The Federal Court's decision regarding glyphosate is welcome news for grain growers and reinforces the findings of scientific regulators internationally.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the decision to dismiss the class action highlights the importance of science-based regulation, and the important role of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in ensuring confidence in the use of farm chemicals.
Ms Gawel said the class action presented to the Federal Court went against the robust scientific risk assessment conducted by the APVMA.
"While the decision does not impact the immediate registration and use of glyphosate, it publicly reinforces a farming tool that is used by growers for Australian cropping conditions."
Ms Gawel said glyphosate was widely used in the grains industry for weed control and has allowed growers to implement modern conservation agriculture methods.
She said glyphosate enables growers to control weeds without needing to plough or till the soil, with reduced tillage better maintaining soil nutrients and improving water use efficiency.
"A loss of access to this product would require growers to adopt a different, more complicated approach to weed management, as there is not currently a comparable weed control option available."
Ms Gawel said Australian growers are among the world's lowest users of crop protection products and take the responsible use of chemicals very seriously.
"We understand consumer concerns and follow the science-based rules and guidelines established by the AVPMA for the safe use of chemicals in Australia."
Ms Gawel said Australian consumers, domestic and international customers, could continue to have confidence in the APVMA, which establishes science-based rules and guidelines for the safe use of chemicals in Australia.
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Media contact: Chris Rowley
P: 0415 140 253 | Email chris.rowley@graingrowers.com.au | www.graingrowers.com.au