Building an Evidence Base for Ongoing Access to Farm Protectants

Summary

Agricultural chemical products underpin an estimated 73% of the annual value of Australian crop production, rising to over 92% in horticulture for fruit, nuts and vegetables. Commercial production of many Australian crops would be severely constrained without these tools. Animal medicines play an equally critical role, supporting Australia’s $40B livestock industry by safeguarding animal health and welfare.
Australia is highly exposed to shifts in international market expectations regarding chemical use as a major agricultural exporter. Domestic community concerns about chemical use are also increasing, as reflected in AgriFutures Community Trust in Rural Industries. Concerns about chemical use could limit access to farm protectant tools, impacting food production and security, biosecurity and environmental health activities.
Australia currently has more than 11,000 registered agricultural and veterinary chemicals (AgVet chemicals). Access to these products is a multidimensional issue encompassing approvals, regulatory certainty, monitoring of use, and continued investment in science to maintain confidence in safety. Australia must also remain an attractive market for new farm protectant products and innovation.
Australia’s AgVet chemical policy framework strongly shapes both ongoing access and innovation. Regulatory uncertainty, limited opportunities for meaningful engagement in chemical reviews, and barriers to new product registration are contributing to the withdrawal of critical tools, often well ahead of viable alternatives.
Numerous independent reviews have examined these challenges. This project will synthesise recent assessments to map current initiatives across plant and animal industries, supporting informed decision-making, reform priorities and a fit-for-purpose AgVet chemical access system that underpins Australian agricultural productivity.

Program

National Rural Issues

Research Organisation

Australian Farm Institute

Objective Summary

To deliver independent, evidence-based insights that give Australian agricultural stakeholders a clear and practical view of AgVet chemical access landscapes.