South Australian grain growers are concerned new restrictions on paraquat could make weed control more difficult and expensive, with industry leaders warning there are currently no practical and affordable alternatives available.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has announced new restrictions on the herbicide, which is widely used to control herbicide-resistant weeds such as annual ryegrass and supports no-till farming systems across the state.
Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said while some proposed changes had been softened following industry feedback, the final decision would still have significant impacts on grain producers.
“South Australian grain producers will be concerned by today’s decision, which places further restrictions on one of the most important weed control tools available to modern agriculture,” Mr Perry said.
GPSA welcomed the retention of spray-topping uses for pulse crops such as lentils and the continued use of optical spot-spraying technologies, both of which had initially been proposed for removal.
However, Mr Perry said reduced application rates and additional compliance requirements remained a major concern.
Survey Highlights Reliance on Paraquat
A 2024 GPSA survey of 626 South Australian grain producers highlighted the importance of paraquat to modern farming systems. Ninety two per cent of respondents reported that they use the herbicide often or always, while 96 per cent rated it as highly effective for weed control.
The survey also found 96 per cent of growers believed restrictions would have a substantial negative impact on their farming operation.
Concerns for No-Till Farming
GPSA Vice-Chair and Mid North grain producer Steve Ball said paraquat had played a key role in the adoption of no-till farming systems across South Australia.
“Those systems have delivered enormous benefits through reduced soil erosion, improved moisture conservation, lower fuel consumption and better protection of our farming soils.
“If restrictions reduce the effectiveness of paraquat, there is a legitimate concern that growers may have fewer options available to control resistant weeds while maintaining those same no-till practices.”
GPSA said it would continue analysing the final determination and updated product labels while working with industry and government to help growers understand the new requirements.
