FARM ONLINE | APVMA makes right call in taking more time on chem review process - GPA

By GPA Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued a statement last week saying it had revised the expected publication dates for the proposed regulatory decisions on fipronil, neonicotinoids and anticoagulant rodenticides.

In doing so, it explained the expected publication of the proposed decisions on fipronil agricultural chemical products had been delayed until April 2026, and fipronil veterinary chemical products until March 2026.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) acknowledges the APVMA's announcement of timeframes for regulatory review decisions have been revised.

In December last year, when the APVMA announced the timeframes for the finalisation of its paraquat and diquat reviews would be extended to late 2025, GPA said it was "encouraging the APVMA has recognised the critical importance of taking the time needed to finalise the chemical reviews with the best available evidence" and that paraquat and diquat, in partnership with glyphosate, "are the backbone of growers' weed control in minimum-till systems".

GPA received overwhelming feedback from grain producers throughout Australia on the critical role these herbicides play in modern sustainable crop production.

This practical grower input was invaluable in shaping our comprehensive submission to the APVMA.

This feedback also underlined the importance of the national regulator's step to take the extra time needed to ensure the final decision was right, based on sound science, balanced with practical needs of sustainable grain production.

Meanwhile, the APVMA has said it was continuing to progress "all ongoing chemical reconsiderations, including prioritising the finalisation of chemical reconsiderations subject to the ministerial direction" given by then Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt, in July 2023.

The APVMA said: "The ongoing reconsiderations subject to the ministerial direction are paraquat, diquat, fenitrothion, neomycin and fipronil".

"If a chemical poses a serious or imminent risk to human health, the environment, or trade, the APVMA will take action to mitigate those risks as quickly as possible.

"None of the assessments completed to date indicate the need for an urgent regulatory response."

In December last year, GPA also welcomed the APVMA's announcement that the timeframes for the finalisation of its paraquat and diquat reviews would be extended to late 2025 and the national pesticide regulator had also reinforced its commitment to "undertaking a rigorous evidence-based review process".

GPA has also released policy priorities for the 2025 federal election.

These include APVMA reforms to ensure Australian grain producers can maintain access to agricultural pesticides, to continue producing high quality grains.

Backing our farmers provides grass roots strength to continue growing the shared benefits and prosperity delivered for our industry, the economy, environment and rural communities.

This article was first published on Farm Online 11 April 2025: HERE