Project Description

The monthly meeting of the Chemicals In the Management of Biodiversity Working Group of AABR welcomed guest speakers Ellis Moore and Peter MacLeod from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Management Authority (APVMA) and Michael Laity from the Agriculture Victoria.

The presentations were on the regulation of chemical labelling and off-label use, gaining off label permits, and moves to harmonise legislation across the states and territories for the off-label use of agricultural chemicals. The presentations provide an overview of the role of the APVMA and an example of a state agency that regulates the use of chemicals, especially off–label use. There was also a Q & A session.

00:0:00 – 00:03:35 Introduction and Housekeeping

00:03:38 – 00:34:10 Ellis Moore (APVMA)- Off-Label Use of Chemical Products –

  • Role of the APVMA
  • Permits
  • When and How to obtain a permit
  • Main Considerations for Evaluation
  • Evaluation of Off-Label Uses
  • Important Information to Include
  • Resources

00:35:30 – 00:53:25 Michael Laity- Off-label use of Agricultural Chemicals (Agriculture Victoria)

  • National Registration Schemes
  • Overview of Victorian prohibitions on use
  • Responsibilities when using chemicals off-label
  • National Agreements to harmonise
  • Monitoring of off-label use by Agriculture Victoria
  • Types of complaints received
  • Common issues
  • Further information

00:53:25 – 00:09:38 Q & A session.

00:53:37  When will the harmonisation process be completed?

00:54:50 Is Metsulphuron Methyl regulated in Victoria?

00:55:55 If contractors working in bushland, where public and bushland volunteers may later enter, is signage of chemical usage required?

00:57:40 Are there any moves to make the awareness the applications of general environmental duties more widespread?

00:59:50 What is the current status of the off label use on bromadiolone for rodent control?

01:00:50 If someone else has applied for a permit and ‘General Person” are listed as permitted to use it, can it be used without having to apply for a permit?

01:02:39 Does jurisdiction matter? 01:03:02 What happens if the permit has expired?

01:05:15 Does a lower rate constitute an off-label use?

01:05:35 Can a body or Association apply for an off-label use on behalf of members?

01:06:15 How long does minor use permit last for?

01:08:10 Signage in a bushland setting advice .

01:09:38 – 1:11:14 Thanks and feedback

Useful links

APVMA

Contacts

Ellis Moore: ellis.moore@apvma.gov.au

Peter MacLeod: peter.macleod@apvma.gov.au

APVMA Resources

Public Chemical Registration Information System Search (PubCRIS)

APVMA website – Permits

APVMA Permit Search tool 

APVMA website – Guide for determining a minor use

APVMA website – Statutory criteria for permit applications

APVMA website – State government regulator contact list

Agriculture Victoria Resources

Agriculture Victoria – Chemicals website

Agriculture Victoria – Report a chemical use issue

Agriculture Victoria – Off-label chemical use

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment – Harmonised Agvet Chemical Control of Use Task group website

From the meeting discussion

Example of APVMA Minor Use Permit No.9907  which allows Cut & Paint, Scrape & Paint, Leaf wipe and other typical bush regen treatments to be legally performed in NSW.

Chemical Use Signage requirements in NSW – EPA

Visit AABR’s Chemicals In the Management of Biodiversity Working Group page for resources & updates