In recent years, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has relocated from Canberra to Armidale, been the subject of a withering independent review, had both the chief executive and chair resign and most recently, been criticised for delays to chemistry permit approvals potentially impacting grower bottom line.
An article in Grain Central outlined the national regulator's turbulent record and highlighted the announcement by Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to address performance issues raised by industry groups such as Grain Producers Australia.
“It’s…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,” GPA RDE spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said.
GPA lodges applications for permits for off-label use of pesticides to control disease, insects and weeds in specific crops on a season-by-season basis.
Mr Weidemann said these delays had real consequences for the livelihoods of Australian farmers and the community – and the APVMA’s performance needed to be dealt with properly.
“It’s extremely disappointing to hear these delays in product and permit approvals are continuing to worsen – but farmers aren’t the only ones in the firing line of this drop in performance,” he said.
“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.