Push to end pesticides move as boss quits

Labor is stepping up its push to stop the relocation of a key pesticides body to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's electorate after its CEO quit.

Agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon says Kareena Arthy's departure from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority undermines confidence within the body and will likely prompt more resignations ahead of the Armidale move.

"The APVMA is crumbling before our eyes with financial costs of the relocation rising. It's past time the prime minister acted by stepping in," he said in a statement on Friday.