PARAQUAT RETAINED IN VICTORY FOR SCIENCE AND GRAIN PRODCUERS

Australian grain producers will retain access to paraquat and diquat following the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) final review decision, delivering a positive outcome for the grains industry and a victory for science-based regulation and due process.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has welcomed the outcome of the review, which confirms paraquat and diquat will remain available for use in Australian broadacre farming systems subject to revised use conditions and label requirements.

GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the decision ensures grain producers have ongoing access to two critical weed management tools that underpin minimum and no-till farming systems across Australia's grain-growing regions.

“These farming systems have driven significant productivity gains over recent decades while reducing soil erosion, improving moisture retention, lowering fuel use and supporting more sustainable grain production,” he said.

The final determination includes a range of changes to use patterns and label requirements. 

Importantly for grain producers, paraquat will continue to be available for use through optical spot spraying technologies and also continues to allow the practice of crop-topping for pulse growers, with an increase from 7 to 14 days applying to the withholding period.

GPA Research, Development and Extension spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the decision demonstrated the value of Australia's independent agricultural chemical regulatory system and the strength of collaboration across the grains industry to produce a logical and science-based submission to the process.

"Australia is fortunate to have an independent, evidence-based agricultural chemical regulatory agency in the APVMA,” Mr Weidemann said.

Mr Weidemann said GPA had invested significant effort throughout the review process because of the importance of paraquat and diquat to modern grain production systems.

The completion of the review is not the end of the process to inform use of paraquat and diquat, with the GRDC investing in research to further strengthen the evidence base underpinning future decisions.

GPA looks forward to continuing to work with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), researcher Chris Lee-Steere and other industry stakeholders to review the full detail of these decisions.

“Our work started some four years ago when GPA engaged Applebox Insights Founding Director Peter Arkle to identify upcoming chemical reviews and prepare industry for these challenges, and we want to acknowledge his contribution,” Mr Weidemann said.

"GPA prepared a comprehensive submission in response to the APVMA's preliminary review decisions and we will take the time to review the rationale behind today's final determination.

"This is a positive outcome for Australian grain producers and the ability to maintain minimum and no-till farming systems is one of the great success stories of Australian agriculture.

“These systems have delivered enormous productivity gains while helping growers protect their soils, conserve moisture and reduce the environmental footprint of grain production."

APVMA Paraquat & Diquat Response HERE

ENDS

Further Information: 

WESTERN

GPA Western Region Director Duncan Young: 0418 938 924

WAFarmers Grains Section President Mark Fowler: 0429 856 050

SOUTHERN

GPA Southern Region Director Mark Schilling: 0408 859 308

GPA RD&E Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann: 0428 504 544

NORTHERN

GPA Northern Region Director and AgForce Grains President Brendan Taylor: 0429 347 434