing market access and biosecurity clearances for goods and products while reducing the release of methyl bromide into the atmosphere. The group provides an interface between users of methyl bromide, fumigators applying treatments, government departments concerned with reducing the use of ozone depleting substances, researchers seeking alternative treatments and strategies, and other affected parties. New Zealand's Forest Exports IndustryForestry is a vital component of New Zealand’s economy, contributing over $4.75 billion per year in export products. The majority of forest exports are required to meet strict phytosanitary requirements to gain market access to the importing country.
About Methyl BromideMethyl bromide is a highly effective fumigant gas that kills insects and other unwanted organisms. New Zealand timber products' exporters must use it to meet the biosecurity requirements of those countries importing their timber. Improperly used it’s a toxic gas that can adversely affect people’s health and the environment.
More detailed information about methyl bromide and its use in New Zealand as a phytosanitary fumigation treatment can be found here: New Zealand and many other countries have signed up to the United Nation’s Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its accompanying Montreal Protocol that limit methyl bromide’s use. Methyl bromide contributes to damaging the planet’s protective ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol allows it to be used for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes, subject to demonstrable efforts to reduce emissions through containment and recovery. Currently there are few viable alternative to methyl bromide for fumigation purposes. STIMBR in New Zealand is leading a significant research programme to find alternatives with a likelihood that there will be a number of solutions targeted to specific fumigation processes. The following photos show export logs being treated. |
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