Grain Producers Australia (GPA) welcomes the Australian Pesticides And Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA announcement that the timeframes for the finalisation of their Paraquat and Diquat reviews will be extended to late 2025.
The APVMA received nearly 170 submissions from interested stakeholders in response to its draft Proposed Regulatory Decisions, relating to these key products for Australia grain producers.
GPA with our State members 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 GPA's comprehensive submission to the APVMA.
GPA also commends and acknowledges the many growers who invested the time to make direct submissions to help inform these critical reviews, supported by key resources. HERE
In announcing the deferral of the timeframes for final regulatory decisions late last week, the APVMA reinforced its commitment to ‘undertaking a rigorous evidence-based review process’ and ensuring all relevant information is properly considered, in finalising these reviews. HERE
GPA worked closely with the Grains Research and Development Corporation through the consultation phase to engage a leading environmental scientist who completed an expert review into the methods used by the APVMA in assessing possible risks to birds and mammals.
This new data, based on Australian species and more realistic use scenarios, was provided to the APVMA, and will provide a strong basis for the Authority to refine its bird and mammal risk assessments in reaching final decisions.
The positive harvest results seen in many regions of Australia, where in-season rainfall has been tight, reinforces the amazing efficiency of Australia's minimum till cropping systems in turning available moisture, nutrients, and sunlight into high quality grain.
Paraquat and Diquat, in partnership with glyphosate, are the backbone of growers’ weed control in minimum-till systems, so it's encouraging the APVMA has recognised the critical importance of taking the time needed to finalise the chemical reviews with the best available evidence.
GPA Southern Grower Director, and RD&E Spokesperson, Andrew Weidemann, said it was important for the national regulator to take the extra time needed, to ensure the final decision was right, based on sound science and evidence, balanced with practical needs of sustainable grain production.
ENDS
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