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Community Awareness of Hazardous Substances

Information about using hazardous substances is now available in English, Vietnamese and Khmer languages.

For more information and to download a copy of the booklet...

Late-Season Pesticide Applications – Observe Withholding Periods

Withholding periods (WHP) are specified on some pesticide labels in order to avoid unacceptable chemical residues in produce. Growers who make late-season pesticide applications should check any applicable WHP on the product label and ensure that they comply with the instructions. Reasons for late-season pesticide application may include insect outbreaks (heliothis, aphids, diamond back moth), managing resistant ryegrass with crop topping or controlling late disease outbreaks such as rust.

Harvest WHPs apply to whenever the crop is cut, not necessarily to when the grain is reapt. This means that windrowing, eg of barley or canola, is regarded as “harvest” and should not occur until after any applicable WHP has expired.

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Agricultural and veterinary chemicals are important tools in primary production systems. When used correctly, they play a valuable role in maximising the quality and yield of primary produce. However, product integrity, the environment and human health can be put at risk when they are not used correctly.

The Rural Chemicals Program of PIRSA promotes the safe and responsible use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. It is responsible for developing policies and projects that identify and manage risks to trade, food safety, environmental protection and community health arising from the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

Some functions of Rural Chemicals Program are to:

  • Assist the review and maintenance of relevant legislation
  • Advise the Minister on policy issues and general matters related to rural chemicals
  • Develop and administer compliance systems related to use of rural chemicals
  • Disseminate regulatory and technical information on rural chemicals
  • Contribute to national rural chemical policy issues that affect SA
  • Assist Local Government with Development Applications to minimise potential chemical use conflicts.

This site contains information about:

  • Federal and State legislation controlling the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Australia
  • Responsible use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals - how to manage chemical trespass and the regulatory role that PIRSA Rural Chemicals Program has regarding chemical trespass
  • Agricultural and veterinary chemical residues in produce, and food safety issues
  • Education and community awareness programs regarding chemical use.

This site does not provide recommendations on agricultural and veterinary chemicals, ie what product to use in a particular situation to control a particular problem. It does, however, provide a reference to InFINDer which is a commercial database developed and maintained by Rural Chemicals Program and which contains information on all agricultural and veterinary chemicals registered in Australia. Click here to be taken to the InFINDer page on this website.

This site also does not provide information on fertilisers. The Fertiliser Industry Federation of Australia (external site) has general information on fertilisers. Fertiliser recommendations can be obtained from the manufacturers or plant nutrition consultants.