Off-label pesticide use slammed in Australia

The increasing incidence of farmers using pesticides for off-label uses has been slammed by peak industry body, Ag Institute Australia.

This year has seen particularly high levels of off-label use of chemicals, particularly insecticides, as farmers look for an alternative product to control mice.

Reports have been coming in of products intended for use on insects such as red legged earth mite used to control mice.

Ag Institute Australia believes the trend towards off-label and unregistered use of chemicals has not come from farmers acting alone.

"There is evidence to suggest the practice is happening in Australia among a small number of consultants advising farmer clients, especially in cropping," said Institute acting president Geoff Thomas.

"This is an illegal practice which is simply not worth the risk," said Mr Thomas.

Ag Institute Australia, formerly known as the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, has a network of members working across the spectrum in all States.

The Institute said it was not simply rodent control that was leading farmers to switch to unregistered products.

Mr Thomas pointed out the example of spraying unregistered products on crops such as Clearfield canola, where the saving can be as much as $15 to $20 a hectare.

He was sympathetic to farmers who were frustrated at the lack of available product, but warned the risks of off-label use outweighed the benefits.

"Consultants who might be tempted to recommend a non-registered use need to carefully consider the consequences.

"Not only is it unethical behavior, but the adviser is left open to legal action from the Government regulatory body, the client who took the advice and even the company supplying the product."

Mr Thomas said it could also lead to professional indemnity insurance cover being declared null and void.

"Our advice is to stick strictly to the registered uses listed on the product label."