5 February 2021
05 February 2021
Herbicide mode of action (MoA) classifications will soon be updated
to capture new active constituents and ensure the Australian MoA classification system is future proofed for Australia’s world class famers and internationally aligned.
Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia, the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, Mr Matthew Cossey, said, “Herbicide mode of action changes are all about ensuring world’s best practice pesticide use into the future and to allow Australian farmers and advisors access to the most up-to-date information relating to managing herbicide resistance.
“Farming is becoming increasingly global. More than ever farmers, agronomists and academics around the world are accessing and sharing information to assist them to grow crops, while managing sustainability issues such as herbicide resistant weeds.
“It’s important then that the Herbicide Mode of Action classification system in Australia is aligned with the global one.
“The global classification system is based on numerical codes which provides infinite capacity to accommodate new herbicide modes of action coming to market. In Australia, we currently use letters – which clearly are not infinite.”
The new mode of action classification system will start to appear in market from early 2022 and be fully implemented by 2024.
Mr Cossey continued, “CropLife’s Expert Committee on Herbicide Resistance is working with academics, researchers and advisors who are leaders in this field as well as the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to make sure farmers and agronomists are ready for these changes.
“A mobile app is now available to assist with understanding the changes and more information will be made available ahead of these MoA classifications coming into effect in mid-2021.”
Mr Cossey concluded, “Ultimately, this is about continuing best practice in modernising Australia’s farming sector and creating efficiencies for growers.”
The Global HRAC Herbicide MOA Classification app can be downloaded via Google Play or the App Store.