Managing pesticides

What we do

The Managing Pesticides project in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment areas encourages the responsible use of agricultural chemicals (pesticides):

• in accordance with registered label directions
• in appropriate weather conditions
• adhering to aquatic and terrestrial buffer-zone requirements
• for required record-keeping content and timing.

It is the obligation of the agricultural business to:

• follow label requirements for the disposal of chemical drums and boxes
• hold mandatory qualifications for use of Schedule 7 (dangerous poisons), restricted chemical products and environmentally relevant activity (ERA) products
• maintain required chemical application records
• use agricultural chemicals correctly.

This initiative is one of 10 projects led by the department to support the Queensland Government Reef Water Quality Program, which aims to improve water quality in the GBR region.

The Managing Pesticides project provides these services in the GBR catchment areas.

Shed meetings and workshops

Agricultural businesses can attend shed meetings and workshops to learn about agricultural chemicals, following registered label directions and record-keeping requirements.

Meetings are regularly held across 4 regions:

• Haughton
• Mackay and Proserpine
• Mackay and Sarina
• Tully.

On-farm assessments

Agricultural businesses are randomly selected to be assessed on their chemical use practices. These assessments can be conducted online, by phone or in person. They aim to measure the level of adherence the business has to the directions for use on the registered label of the chemicals being used.

These assessments offer businesses the opportunity to explore new chemical practices and cover issues such as:

• accessing chemical application record templates
• identifying and understanding individual farm buffer requirements
• use of different nozzle types to achieve the required droplet size
• use of digital pressure gauges to test pressure at the nozzle
• use of flow meters to check application water rates
• use of handheld anemometers in the field for weather detail collection.

Benefits of the project

The correct use of agricultural chemicals provides several important benefits.

Saving costs

Agricultural businesses prevent unnecessary expenses and reduce waste by:

• following the recommended spraying advice
• using the correct application equipment
• using the correct applications to ensure product efficacy and prevent spray drift.

Improving water quality

Pesticide runoff poses one of the greatest risks to water quality and can have adverse environmental effects on marine and coastal ecosystems. Improved water quality assists all agricultural businesses in the region.

By using agricultural chemicals correctly, farmers can minimise the impact of pesticide runoff, contributing to improved water quality in the region. This benefits not only the environment but also the agricultural businesses that rely on clean water sources.

Meeting legal requirements

It is a legal requirement to use pesticides according to the registered label.

To avoid any legal repercussions, agricultural chemical users are required to:

• ensure chemical users have the required qualifications
• follow directions for use, including application rates and equipment used
• keep accurate chemical application records
• maintain and calibrate chemical application equipment regularly to ensure chemicals are applied correctly and to avoid waste
• observe buffer zones and weather conditions when spraying
• spray during the correct season.

Building a positive reputation

Adopting appropriate practices in using agricultural chemicals can contribute to a positive reputation for agricultural businesses. Compliance with legal requirements, environmental consciousness, and responsible chemical application demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible farming practices.

Creating a safer workplace

By following recommended guidelines and ensuring that chemical users have the required qualifications, agricultural businesses create a safer working environment for their employees. Proper training and qualification ensure that chemicals are handled with care, reducing the risk of accidents and health hazards for workers involved in the application process.

Supporting long-term sustainability

Correct use of agricultural chemicals contributes to the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations. By preventing chemical wastage, minimising environmental impact, and complying with legal standards, farmers can maintain their productivity while preserving the land and resources for future generations.

What's next

We continue to undertake on-farm assessment activities and work with the community by providing as much information as possible on what you need to do when using agricultural chemicals.

We also continue to support agricultural businesses and provide educational opportunities.

More information

Email agchemdaf@dpi.qld.gov.au for more details on:

• assessment activities to better understand your farm chemical application
• record-keeping requirements
• shed meetings and workshops
• the application of agricultural chemicals following the registered label.

Get involved

For more information, contact us online, by phone or in-person.