MEDIA RELEASE

31 August 2011:  Survey looks set to reveal that push to ban diuron is based on old data

The latest push to ban diuron is based on old data says CANEGROWERS. The peak group for sugarcane growers says banning the extremely important farm management tool is premature, and is setting out to show that the cane industry’s use is actually a good deal lower than the current label recommendations.

The results of a survey being conducted by CANEGROWERS to ascertain actual use on farm, are now streaming in. So far the results are clearly showing that the industry has, off its own bat, already introduced much lower rates as part of best management practice sugarcane farming.

“Initial data indicates that usage rates of the herbicide diuron is between 0.9-1.8kg active constituent per hectare per year,” says Steve Greenwood, CANEGROWERS CEO. He says this is considerably lower than the current label recommendations which are part of the review of diuron by the APVMA.

The CANEGROWERS questionnaire was sent to every member and data has also been sourced from Productivity Boards and BSES Limited. CANEGROWERS urges all members to send in their documentation.

“We are building a robust body of evidence – which we believe will help to show cause that now is not the time to ban this important herbicide,” says Greenwood, who has been pleased with the APVMA’s statements about the voluntary reduction of rates by the industry.

He says a review of the data is underway, and if the science shows that the reduced rates now being used by the cane industry are no longer impacting water quality, then the important herbicide should get a stay of execution to give the industry time to develop viable alternatives.

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