CANEGROWERS Media Release

26 July 2011: Proposed suspension of diuron a major blow for the sugarcane industry

The proposed suspension of key agricultural chemical diuron would be yet another major hit for the sugarcane industry still recovering from one of the worst seasons in history, says CANEGROWERS CEO Steve Greenwood today.

CANEGROWERS has received notice by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) that they propose to suspend use of the chemical.

An effective herbicide, diuron is manufactured by a number of companies, making it what is known as a generic product. Herbicides, in combination with reduced cultivation and the move away from mechanical weed control, have played a substantial role in the sustainability and profitability of the sugar industry.

The proposed suspension is yet another hit for cane growers, who have suffered through one of the worst years on record and a number of natural disasters.
“On the face of the APVMA announcement, it looks as though diuron will effectively be banned by 12 August,” says CANEGROWERS CEO Steve Greenwood.

“For growers to potentially lose this effective tool from their toolbox, which currently has no equivalent replacement, is a tough blow.

“Growers have reduced their usage rates of diuron and other herbicides over the past decade and have also voluntarily reduced their diuron rate to 1.8 kg active constituent per hectare, from the maximum label rate of 3.6 kg per hectare.

“In addition, sugarcane growers continue to be enthusiastic participants in the federal government’s Reef Rescue initiative and are legally obliged to follow the state government’s strict regulatory program – both initiatives focus on reducing chemical use and improving water quality. The Reef Rescue program alone has reduced herbicides by 25%. None of this prior work by growers has been taken into consideration in the making of this decision,” he says.

“CANEGROWERS is extremely concerned by the process of the review conducted by the APVMA, and perverse outcomes for the environment and the industry from this decision.”

CANEGROWERS has spoken at length with the APVMA about the process and potential outcomes. The proposed suspension would prohibit the sale and use of diuron in any product or form within Australia, regardless of label conditions at the time of purchase which means existing stocks cannot be used.

“This is simply not acceptable, particularly when the industry has been given limited opportunity to analyse the review and comment,” says Greenwood.

CANEGROWERS has written to the federal Minister for Agriculture, Joe Ludwig, outlining its concerns about the latest review.

Media comment:             Steve Greenwood |  CANEGROWERS CEO|  0488 721 156
More information:          Suzi Moore  |  CANEGROWERS Communications  |  0427 641 239 or 07 3864 6444