Strategies for the sustainable use of agchem products provide crucial advice

    15 July 2014

    Tuesday 15 July 2014 (Canberra) – Farmers and other agricultural chemical users now have access to CropLife Australia’s new and updated Resistance Management Strategies for fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.

    “Access to the most up-to-date and accurate advice on how to use crop protection products safely, responsibly and sustainably is crucial for farmers and other agricultural chemical users,” said Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia. “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.”

    “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. The plant science industry invests considerable resources and hundreds of millions of dollars into research and development of products to ensure economically viable and environmentally sustainable crop protection solutions that are most effective when used in accordance to the approved labels.

    “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,” said Mr Cossey.

    “Throughout the year farmers are faced with outbreaks of pests and diseases on crops, such as the current outbreak of Green Peach Aphids that are spreading beet western yellows virus disease in canola crops. Even with crops under threat it is essential to only use registered agricultural chemical products for their registered purposes only, strictly in line with officially approved label instructions.

    “Best practice farm management is crucially important as proper use of agricultural chemicals ensures resistance is managed, pollinators are protected and farmers get best value for money.

    “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, feed and fibre production. 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 2014 Resistance Management Strategies are available on the CropLife Australia website: www.croplifeaustralia.org.au

     

    Contact: Jaelle Bajada (Manager – Public Affairs)         Ph: 02 6230 6399         Mob: 0410 491 261