Farmers express reservations at paraquat restrictions and call for practical solutions

23 June 2026

NSW Farmers has expressed reservations at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) decision to impose onerous restrictions on paraquat and diquat, warning the outcome will have significant on-ground impacts for farmers. 
 
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said farmers respect the role of the APVMA as Australia’s independent, science-based regulator, but the decision raises serious and practical concerns for agricultural productivity, stewardship of the landscape and biosecurity. 
 
“Farmers respect science - but we also need decisions that work in the paddock. Right now, there's a real risk we're being left without a tool we rely on, and without an equal replacement,” Mr Martin said. 
 
“It is encouraging to see that some of the practical issues raised by farmers have been taken into account in the final decision, particularly the recognition of optical spraying systems and the higher rates for those targeted technologies. 
 
“This shows that when farmers engage constructively and put forward evidence, regulators are prepared to listen - but the reality is that the final decision still falls short of what’s needed on farm.” 
 
The ongoing concern is that the broadacre application rate remains too low to be effective in many real-world farming situations. 

“Reducing application rates to the point where these products are potentially no longer effective doesn’t remove any perceived risk - it removes a critical solution.” 
 
Paraquat and diquat are key tools for managing weeds particularly where herbicide resistance is already a significant challenge and alternative chemistry is limited or unavailable.  
 
NSW Farmers warned that without effective use of paraquat and diquat, farmers will be forced to adopt practices that may undermine broader environmental and sustainability outcomes, including increased applications of chemicals and increased tillage. 
 
“Farmers are deeply committed to managing their land responsibly, including minimising chemical use and protecting soil health,” Mr Martin said. 
 
“But you can’t effectively remove or downgrade a vital tool like this without a viable alternative ready and expect there to be no consequences.” 

NSW Farmers welcomed the two-year phase-out period, noting it provides some time for adjustment, but warned it does not reduce the challenge facing farmers. 

“A transition period is important, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem - it simply shifts the pressure slightly down the road,” Mr Martin said. 

“What farmers need now is not just regulatory change, but practical solutions - including investment in alternative chemistry and a clear pathway that reflects the realities of Australian agriculture.” 
 
NSW Farmers emphasised that human health and safety remain paramount, and that farmers already operate under strict regulatory frameworks governing chemical use. 
 
“Our members take chemical stewardship extremely seriously. They undergo training, operate within tight regulations, and want access to tools that are both safe and effective,” Mr Martin said. 
 
NSW Farmers will be actively calling on government to support farmers and undertake further research around this decision and its practical implementation on the ground.   

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Media Contact: 

Dee Wilkes-Bowes
Sauce Communications 
0427 006 404
[email protected] 

Ref: MR/032/27