The horticulture industry is an important part of Australia’s agricultural sector. Central to maintaining the productivity and sustainability of this industry is the safe use of chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Proper chemical management not only ensures the health and safety of workers and consumers but also safeguards the environment and can lead to cost savings for producers.
Implementing safe chemical use practices in horticulture has direct and indirect health benefits:
Attain Chemical Accreditation Certificate – accreditation to understand safe chemical handling and proper use including storage and safe chemical application, which helps prevent health issues among agricultural workers.
You need to have this certificate
to get a licence for Schedule 7 Chemicals – the Chemical Accreditation Certificate is essential to obtaining authorisation (no cost) to purchase Schedule 7 Chemicals.
The “Code of Practice for the Safe Use and Storage of Chemicals (Including Pesticides and Herbicides) in Agriculture” provides guidelines to promote safe practices in the use, storage, and transport of agricultural chemicals, thereby protecting workers’ health.
Reading the labels on all chemicals to understand the correct application, the risks and correct mixing ratios.
Contact your local agronomist and chemical supplier, as label information is only in English. They will provide best practice advice, including recommended chemical rotation to prevent resistance.
Contact NT Farmers or your local grower association to assist in arranging chemical course with the ability to engage a translator.
For Consumers: Ensuring that chemical residues on produce remain within the established MRLs protects consumers from potential adverse health effects. There are national food safety standards to ensure that food is safe for consumption, thereby maintaining public health.
Environmental Benefits
Responsible chemical use is crucial for responsible environmental management:
Ecosystem Protection: Minimizing chemical runoff into waterways prevents contamination of waterways, protecting biodiversity and water quality.
Soil Health: Avoiding overuse of chemicals preserves soil microbiology, which are essential for nutrient cycling and plant health.
Adopting safe chemical practices can lead to economic benefits for horticultural producers:
Reduced Input Costs: Efficient use of chemicals means buying only necessary amounts, reducing expenditure.
Enhanced Market Access: Compliance with chemical residue standards ensures access to both domestic and international markets, preventing potential trade restrictions due to non- compliance.
Avoidance of Penalties: Staying within regulations prevents fines associated with improper chemical use.
Despite the benefits, challenges remain in ensuring safe chemical use:
Chemical Resistance: Overreliance on chemicals can lead to resistance in pests and weeds, making chemicals ineffective over time. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are promoted to mitigate this issue.
Education and Training: Ensuring that all workers are adequately trained in safe chemical handling practices requires ongoing effort and resources.
Australia has rules and regulations to oversee the use of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals, aiming to protect human health, the environment, and trade interests.
For more information about Best Practice Chemical Use
Contact your local agronomist, chemical supplier or NT Farmers – 08 8983 3233.
APVMA – 02 6770 2300
https://www.apvma.gov.au/contact-us.
NT Farmers acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging. This website is made possible thanks to the NT Government's Community Benefit Fund
