13 July 2018
CropLife Australia’s new and updated official 2018 Resistance Management Strategies for fungicides, herbicides and insecticides have today been formally published and released. They are now also available online to help farmers and other land managers sustainably control the pests, weeds and insects that are a constant threat to Australia’s food, feed and fibre production and our precious natural environment. It is vital for the long‑term sustainability and viability of crop protection products that farmers, environmental land managers and other agricultural chemical users adopt up‑to‑date best practice advice on managing crop protection product resistance.
Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia said, “If left uncontrolled, weeds, destructive insects and fungi, can pose significant agricultural and economic challenges for farmers, including the devastation of pre- and post‑ harvested crops. It is essential that farmers adopt agricultural practices that control pests, while reducing their environmental impact and limiting the pests’ ability to become resistant.”
“This makes the adoption of an Integrated Pest Management system and an effective resistance management strategy for chemical crop protection products crucial to the long‑term viability and profitability of Australian farming.”
“Access to the most up‑to‑date and accurate advice on how to use crop protection products responsibly and sustainably is critical for farmers. Available online using CropLife’s web‑based search tool, farmers can quickly search and locate the relevant world’s best‑practice strategies to provide crucial and timely advice on managing pests, weeds and disease in crops.”
“The official Resistance Management Strategies are developed by our scientific technical review committees based on their expert knowledge and latest data on the use of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides, as well as in consultation with relevant national and international experts. These strategies help ensure important agricultural chemicals that help farmers produce the food, feed and fibre needed for the world’s growing population are managed in a sustainable and safe way,” said Mr Cossey.
“The plant science industry conducts ongoing research to better understand resistance risks, implements intensive monitoring programs, and proactively develops strategies to avoid resistance, even before farmers experience issues. This commitment to proactive stewardship helps ensure that today’s Resistance Management Strategies are effective.”
“Making best‑practice resistance management advice freely available is part of the commitment of CropLife Australia and its members to world‑leading industry stewardship initiatives. These stewardship initiatives are a significant contribution to ensuring the ongoing sustainability of crucial crop protection products and Australia’s farming sector.”
“CropLife’s easy-to-access strategies equip farmers with methods to ensure they maintain the effectiveness and extend the life of crucial farming tools. Following CropLife’s Resistance Management Strategies can help farmers prevent loss of future crops, income and damage to their land,” Mr Cossey concluded.
The 2018 Resistance Management Strategies are available at www.croplife.org.au