A ONCE popular grass weed herbicide for use in broadleaf crops such as canola and pulses is set to be phased out in spite of still being registered for use.
In a sign of the increasing ability of foreign regulatory changes to influence Australian agronomics a change to EU maximum residue limits (MRLs) for haloxyfop will usher in a change of policy in Australia.
While haloxyfop-based products, such as Verdict, will remain officially registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for use, the Australian Oilseeds Federation has requested farmers that have used the product not to deliver into the bulk handling system, meaning in practical terms it will not be used.
AOF executive director Nick Goddard said if used haloxyfop could jeopardise access to the lucrative European market, which is by far the largest buyer of Australian canola and also purchases significant volumes of pulses such as lupins.
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"Whilst haloxyfop remains a legally registered product in Australia, any future use on canola, given the impending change in the EU MRL, will result in a residue detection above the new EU MRL," he said.
"To maintain access into the EU market, Australian canola growers are advised of the need to use alternative weed control options for the 2023 season crop, and in future cropping programs."
The silver lining for Australian canola and pulse producers are that there are a number of similar herbicides that can be used as a replacement, many from within the 'fops and dims' herbicide group.
Products based on compounds such as clethodim, butroxydim and quizalofop, all common within the cropping sector are still suitable for use, along with a number of other alternatives.
Craig Henderson, Victorian Farmers Federation grains group president, said the edict from the AOF was unlikely to have a practical impact on canola growers.
"We are reasonably well covered with alternatives in that space," he said.
However, he said he was concerned with the precedent being set in regards to the effective banning of legal products due to overseas policy changes.
"It is the thin end of the wedge, we need to make sure we are not being unnecessarily disadvantaged by these changes, especially if the canola going over is to be used for biodiesel and not for human consumption."
"As growers we understand the customer will have preferences but this sort of thing is something we're watching carefully.
"Already there are people not signing up to things like the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certificate) accreditation in spite of the premiums because they are concerned at what is required to comply."
Mr Henderson said it was likely to be countries with poor food security that suffered as a result of these changes.
"Europe will always be able to buy food but if there are oilseed shortages because growers choose not to grow the product because of regulatory issues it will be those that can least afford it that miss out."
Mr Goddard said the Australian industry had been well prepared for the changes in EU MRL requirements, having worked with the EU on the matter since potential changes to residue limits were first announced there in 2015.
He said the first move had been to try and broker a deal that would allow an MRL that would see Australian producers able to continue to use the product, however this failed.
Mr Goddard said the new EU regulations had not yet come into effect and it was not known exactly when they would be implemented however the Australian industry had made the decision to get on the front foot and inform growers early to ensure no haloxyfop applications were made during the growing season.
"This timing is also designed to provide adequate time for growers and advisers to consider and develop alternative weed control options for this year's canola crop."
Mr Goddard said it was important from an industry reputation perspective that Aussie growers adhered to the request.
"To maintain our strong trading reputation and ensure continued market access, it is critical that exported canola meets import country MRLs."
The changes will see the EU reducing its MRL for haloxyfop on canola from 0.2mg/kg to 0.005mg/kg.
Chemical restrictions in the EU are becoming increasingly stringent and many popular Australian crop protection products, such as paraquat herbicide and neo-nicotinoid insecticides are banned within the EU zone.