The project was established to develop procedures for the Australian fodder industry that would reduce to a minimum the risk of exported hay being rejected by importing countries because of contamination with chemicals. It also investigated the likelihood that methyl bromide, which is currently used to fumigate hay prior to export, being banned under regulations relating to ozone depleting substances and the economic viability of alternative fumigants or practices.
The project considered whether additional research was required in relation to reducing the cost or improving the efficiency of AQIS certification for Annual Ryegrass Toxicity (ARGT). Exporters were also questioned on other potential threats they could envisage for the export fodder industry and whether additional research was required in relation to these threats.