South Australian grain producers are being urged to take the ‘Spray Pledge’ in a new industry-led initiative launched by Grain Producers South Australia (GPSA) in partnership with CropLife to highlight the importance of applying crop protection products responsibly.

South Australian grain producers can take the ‘Responsible Spray Application Pledge’, to demonstrate they are using best practice application of pesticides by visiting spraypledge.com.au.

CEO of CropLife Australia Matthew Cossey said, “Pesticides are crucial to modern integrated pest management methods. We’ve seen just how important they are to safe food production following a very wet start to the season. Fungicides, herbicides and insecticides enable farmers to preserve crop yield, protect soil health, reduce carbon emissions and improve food safety.

“CropLife’s members invest billions of dollars each year into the research and development of innovative products, which have improved application precision to reduce the risk of pesticide drift occurring. But ultimately the best and most important way to maintain farmer access to these crucial products is through best-practice application.

“Partnerships like this are important reminders that the agricultural sector is on the same page when it comes to best practice farming and stopping spray drift. We can achieve this when combining industry-led best-practice initiatives with the leadership demonstrated by applicators in South Australia who are committed to being world best.

“I commend GPSA for their ongoing work in this area and CropLife Australia and our members are very pleased to be their partners in this important initiative,” Mr Cossey said.

To join the ‘Spray Pledge’, visit www.spraypledge.com.au

Visit www.stewardshipfirst.com.au for CropLife’s best practice application guides MyAgCHEMuse and SprayBEST for responsible application and spray drift management.