One of Australia's most widely used agricultural herbicides will remain available to farmers, but under significantly tighter restrictions, following a landmark decision by the nation's chemical regulator.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has concluded its long-running review of paraquat and diquat, announcing the chemicals can continue to be used provided new safety requirements are followed.
The decision ends a review process that began in 1997 and has attracted intense debate between farming organisations, medical experts and Parkinson's disease advocates.
For Hawkesbury farmers, orchardists and market gardeners, the outcome means paraquat remains available as a weed management tool, but with substantially reduced application rates and stricter handling requirements.
Major Restrictions Introduced
Under the new rules, paraquat can no longer be applied using backpack sprayers and enclosed mixing and loading systems will become mandatory.
The APVMA has also dramatically reduced maximum application rates.
Previously, paraquat could be applied at rates of up to 1,150 grams per hectare. Under the new restrictions, the maximum application rate will be reduced to 231 grams per hectare.
A number of crop uses have also been removed from product labels.
Existing stock will be phased out over a two-year transition period.
Parkinson's Disease Debate Continues
The regulator's decision has reignited debate about the possible link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement, balance and muscle control. There is currently no cure.
The APVMA concluded that the available scientific evidence did not demonstrate that exposure to paraquat through approved uses increased the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
However, Parkinson's Australia strongly disagrees with that conclusion.
Chief Executive Officer Olivia Nassaris described the decision as a failure to adequately protect Australians, pointing out that more than 70 countries have banned paraquat because of concerns about its toxicity.
Parkinson's Australia argues the weight of scientific evidence now supports a link between paraquat exposure and increased Parkinson's risk.
Farmers Welcome Outcome
Farming groups had feared the chemical could be banned entirely.
The National Farmers' Federation said paraquat remains an important tool for weed management and sustainable farming practices, particularly no-till farming systems that help reduce erosion and preserve soil moisture.
Grain Producers Australia described the decision as a victory for science-based regulation.
Many farmers argue that losing access to paraquat would force increased cultivation of soil, potentially increasing erosion and reducing productivity.
Some growers have expressed concerns that the reduced application rates may not effectively control larger or more established weeds, potentially contributing to herbicide resistance over time.
Hawkesbury Implications
While broadacre grain production dominates much of the national paraquat debate, the decision is also relevant to Hawkesbury agriculture.
The district supports a diverse range of farming enterprises including turf farms, orchards, vegetable production, flower growers, horse properties and small mixed farming operations where weed management remains a significant challenge.
Many Hawkesbury farmers are already operating under increasing regulatory requirements relating to chemical use, environmental protection and workplace safety.
The new restrictions will likely require some operators to modify equipment and spraying practices.
Environmental Concerns
The APVMA review also identified environmental concerns.
The regulator found what it described as an "unmanageable risk" to birds and mammals foraging in recently treated areas, contributing to the decision to significantly reduce application rates and remove certain uses from product labels.
A Divided Outcome
The decision highlights the difficult balance regulators face between protecting public health and maintaining access to agricultural tools relied upon by farmers.
For Parkinson's Australia and medical advocates, the restrictions do not go far enough.
For farming organisations, the decision preserves an important agricultural tool while introducing additional safeguards.
For Hawkesbury producers, the practical reality is that paraquat remains available but under some of the strictest controls ever imposed on its use in Australia.
The new registration conditions take effect immediately for newly manufactured products, while existing stock will be phased out over the next two years.
EXPLAINER: What Is Paraquat?
- Fast-acting non-selective herbicide.
- Used to control weeds before planting and during crop management.
- Widely used in agriculture for decades.
- Banned in more than 70 countries.
- Remains legal in Australia under strict conditions.
- New rules prohibit backpack sprayers and require enclosed mixing systems.
- Application rates reduced by approximately 80 per cent.
- Existing stock can continue to be used during a two-year transition period.
Information in this article was sourced from ABC News.
