A survey of South Australian grain producers has highlighted just how negative proposed changes to the use of paraquat and diquat would be to farming operations.
The Grain Producers SA survey focused on the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) review of the herbicides and responses included commentary around threats to food and fibre production, the viability of pulse crop production and a return to tillage practices that would lead to increased soil erosion.
The Stock Journal reported that of the 626 growers surveyed by GPSA, 96 per cent believed the restrictions would have a "substantial negative impact" on their farming operations.
GPSA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said Grain producers in South Australia rely on paraquat and diquat for weed control, and there simply aren't viable alternatives right now.
SA grain grower and Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling said without the use of paraquat to desiccate and harvest pulse crops, growers would be rethinking their cropping plans.
"The real issue we face is that without being able to desiccate our pulses, we can't capture our crops in that key window to evenly ripen for best yield outcomes and kill off ryegrass that is about to seed," he said.
"Growing pulses that can't be desiccated may end up being an economical and risk-based decision that growers may choose to opt out."
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