Grain Producers Australia is putting the pressure on the Federal Government to act swiftly to address worsening delays in product registration approvals by regulating body Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) that will impact grower productivity.
GPA southern region grower director Andrew Weidemann said growers need access to critical products that manage pests and diseases such as fall armyworm and crown rot and APVMA processing delays were the root cause of the issue.
"These products not only ensure farmers can manage pests and diseases properly, and the different seasonal challenges we face to remain productive, they're also essential to deliver environmental sustainability and income generation for the nation and rural communities," he said.
"It's also very, very frustrating to hear the APVMA's performance is causing delays in registering major products needed to manage crown rot, which, if we don't have it in time this season, could cost the Australian grain sector about $400 million in lost productivity, just this year."