The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has announced changes that will restrict the use of paraquat and diquat in agricultural industries.
In a statement issued Tuesday (23 June) the APVMA announced new restrictions would come in effect immediately and that existing stock would be phased out over a two-year period, allowing the industry to identify and adopt alternative weed management strategies and prepare for the implementation of new occupational health and safety measures.
Paraquat and diquat are used extensively throughout Queensland for weed management in broadacre cropping systems, including grain, sugarcane and cotton.
The Department of Primary Industries is committed to supporting growers through this transition to ensure they can continue to be profitable, productive and sustainable.
Deputy Director-General Agriculture Peter Donaghy said the APVMA decision would have significant implications for growers, particularly in broadacre agriculture, but that the government is committed to helping growers navigate this transition.
“More than 70 countries around the world have already banned paraquat, including the UK, Europe and China.
“Paraquat and diquat play a critical role in the double-knock weed management strategy, which is essential for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds and is used by 63% of grain farmers in Queensland’s northern grain-growing regions.
“We understand the serious challenges this will pose for Queensland growers and we are here to support them through this period of transition,” Mr Donaghy said.
Support measures will include:
- Roundtable: The department is leading a roundtable industry event to help identify the main issues and support finding solutions
- Webinar series: The department will host a series of webinars with key stakeholders to help with management of issues going forward
- Development and Extension to continue: DPI will continue to invest with industry on national resistance monitoring on weeds of interest to cropping
- Solutions: Work with agrichemical companies on available and effective alternatives.
Mr Donaghy said important activity, such as engaging with and supporting industry-led approaches will be critical to helping growers through this transition.
“The Queensland Government will engage with industry to develop effective weed management strategies through Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) $47 million National Weeds Management initiative,” Mr Donaghy said.
“We will also work with agrichemical companies to explore the pipeline of innovative products, and with research development corporations and industry organisations to support growers in adopting new practices.
“Our goal is to ensure Queensland growers have access to the tools and resources they need to continue their vital work.”
Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Jo Sheppard said the transition period would be challenging.
“We welcome support from the Queensland Government and look forward to working with them to support our primary producers through this period of change.
“The impact of this will be felt through the supply chain, but we are committed to helping to minimise the impact as much as possible, not only on farmers, but on consumers who could face price rises and availability issues,” she said.
AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said the state’s primary producers were already battling high fuel and transport costs – an additional impost would be very tough to bear.
“With these additional challenges, it’s going to be tough on our producers so we welcome working with the department to deliver as much support as possible.”
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Last updated: 02 Jul 2026