AGRICULTURAL SPRAYING PRACTICES

In reply to Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (28 October 2010).

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Northern Suburbs): The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is responsible for setting the conditions of use for agricultural sprays. In 2008 it finalised Operating Principles in Relation to Spray Drift Risk in order to improve the advice provided on product labels to farmers on how to minimise spray drift beyond the land to be sprayed. The application of these principles is to be science based and recognise new improved chemical application technologies. I am advised that research and discussions are ongoing in this complex area. Having said that, the government support the provision of better advice on product labels to farmers that reduces the risks of spray drift to protect human health, the environment and trade.