29 July 2013
Monday 29 July 2013 (Canberra) – The 2013 CropLife Australia Resistance Management Strategies for fungicides, herbicides and insecticides have been released.
“It is crucial that farmers and other agricultural chemical users have access to the most accurate, up-to-date advice on how to use crop protection products safely, responsibly and sustainably. CropLife’s Resistance Management Strategies are developed each year by scientific and technical review committees made up of members with expert knowledge on the use of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides,” Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia commented today.
“The official strategies released by CropLife help farmers delay and prevent development of resistant pests, weeds and diseases that can harm farm productivity and natural ecosystems. Encouraging the correct use of agricultural chemicals is vital to the economic and environmental sustainability of Australian agriculture.
“CropLife Australia and its members are committed to responsible stewardship of agricultural chemical products to ensure the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s agriculture industry. CropLife members invest considerable resources in the pursuit of technologies that provide economically viable and environmentally sustainable crop protection solutions. .
“This commitment extends to the responsible and ethical management of industry products throughout their lifecycle. This includes ensuring that agricultural chemical users have all the information they need on how to prevent pesticide resistance and use products in a way that protects themselves, their farms and the local community.
“CropLife Australia members also invest millions of dollars annually in industry stewardship activities including drumMUSTER, ChemClear® and Agsafe Accreditation and Training to ensure that the health and environmental risks from unwanted products and empty containers are responsibly managed.
“Pests, weeds and insects are a constant threat to our nation’s food supply. Strategies such as those released today equip farmers with methods to ensure they maintain the effectiveness of crucial crop protection tools. Following CropLife’s Resistance Management Strategies can help farmers prevent loss of future crops, income, and damage to their land.
“The purpose of these strategies is to foster the responsible, sustainable use of crop protection products; thereby extending the life of these vital farming tools,” concluded Mr Cossey.
The 2013 Resistance Management Strategies are available on the CropLife Australia website:www.croplifeaustralia.org.au
Contact: Jessica Lee (Manager – Public Affairs) Ph: 02 6230 6399 Mob: 0410 491 261