AgriAnswers: Understanding Chemical Use on Australian Grain Farms
Video: 'Grain growing today: protecting the land to feed Australians' (2:55)
Australia is a very challenging and unique farming environment. Over time, Australian growers have learned how to overcome challenges and simultaneously enable sustainable practices by harnessing modern innovations such as technology and chemicals. Australian growers are some of the most responsible users of chemicals globally with strict regulations.
At every step in the process, these chemicals are handled with the utmost care to protect not only farm workers but also the surrounding environment.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Australian grain growers use chemicals?
Australian grain growers use chemicals, such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, to control pests, weeds and diseases that can damage crops and impact their quality. These chemicals are used to help protect crops from damage and ensure valuable nutrients such as water are not being taken by weeds. They are applied with strict safety regulations, and enable environmental outcomes through sustainable practices, plus ensure a reliable food supply to meet global demand. They are a tool used to preserve Australia’s natural resources, maintain the health of the Australian population, and ensure product safety for both domestic and international consumers of agricultural products.
Are these chemicals safe for the environment? And wildlife?
Australian grain growers are required to follow strict regulations and safety guidelines for the use of agricultural chemicals, including mandatory training to procure a license for application. These regulations ensure that chemicals are used responsibly. Growers are trained in safe handling and application practices to protect themselves, their workers, and the environment.
When used correctly, chemical spray residue is minimal and does not significantly affect waterways. Strict regulations and best practices are in place to minimize drift and runoff.
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If we were to take a step back… lose chemistry, go back to farming practices diesel etc, high emissions, thousand steps back.”
Damien Sommerville
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"It’s really important for us to take care of our environment with the usage of chemicals, through zero til farming practices, thanks to chemicals we get to store moisture, precious resource is the rain. Make sure we store every drop of it – a really important component of that is the use of chemicals."
Richard Konzag
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"Soil health is the cornerstone for our production, we’re growing food for people, important soil is in good health, nutrition and maximise water use efficiency and that the way we are farming is sustainable – it’s not just about this year’s crop, it’s about next year’s crop, it’s also about the crop or the pasture that we’re sowing for another 15 or 20 years."
Judith Foss
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“If we were to take a step back… lose chemistry, go back to farming practices diesel etc, high emissions, thousand steps back.”
Ben Taylor
