In the summer edition of Australian Grower, we outlined why AUSVEG and Hort Innovation had established a national agrichemical program and why a more coordinated, forward-looking approach to crop protection is essential for Australia’s vegetable, onion and potato industries. At that time, the National Agrichemical Management Program (MT24023) was still in its establishment phase. Six months into delivery, the focus has now shifted from setting up the framework to delivering practical outcomes – quietly, methodically, and often working behind the scenes.

Turning coordination into action

The challenges facing vegetable growers are unlikely to change any time soon. Regulatory pressure on older chemistries continues to intensify, resistance risks are real, and the pathway for registering new products remains expensive and complex, particularly for minor crops. With more than 50 vegetable crops grown across highly diverse production systems, the sector relies heavily on minor-use permits, label extensions, and careful resistance management to maintain viable pest control options. Without active coordination, access gaps can emerge quickly, sometimes with little warning. Project MT24023 was designed to reduce that risk by providing national oversight, regulatory intelligence and communication, and a single focal point for industry engagement.

A single point of contact

As we reported previously, a dedicated National Agrichemical Manager role was established within AUSVEG to act as a central point of contact for growers, agronomists, regulators, researchers, agrichemical companies and other innovators. That role is now fully embedded and actively supporting industry. This central coordination has already improved the way information flows between stakeholders, ensuring that regulatory issues, permit timelines, and emerging risks are identified early and addressed in a more structured way.

Importantly, it is also providing agrichemical companies with clearer visibility of industry priorities, backed by evidence rather than anecdote, helping to focus discussions on where investment or regulatory effort is most needed.

Keeping chemistry on farm

One of the most tangible outcomes to date has been the collective effort to maintain continuity of existing crop-protection tools. This work has been undertaken in close collaboration with Hort Innovation’s Regulatory Affairs Managers, whose experience and knowledge of the regulatory process have been critical to navigating complex permit pathways. The relationship has been highly complementary, with a shared focus on practical outcomes for growers.

Over the past six months, contributions have been made towards the renewal of 47 minor-use permits across the vegetable, onion and potato sectors. Of these, 32 permits have been successfully renewed, two uses transitioned to full label registration, and several others were progressed or rationalised where ongoing use was no longer viable.

In addition, an Emergency Use Permit for fluazinam was approved to support the suppression of Powdery scab in potatoes following the 2025 Potato mop-top virus incursion in Tasmania. This work was progressed in close collaboration with the Tasmanian state regulator, highlighting the importance of strong relationships at both state and national levels when rapid, risk-based responses are required.

Early warning, not last-minute reaction

Another priority flagged in the summer edition was improving regulatory preparedness. Since then, an initial impact assessment has been completed on crops most likely to be affected by the potential loss of key neonicotinoid insecticides, including potatoes, brassicas, lettuces, cucurbits, fruiting vegetables and sweet corn. This information is now being communicated to industry to provide early warning and allow growers and advisers to plan ahead, rather than scrambling for alternatives once regulatory decisions are finalised.

It is also important to flag that dithiocarbamate fungicides have been formally tabled for review by the APVMA in the very near future. Overseas, several major markets, most notably the European Union, have withdrawn approval for dithiocarbamate fungicides such as mancozeb, while others have introduced tighter restrictions. Although the timing and outcomes of any Australian review cannot be predicted, growers and advisers should be aware of the trajectory that this is on and begin considering alternatives.

“Early identification of risk is a recurring theme of the program, whether it relates to chemistry reviews, resistance pressure or market access. The objective is not to predict outcomes, but to ensure the industry is informed, prepared and better positioned to adapt.”

Market access and residue risk

The program has also commenced foundational work on residue compliance and market access – an area of growing importance for both domestic and export-focused growers. Australian Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for more than 50 vegetable crops have been manually compiled, resulting in a dataset of over 1300 individual entries.

In parallel, international regulatory developments are being actively monitored, with dozens international notifications reviewed each day to identify changes that could affect Australian exports. While this work is ongoing, it is already helping to flag potential compliance risks early and improve the consistency and accuracy of technical advice provided to industry.

The next phase of this work will focus on tabulating overseas MRLs for major export crops across key export markets, with the aim of making this information more accessible and usable for export businesses. In the meantime, exporters are encouraged to contact AUSVEG if they require information or clarification on MRL requirements in overseas markets.

Looking ahead

Project MT24023 remains in its early stages, but the progress since the summer edition reinforces the value of investing in coordination, evidence, and early engagement.

Much of this work happens out of the spotlight – renewing permits, monitoring regulatory changes, advising government, and building the relationships needed to support future innovation. However, these quiet wins are what keeps chemistry on farm and options open for growers.

As regulatory pressure continues to increase globally, a proactive, nationally coordinated approach is no longer optional. It is essential to safeguarding crop protection tools and supporting the long-term resilience of Australia’s vegetable industry.

FIND OUT MORE
For more information or to get involved, contact david.daniels@ausveg.com.au