Being a ‘world’s best’ farmer, agronomist, or ag supply retailer doesn’t happen by accident, says CropLife Australia CEO Matthew Cossey.
Commenting on reported instances of spray drift on the Darling Downs, Mr Cossey said it takes commitment to stay up to date on the latest information and technology and plan accordingly, particularly when it comes to avoiding off-target chemical damage.
“However, ensuring best-practice methods are adhered to at every step – especially with spray application, provides a better return for farmers as well as economic, environmental, and social returns beyond the farm gate,” he said.
“Australian farmers are supported by a dynamic plant science industry that provides the innovations in new seed varieties and modern crop protection products that are key to delivering productivity gains and environmental benefits for farming success.
“These are also supported by CropLife Australia, as the peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, and our members, with free world leading product stewardship initiatives and advice.
“Spray drift is the most common cause of off-target chemical movement. It not only leads to economic and productivity losses, but it also threatens access to crop protection products through prohibitive regulation.”
Mr Cossey said the promotion of, and implementation of best practice application methods are the best line of defence in maintaining access to current and future chemistries and to more productive and profitable farming.
“Spray drift is a serious issue that the entire production and distribution chain must remain vigilant in preventing. Australian farmers are highly skilled and competent at what they do, but it falls to all of us to ensure that best practice is common practice, and we all have a part to play.
“At the farm-level, applicators should always make sure to read and understand product labels before use, and follow best-practice guidelines to anticipating weather conditions, monitoring temperatures and keeping records.
“Plans should remain dynamic as weather patterns can change unexpectedly and if they’re not certain, they should contact their agronomist before spraying. A good understanding of how to set up an effective spraying system will ensure that droplets remain as coarse as possible to achieve uniform coverage.
“Off farm, agricultural retailers and agronomists are a final important touchpoint for farmers to access reliable and trustworthy information. This point of distribution is a crucial opportunity to positively influence, advocate, support and reinforce the importance of best practice and spray drift prevention.
“As part of its commitment to product stewardship, Mr Cossey said the plant science industry invests heavily in the continual research and development of its products to ensure safety and effectiveness as a priority.
“CropLife’s StewardshipFirst initiative includes best practice product application guides such as SprayBest and MyAgCHEMuse, which were specifically developed to help farmers, spray contractors and environmental land managers maximise the benefits of crop protection products without negatively impacting on the farm or neighbours.
“Importantly, if a suspected incident does occur, it’s crucial to report it to relevant state authorities in a timely fashion, to allow proper investigation and identification of the chemicals involved and the parties responsible.
“Actions to prevent spray drift must be sensible and informed by sound science rather than public speculation, which inadvertently does more harm than good to farming communities and threatens sustainable crop production.
“Ultimately good reporting supports policy leaders and decision makers with the right information to develop evidence based public policy and to implement effective world leading regulatory systems that Australia is renowned for.
“Australian agriculture is world class, renowned for its productivity, quality and safety practices. In order to maintain this gold-standard and access to crucial technologies, it is everyone’s responsibility to play their part when it comes to keeping agricultural chemicals on target,” Mr Cossey said.
