Pyrethrum a growing industry: record statewide planting this season

TASMANIA’S pyrethrum industry is going from strength the strength with a record area planted this season. 

Botanical Resources Australia has achieved some significant milestones in the pyrethrum industry across Tasmania and Victoria as this year’s growing sea son progresses. 

BRA pyrethrum production manager Mark Raspin said the company was thrilled to have achieved its planting target this spring. 

Across the growing area BRA has planted 2000ha this season. 

Mr Raspin said in 2024, BRA had successfully welcomed 46 new growers to the industry, highlighting its growing appeal and robust future. 

The company has secured a bonus $5 per kilogram of active ingredient for grower contracts. 

This will bring the price paid to growers to $220 per kilogram for the 2026 harvest. 

Mr Raspin said the milestone reflected the dedication of the company to its grow ers and the resilience of the pyrethrum industry. 

BRA has been gradually expanding its growing area across the state in recent years to cater for strong global demand for its products. 

With the harvest season due to get underway in the next week or so, Mr Raspin said this year was shaping up to be a busy one. 

“We’ll start probably on Sunday or Monday in some areas and it will be busy from then on,” he said. 

“The rain we had has made some crops mature a little bit faster, but others are still holding on, it varies quite a bit depending on the area.” 

The current season is the company’s largest crop intake in nine years, with over 2050ha set to be harvested. 

Mr Raspin said windrowing was set to commence soon, and with crop development on par with recent years, harvesting would begin early in the new year. 

Pyrethrum crops are cut and windrowed to allow them to dry out before the crops are harvested. 

Mr Raspin said looking ahead, the 2026 harvest area was set to expand significantly, building on this year’s record-breaking planting efforts. 

He said with continued momentum, the industry anticipated further growth, offering exciting opportunities for established and new growers. 

Mr Raspin said while recent heavy rain fall had presented some challenges, particularly in low-lying areas, it had also delivered significant benefits. 

He said abundant soil moisture had been advantageous for crop development, positioning the industry for a strong yield out look as the harvest period approaches. 

The company was now hoping for dry settled weather as harvest season gets underway to help ensure good yields for growers. 

After attracting a number of new industry participants this year Mr Raspin said the pyrethrum industry continues to generate strong interest from growers, show casing its unique potential and expanding opportunities.