NFF Calls on Farmers to ACE their spray

22 October 2018


The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia support the National Farmers Federation, who is today reminding all producers to take care when applying herbicides and pesticides this summer spraying season.

A message from NFF President, Fiona Simson:

“We would like all producers to look out for their neighbours and their communities by ACE-ing their spray. To do this they need to:

  • Plan for your Application – keep records, notify neighbours, use decision-making tools
  • Spray in the right Conditions – during the day, check for inversions
  • Check your Equipment – use the right nozzles, correct boom height, adjuvants to reduce drift”

“It is also important for producers to be aware that new label instructions for the application of 2,4-D have recently been introduced by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.These instructions have been introduced to minimise incidents of drift and it’s important that producers heed these new requirements.”

“Farmers need to remind themselves that their actions may inadvertently affect their neighbours as well as the broader agricultural community.When a drift occurs, sometimes damage can occur as far as 50-70kms down the road.”

“We all care for our families and our communities - so it is the responsibility of all farmers to demonstrate that we are stewards of our industry and that we can use agricultural chemicals responsibly and safely. Offtarget damage causes losses to not only the affected producers; but has the potential to cause losses to whole communities."

“We are calling on all farmers to ACE their spray this season.”

Ends

Media Contact:

RGA Communications Manager, Belinda Lambert – 0417 037 162
RGA President, Jeremy Morton – 0429 873 230