COUNTRY NEWS | Chemical bans may threaten production

Reviews of chemicals by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) need to consider the wider environmental and financial implications of its decisions according to Grain Producers Australia (GPA).

Country News reported that there are concerns from GPA that decisions that remove key chemical from producer toolboxes that could have flow on effects.

GPA Southern Region Director and Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said growers are trained in safe use and not considering how the full system will operate without these chemistries is short-sighted.

"Glyphosate and, in recent times, paraquat has become the cornerstone block for no-till farming here in Australia," he said.

"There's no question that without those particular products, we're not going to be able to produce anywhere near the amount of food that we produce.

"These products are crucial for farmers to maintain soil moisture and soil structure and step away from cultivation and the associated erosion and dust storms."

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