Members
Crop Safety and Residue Trials Update
Over recent months there has been a great deal of work done to ensure that we learn more about the range of herbicides and pesticides currently used within the industry.
Initially, this took the form of applying for ‘Minor Use Permits’ (MUP) for a range of products. It is important to note however, that:
- MUP’s if granted, are temporary, and only an interim step in the process of ultimate product use permission and registration for a particular crop.
- It is federal government policy (DAWR and APVMA) , to convert all minor permit use to label uses, (if deemed appropriate after trials) with the collaboration of the permit holder, manufacturer and industry.
- There are significant differences in MUP’s and Label Registration, in terms protocols, rigour of testing, MRL’s, lifespan, global recognition, fees and responsibilities.
Therefore, the second stage of this process, would be to rigorously and conclusively analyse pesticide efficacy, crop safety and residue data specifically in truffles, so that use, may be added to a pesticide label.
Importance to the industry
This work is extremely important as the industry matures, and as a representative body for growers, it behoves us to drive this initiative.
In a global sense, there has been very little product trial work carried out specifically for truffles.
By conducting these trials, Australia would act as a proactive, transparent and responsible leader in this area. The Australian government support provides the industry with the opportunity to facilitate this program.
The outcomes of these trials will determine the efficacy and most importantly, any potential negative effects of using this range of products.
Other important factors learned from these trials, may involve productivity, crop quality, maintenance implications and farm profitability.
Project Funding – DAWR Grants Program
The federal agriculture department (DAWR) is encouraging the industry to pursue these trials and has allocated funds through AgriFutures Australia (AFA) to undertake residue and crop safety trials on two pesticides; Glufosinate (Basta) and Metaldehyde (Metarex), commonly used in the truffle industry.
This funding initiative is a direct result of the recently completed Pests and Disease study that identified certain commercially available agricultural chemical products used in the control of pests in our truffières.
Industry Contribution
There is an industry contribution of funds required to complete the trials and we are currently examining funding models to comply with this aspect of the program. The funds required are not unreasonable and are commensurate with the opportunity provided by DAWR.
Further Industry Discussion
We acknowledge that not all industry stakeholders are currently in favour of ATGA taking the next step. We will conduct an information and discussion session on this subject at a meeting to be held in Manjimup WA on 16 November 2019, prior to making a final decision.
Other agenda items include:
EPPRD Biosecurity Response Plan & Levy – Status and Survey Summary
AVSTEP – ATGA Validated Seedling Tree Evaluation Project
Truffle Industry Strategic Plan Process
Note: Representatives from AgriFutures and WA DPIRD will also attend this meeting.
WA Growers
We invite and encourage all WA growers (TPWA and ATGA) to attend this meeting.
Venue: Manjimup Home & Community Care centre, 1A Edwards Street, Manjimup
Time: 12.30 – 3.30pm Saturday 16 November 2019
Noel Fitzpatrick
President
Australian Truffle Industry Association
