A Grain Producers SA (GPSA) survey of more than 600 growers has highlighted the dire situation facing the industry without adequate access to key chemicals – paraquat and diquat – with many suggesting the proposed changes are the biggest threat to the future of the grain industry.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has recommended severely reduced application rates for paraquat and diquat following a lengthy review citing environmental risks, but these chemicals remain critical for managing resistant weed species, and no suitable alternatives currently exist.
The survey of 626 grain producers in South Australia shows the potentially devastating impacts of the proposed restrictions on the use of paraquat and diquat, which would essentially render them ineffective.
Growers in the survey cited the likely need to return to widespread tillage practices used decades ago for weed control, if paraquat and diquat application rates are reduced as proposed, undoing years of investment in sustainable practices.
The survey findings include:
• 92 per cent of respondents stated they use paraquat often or always, with 96 per cent describing it as highly effective for weed control.
• For diquat, 31 per cent use it regularly, with 82 per cent finding it effective.
• 96 per cent said the restrictions on paraquat would have a substantial negative impact on their farming operations
. • 88 per cent said the restrictions on diquat would have a substantial negative impact on their farming operations.
GPSA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said the survey results demonstrate the widespread impact the proposed restrictions would have on the future of the grain industry in South Australia without a viable alternative.
“Grain producers in South Australia rely on paraquat and diquat for weed control, and there simply aren’t viable alternatives right now. Our survey shows that these chemicals are critical to keeping our farms productive and sustainable. Without them, the impact on grain production will be immense, with significant knock-on effects for the broader agricultural sector,” he said.
“Our survey shows that nearly 96 per cent of the grain producers who responded believe the proposed restrictions on paraquat would have a substantial negative impact on their farming operations and 88 per cent said restrictions on diquat would also have negative impacts.
“Comments from grain producers show that under the proposed restrictions, there will need to be more cultivation of the soil through tillage – a practice largely phased out decades ago, more erosion and loss of precious topsoil, reduced crop yields and profitability, greater risk of regular dust storms from paddocks and an increase in burn-offs for weed control.
“South Australian grain producers have invested significantly in sustainable farming practices over many decades, and it’s highly concerning that proposed restrictions to the use of paraquat and diquat will be make these herbicides no longer viable and undo much of that progress.”
Despite the survey findings, the APVMA's mandate prevents it from considering the economic consequences of its decisions or whether alternatives are available.
GPSA will continue to work with Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and other key stakeholders, advocating for a solution that balances the APVMA’s concerns with the economic and environmental realities faced by grain producers.
Grain Producers SA is the peak industry body representing the 4,500 grain farming businesses in South Australia.
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