Government’s APVMA reforms get strong backing from farming bodies

THE National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has expressed strong support for the Federal Government's recent response to the review of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), which includes recommendations aimed at improving the regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals (agvet chemicals) in Australia.

The Government’s response addresses over 100 recommendations from three reviews of the APVMA and the agvet chemicals regulatory system.

NFF President David Jochinke said the Government’s approach was balanced and prioritised meaningful engagement with stakeholders—particularly farmers—who rely on these chemicals for their livelihoods and the nation's food security.

“Access to safe, innovative and effective agvet chemicals and medicines is in the interests of farmers and the community,” Mr Jochinke said.

He added that agvet chemicals are not only critical to farmers’ productivity and international competitiveness but critical to sustainability.

“Farmers simply cannot grow what they grow without agvet chemicals. Farmers depend on the regulator to determine what they can use and how,” he said.

The NFF is a firm supporter of the role and competency of the APVMA, as Australia’s world-leading, independent, science-based regulator of agvet chemicals.  

“Ensuring public trust in the use of agvet chemicals in Australia has never been more important. That includes industry trust and the trust of the broader community.”

“The NFF welcomes government support for reforms which will further improve transparency, accountability, efficiency and performance frameworks.” 

Mr Jochinke said It’s time for the government to “put their money where their mouth is” and prioritise Australian food, fibre, and public confidence to ensure this job is done right.

TasFarmers President Ian Sauer echoed the sentiments of NFF, noting the importance of maintaining scientific accuracy in decision-making, particularly regarding the use of chemicals like paraquat, which has been banned in some overseas countries.

“TasFarmers have always said that they want proper and appropriate contemporary science used to make decisions and as long as the APVMA have done all of that then we are comfortable,” Mr Sauer said.

He also pointed out that Australia’s regulatory system is among the most regulated in the world.

“Consumers in Australia should have a high degree of confidence that our food and fibre and pharmaceuticals in fact are produced under a highly regulated environment, much more regulated than other countries, and that includes the use of herbicides and pesticides.”

“What we don’t want is people coming up with philosophical arguments because they don’t like a chemical company—as long as chemicals are used safely and appropriately, based on science, Australians should have confidence in their safety,” he said.

“It’s very simplistic to say get rid of these chemicals but for every action there’s always a reaction."

“The reality is that without chemicals, farmers would not be able to feed the nation. This is fundamentally about food security.”

“The APVMA are always reviewing, and I think the public should have a high degree of confidence that the safety is there.”