Focus Area: Crop Protection

• Glyphosate is crucial for more than farming

  December 8, 2020 9:35 am Comments Off on Glyphosate is crucial for more than farming

  The Invasive Species Council has released a new report seeking to quell the myths about the popular herbicide glyphosate.

  Glyphosate: A Chemical to Understand was authored by Tim Low, a well-renowned ecologist and author of articles and books on nature and conservation.

  The report highlights concerns that science is being ignored when it comes to assessing the safety and efficacy of the chemical and politically motivated decisions about the future use of glyphosate could be to the detriment of native environments. Mr Low states, “Glyphosate is the main chemical used to control environmental weeds in Australia, so a ban would have serious consequences for nature conservation.”

  The report makes the important point that the potential danger of a chemical can be looked at through a hazard assessment, ie. Is it capable of causing harm, or a risk assessment, ie. Under what conditions would it cause harm. While the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) added glyphosate to its list of ‘probable carcinogens’ in 2015, IARC flags hazards only.

  It is not a regulatory agency and does not undertake any research of its own. Rather, it plays a role by advising regulatory bodies of potential hazards which allows them to assess for any associated risks so they can be managed.

  While many associate weedkillers with commercial agriculture, thousands of Landcare and Bushcare volunteers across Australia also rely on glyphosate-based herbicides in their conservation work.

  Australia is globally recognised for its national parks and native flora and fauna. Our picturesque environment is enjoyed by locals and international visitors alike. The pristine status of these environments is at risk through invasive species such as the blackberry bush. Uncontrolled, it can spread rapidly, destroying the native flora and
  compromising the natural ecosystem.

  Tools like glyphosate are crucial to controlling invasive weeds. Without the use of specialised pesticide products and the work of park rangers, spray contractors and other environmental land managers, many ecosystems would succumb to the significant threat of invasive weeds

  *Invasive Species Council (2020). Glyphososate: A Chemical to Understand. Invasive Species Council. Fairfield, Victoria, Australia.

  Facts about glyphosate:

  1. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It revolutionised farming when it came on the market in the mid 1970s because of how effective and safe it is.
  2. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide which works by inhibiting an enzyme plants need to be able to grow.
  3. Glyphosate has a lesser acute toxicity than table salt. More than 800 scientific studies and independent safety assessments support the fact that glyphosate-based products are safe and they do not cause cancer.
  4. Before any agricultural chemical product can be sold or manufactured in Australia, it goes through rigorous scientific assessment by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
  5. In 2016 the APVMA examined glyphosate and found there were no grounds for its approved uses to be reconsidered.
  6. Every independent, science-based regulatory agency globally (including; Germany,New Zealand, Canada, the US, Japan and the European Union) has comprehensively evaluated glyphosate and found it safe to use.

• New report sheds light on agriculture’s relationship to insect populations

  August 24, 2020 1:53 pm Comments Off on New report sheds light on agriculture’s relationship to insect populations

  The past few years have seen an increase in misleading media stories blaming modern agriculture for a reported “insect apocalypse”. Now, a wide-ranging study* by German researchers is shedding light on these “insect apocalypse” claims.

  Researchers at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig University and Martin Luther University have analysed almost a century of data from 166 long-term insect surveys from across the globe.

  Their key findings show terrestrial insects are declining much less rapidly than other studies had suggested and freshwater insect populations are increasing. In stark contrast to sensationalised media reporting, crops like corn, soybeans, sorghum, cotton, wheat, alfalfa and hay, are associated with increases in insect populations.

  The team of German researchers’ finding that farmland actually contributes to increased insect populations flies in the face of headlines calling out modern agriculture, including the use of synthetic pesticides and GM crops, for causing the purported declines. As these insect population increases apply to existing farmland only, agricultural technologies that increase yield – therefore eliminating the need to clear more farmland – only further the prospects of insects.

  Attempting to feed the growing world with only low-productivity food systems like organic and pesticide free could have devastating impacts on the environment. Shunning no-till farming (chemical weed control rather than soil ploughing) with its proven sustainability benefits would almost certainly result in the conversion of forests, grasslands and other habitats into farming cropping and pasture, resulting in habitat destruction for insects.

  As agriculture relies so heavily on bees and other insects for pollination, their health remains front of mind for the plant science industry when developing the next agricultural innovations.

  *van Kling et al. (2020). Meta-analysis reveals declines in terrestrial but increases in freshwater insect abundances. Science 368.

   

  Read the full CropLinks edition.

• Tackling food loss and waste through plant science

  1:46 pm Comments Off on Tackling food loss and waste through plant science

  A safe and stable food supply became a national talking point during the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  As anxious Australians filled their trollies and purchased additional freezers for food storage, the agricultural sector was reminding them that Australia’s food production system is so strong that three quarters of what is produced by our farmers is above our needs and able to be exported.

  Even in a food-secure nation like Australia, there is room for improvement. Pests, weeds and diseases continue to be major threats to the production, profitability and sustainability of Australia’s farming sector, leading to food loss. At the other end of the spectrum, Australia wastes more than five million tonnes of food to landfill each year.

  On a global scale, the picture is more grim. Drought is a major contributor to food loss when crops are in the field. Between 2006-2016 drought accounted for 83 per cent of all global crop losses. Looking specifically at the developing world, up to 50 per cent of all crops succumb to pests, crop diseases or post-harvest losses.

  Food is also lost between the harvest and consumer stages due to issues like inadequate storage or transport logistics. Losses in this stage vary significantly by region – in central and southern Asia, it’s as high as 21 per cent while at just six per cent in Australia and New Zealand.

  Food loss would be even higher without the innovations of the plant science industry. Herbicides, fungicides and insecticides continue to provide the world’s crops with vital protection against insects, diseases and weeds during production and harvest. Without them, global crop losses could as much as double each year.

  Over $20 billion of Australia’s total agricultural output is attributable to and enabled by pesticides. Biotech crops help to prevent pre-harvest losses by protecting against threats such as diseases and pests which can cost farmers 60-80 per cent of their yield in some regions.

  The produce that is not lost through pests, weeds, disease and drought is still not immune to being wasted. Food waste contributes to about eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and can cause as much damage to our planet as plastic waste. Food is wasted for cosmetic reasons like size, shape or colour, by consumers who misunderstand “best before” labels and general overbuying. During the COVID-19 pandemic it is estimated food waste has more than doubled due to restaurants being closed with that produce unable to be redirected to consumers.

  Governments around the world are tackling the issue of food waste through the UN Sustainable Development Goal of halving food waste by 2030. These efforts have a strong ally in the plant science industry. A great example is Arctic Apples. Developed using CSIRO technology by a Canadian company and now released in the US, these gene-edited apples essentially eliminate browning and are therefore less likely to be thrown away, cutting food waste. It’s an ideal solution in nations where consumer demands for the “perfect” fruit and vegetables means that half of all produce is thrown away.

  This is just the beginning. If nations truly embrace the power of plant science, they will find a wealth of ways to contribute to global food security. The need to work together on global solutions has never been as important than in these uncertain times.

  Read the full CropLinks edition.

• Protecting a safe and secure global food supply

  1:36 pm Comments Off on Protecting a safe and secure global food supply

  Crop protection products – developed with human and environmental health as priorities – provide farmers with carefully tailored tools to produce safe, healthy and abundant crops.

  Since the 1950’s, the plant science industry has achieved an astonishing 95 per cent decrease in the average application of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides while other advances have seen safer crop yields more than triple. This is a positive trend in the fight against food-borne sicknesses.

  Thousands of hours of research and development and scientific assessment by both industry and then regulators go into ensuring crop protection products, when used according to label directions, present no unacceptable risk to users, consumers, animals or the environment.

  The latest crop protection products are enabling farmers to produce more food per unit of land than ever before. With a rapidly changing climate and a growing population to feed, the need for even more effective crop protection products is more vital than ever.

  Read the full CropLinks edition.

• Plant science industry backs calls to get Australia growing

  July 14, 2020 1:31 pm Comments Off on Plant science industry backs calls to get Australia growing

  Australia’s plant science industry welcomes the National Farmers’ Federation’s plan for agriculture’s role in accelerating Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery and commends the NFF leadership for this important work.

  Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia, Mr Matthew Cossey, said, “All CropLife member companies have worked tirelessly to ensure the continued production and supply of critical crop protection and GM crop products during what has been such an important time for farming and food security and a challenging time for the nation.

  “The broader agriculture sector has been united to ensure there have been no disruptions throughout the entire supply chain that would put farming and food supply at risk.

  “Included in the NFF’s plan are specific recommendations on the agvet chemical regulatory framework and ag-biotechnology innovations. These recommendations are very achievable, aimed at improving productivity and competitiveness across Australia’s farm sector.”

   1.7 Champion a risk-based approach to genetic technologies

  Access to safe and effective gene technologies will continue to deliver agricultural productivity and sustainability improvements. The Federal Government should champion the Productivity Commission’s 2016 recommendation that state and territory restrictions on cultivating approved GM crops should be lifted. The Federal Government should also implement the recommendations from the Department of Health’s Third Review of the National Gene Technology Scheme to strengthen and modernise the national scheme.

  1.8 Prioritise reform of the agvet chemical regulatory framework

  Agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines (agvet chemicals) are a major contributor to agricultural productivity and competitiveness. The national framework for regulation of agvet chemicals is being reviewed by an expert independent panel, which is expected to report in 2021. Government must act.

  Mr Cossey continued, “The plant science industry has been under immense strain from peak domestic demand and global trade disruptions and significant increases in demand for product. All efforts remain on ensuring farmers have the products they need to farm productively.

  “Recent significant fee increases on the plant science industry, along with unjustifiable large fee increases by the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) all add costs to the farming sector and are disappointing in both their timing and their size. The Government has failed to ensure better financial management by these public sector agencies and this threatens important new innovations being available in Australia and the long‑term viability and sustainability of the plant science industry to support Australia’s farmers.

  “These fee increases can have a real impact on which critical crop protection products make it to the Australian market. With 73 per cent of the total value of Australia’s crop production enabled by crop protection products, government must be very cautious of any possible inhibitors to farmers accessing these vital products.

  “Government must not take farm-input industries for granted. We need policy settings which enable growth and innovation so our farmers can get on with their jobs during this long road to economic recovery.”

  Mr Cossey concluded, “The plant science industry has been ready and willing to assist in any way that is required to ensure no threats to food security during this pandemic. We are just as ready to play our part in the next phase of economic recovery and growing Australia’s agricultural sector.”

• Timing and size of fee increases on farming sector disappointing

  May 18, 2020 1:17 pm Comments Off on Timing and size of fee increases on farming sector disappointing

  The approval by Minister Littleproud of significant fee increases on the plant science and animal medicines industries that add costs to the farming sector are disappointing in both their timing and their size.

  Chief Executive Officer of the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, Mr Matthew Cossey, said, “Given the extraordinary circumstances and challenges we are facing with supplying crucial products to Australian farmers at the moment, it is bewildering that government has signed off on these unnecessary fee increases for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

  “The plant science industry is under immense strain from global trade disruptions and significant increases in demand and all its efforts are going into ensuring farmers have the products they need to farm productively. These APVMA fee increases are borne by the farming sector – just when they are finally getting some decent rainfall and giving their all in producing the food, feed and fibre requirements of the nation.

  “These fee increases can have a real impact on which critical crop protection products make it to the Australian market. With 73 per cent of the total value of Australia’s crop production enabled by crop protection products, government must be very cautious of any possible inhibitors to farmers accessing these crucial products.

  “It is disappointing the Minister has signed off on these fee increases considering the funding sought by the APVMA through the cost recovery arrangements is significantly more than justified on any independent assessment. It is clear the regulator has an expenditure management problem as opposed to a revenue shortfall issue.

  “We acknowledge that following engagement with industry, the regulator reassessed their initial proposed increases. However, more should have and could have been done in containing costs and they absolutely should have delayed any increases during this period of pandemic.

  “This decision further highlights the disparity between this ag-related regulator and other regulators, in that almost 100 per cent of APVMA operations are funded by industry fees and levies. Other regulators receive significant levels of government funds because of the recognised community benefits. The APVMA is no different and government should recognise its importance to the broader community and make ongoing contributions for the functions the APVMA undertakes not directly related to product assessments and registrations.

  “With these fee increases, the government must withdraw any consideration of further unnecessary administrative costs such as the APVMA Governance Board unless it is going to directly fund it. You don’t need a $500,000 a year governance board to see that these aren’t justifiable fee increases.

  “The most recent performance statistics of the APVMA show that performance has improved to almost meeting the minimum statutory requirements across the board and I commend the APVMA for that. However, this improvement shows that it’s simply a matter of better financial management, not increased fees that is required.

  “The soon to be appointed new CEO of the APVMA will need to show that these increased resources are going to a genuine step change in timeliness and efficiency in operations of the regulator. Industry will expect more value than just meeting the minimum statutory timeframes considering the APVMA is now one of the most expensive regulators in the world for industry, on a dollar for dollar basis.”

  Mr Cossey concluded, “CropLife and our members value the important role of the APVMA and have been constructive in accepting the fee and levy system imposed on it. We remain committed to ensuring the APVMA is appropriately funded to undertake its work in a timely and efficient manner, however these increases at this time are not necessary.”

• Plant science industry responding to threat of fall armyworm

  April 30, 2020 12:01 am Comments Off on Plant science industry responding to threat of fall armyworm

  The moth pest fall armyworm has made its way to Australia with the potential to spread quickly throughout farming regions.

  Chief Executive Officer of the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, Mr Matthew Cossey, said, “Fall armyworm has been devastating for many overseas farming sectors. This is a pest that now poses a serious threat to Australian crops.

  “The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has responded by approving a number of emergency permits for farmers to utilise should they encounter fall armyworm on their crops.

  “The plant science industry is focussed on providing growers with as many solutions as possible to manage pest incursions – including fall armyworm.

  “We are preparing a fall armyworm strategy as part of CropLife Australia’s Resistance Management Strategies due for release in the middle of the year. These strategies ensure important crop protection products remain effective tools for farmers.”

  Mr Cossey concluded, “Growers encountering fall armyworm should utilise the emergency permits approved by the APVMA in line with their integrated pest management strategy.”

  FACTS:

  • The fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda) is the larval stage of the lepidopteran pest fall armyworm moth native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
  • While a wide range of plant species are known hosts to the FAW, it has a strong preference for maize and can cause significant damage to other crops including rice, sorghum, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, winter cereals and fodder crops.
  • The FAW was first detected in the Torres Strait Islands in January 2020 and on the Australian mainland in February 2020. It has now been detected in the NT, QLD and WA. It is expected the pest will spread quickly.

• Fall armyworm

  April 29, 2020 3:21 pm Comments Off on Fall armyworm

  The fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda) is the larval stage of the lepidopteran pest fall armyworm moth native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. While a wide range of plant species are known hosts to the FAW, it has a strong preference for maize and can cause significant damage to other crops including rice, sorghum, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, winter cereals and fodder crops.

  The FAW was first detected in the Torres Strait Islands in January 2020 and on the Australian mainland in February 2020. It has now been detected in the NT, QLD and WA. It is expected the pest will spread quickly.

  Growers should remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings to the relevant state or territory biosecurity authority. An Insect ID guide to help distinguish FAW from Northern Australian endemic armyworm species is available online.

  The plant science industry is focussed on providing growers with as many solutions as possible to manage pest incursions.

  While there are some products registered for the control of other armyworms or caterpillars which can be used for the control of FAW, there are currently no products registered specifically to control FAW in Australia, due to its recent arrival. A number of emergency use permits have been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority in order to provide protection options for a range of crops. It is essential that all pesticide applicators adhere to the instructions for use on the approved permits, to ensure products are used effectively and safely.

  Farmers should be on the lookout for this pest in order to control it effectively as part of their integrated pest management program and resistance management strategy.

  If you suspect you have FAW on your property, please notify your primary industries/agriculture department or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

  Download the briefing note

• Getting into the garden this weekend? Protect farming as you do it

  April 17, 2020 7:00 am Comments Off on Getting into the garden this weekend? Protect farming as you do it

  Many Australians are choosing this time at home to get into the garden and even start their own veggie patch. While Australia’s farmers have our food security covered, gardening is a great at-home activity during the pandemic. It’s important, however, that home-gardeners control pests and diseases to protect Australian farming.

  Chief Executive Officer of the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, Mr Matthew Cossey, said, “It’s great to see many people choosing to start growing some produce at home. For anyone embarking on this pursuit, they must practice responsible pest and disease management.

  “This is especially important for any home-gardeners near farms. Untreated pests, weeds and diseases could have disastrous impacts if they spread and threaten commercial farming operations.

  “Australia’s food production system is so strong that three quarters of what is produced by our farmers is above our needs and able to be exported – so home gardening is about the joy of it, not necessity.

  “In enjoying this pastime, home-gardeners should equip themselves with appropriate pest management tools and consult their local garden centre for the best advice on what to use for different produce.

  “Many will think that their small veggie patch couldn’t cause a widescale issue, but pests will be attracted to them and, if left unchecked, can pose a serious threat to commercial farming. We’ve seen this happen before – pests and disease spread quickly.”

  Mr Cossey concluded, “Australia’s agriculture industry is going to play a huge part in getting all Australians through this pandemic and it’s important we all support the great efforts of the nation’s farmers.”

• Australia’s plant science industry actively supporting farmers to ensure food security

  March 20, 2020 2:01 pm Comments Off on Australia’s plant science industry actively supporting farmers to ensure food security

  CropLife Australia and its members who make up the crop protection and crop biotechnology industry support the Australian and global efforts to prevent further spread and impact of COVID-19.

  We applaud the efforts of those working tirelessly to protect the Australian population and we are focusing our efforts to ensure ongoing support and supply to the Australian farming sector which is working to deliver a stable food supply during these challenging times.

  Efforts in Australia are being supported globally through our national associations in 91 other countries, through our global federation, CropLife International, and through our collective member companies worldwide.

  Farmers are the foundation of ensuring a stable and secure food supply. Australia is in the very fortunate position that over 80 per cent of the food on our supermarket shelves is Australian grown and 75 per cent of what is produced in Australia is above our own nation’s requirements and able to be exported.

  It is critical that farming operations – and those of critical input industries including the plant science sector – remain uninterrupted. The production, transport and delivery of crop protection products and seeds is critical to ensure maximum yields and high-quality harvests at this time.

  Government needs to assist to ensure there are no interruptions throughout the entire crop protection supply chain that would put farming and food supply at risk in both the short- and medium-term.

  The plant science industry will continue to work with governments so that any decisions they make do not interrupt these critical operations. The plant science industry will continue to provide the Australian and global farming sectors with the critical products and tools they need to maintain a stable food supply. The

  Federal Government must treat the entire cropping and food production sector as a key part of their COVID-19 response.

  This is not a challenge anyone will overcome alone. We stand ready with our partner organisations and industries, along with our international colleagues, to cooperate and assist in any way that is required to ensure a threat to food security does not further increase this challenge.