The correct and strategic application of pesticides is an important aspect of integrated pest and disease management (IPDM), and a key topic of the national IPDM Field Day program included in the levy-funded project An integrated pest and disease management extension program for the olive industry (OL17001).
Spray drift is an issue that needs be considered in many olive groves across Australia, and there is currently an opportunity for growers to have their say on spray drift management.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is seeking stakeholder input on Stage 1 of the proposed approach to spray drift management. This is a supplemental consultation on the Stage 1 approach that incorporates the changes identified from previous consultation.
The purpose of the proposed spray drift management approach is to:
- introduce refinements to buffer zone calculations;
- provide clearer label instructions and increased flexibility for pesticide applications; and
- support the use of drift reducing technologies (DRT).
Submissions on the revised draft proposal for spray drift risk assessment should address the following topics in particular:
- revised ground boom deposit curves;
- revised aircraft deposit curves, particularly in relation to release height;
- mandatory verses advisory buffer zones.
The consultation period is open until close of business on 8 February 2019.
Following consideration of comments received during the consultation period, stage 1 will be finalised and made available on the APVMA website by 29 March 2019. Further consultation will be required prior to the introduction of stage 2.
Access more information on the spray drift management approach and submission process here.
