GrainGrowers, along with many other agricultural groups, has expressed concerns about the determination and scope of consideration undertaken by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in its review of paraquat and diquat.
In lodging its submission to the APVMA, GrainGrowers said the proposed changes would significantly impact growers in terms of environmental effects and economic sustainability.
GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton said there were issues with the proposed changes and the review process.
Mr Turton said APVMA should undertake a more comprehensive consideration of the evidence and data before a final decision is announced.
Given the sensitivity of the issues and the potential disruption to the industry, it is essential that the review is not rushed, with an appropriate phase-in period for any changes to usage patterns, he said.
"From an industry perspective, paraquat and diquat are critical tools for Australian grain production, underpinning sustainable practices like minimum and no-tillage farming. If the APVMA decision is finalised as it currently stands, it will significantly disrupt farm operations and the integrated weed management programs that are currently in place."
"The proposed decision will also impact the use of paraquat with optical spray technology, an increasingly important tool for minimising chemical application and improving farming efficiency."
"In examining the details, we are also concerned with the EFSA framework's applicability to Australian vertebrate wildlife and the extent to which the focal species identified are representative of Australian fauna."
"The assumptions about runoff and maximum annual use rates also require further examination and detailed consideration."
Mr Turton said the GrainGrowers submission had highlighted the importance of paraquat and diquat to sustainable agricultural practice.
“From an industry perspective the strong focus on safety and performance is front and centre of every activity related to the use of chemicals on-farm.”
“To support safe chemical use, growers have access to industry-based training and accreditation and can access on-line materials such as the GrainGrowers spray application and drift management hub, with further links to resources from the Grains Research & Development Corporation, Grain Producers Australia and other industry bodies.”
"Given the use of paraquat and diquat as part of minimum-till agriculture, the industry is naturally concerned that gains in soil conservation will be lost, causing considerable environmental impacts as a consequence of increased tillage to control weeds."
"Preventing the use of paraquat and diquat as a crop desiccant will restrict the opportunity to incorporate pulses into crop rotation, removing the benefits they provide to soil nutrition and disease breaks."
Mr Turton said a GrainGrowers survey of 1,120 growers highlighted the programmed and systematic use of paraquat and diquat.
"Some 90% of respondents indicated they use Integrated Weed Management programs to manage and prevent herbicide resistance, with 94% using paraquat and diquat during fallow and crop establishment."
"The strong response to the survey and the high reliance on these chemicals as part of an integrated weed management process highlights the potential disruptions that could result from the proposed decision on paraquat and diquat."
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