It also points to a heavy reliance on international chemical imports, highlighting that access to global suppliers remains crucial to meeting Australia’s unique farming needs.
GrainGrowers acting general manager policy and advocacy Sean Cole said the report was a sobering reminder of the role played by herbicides, fungicides and insecticides in grain production.
“Pests, weeds, and disease are issues that face every grower, and the effective use of carefully targeted chemicals delivers increased crop productivity and quality, enabling our farmers to feed consumers here and around the world safely and efficiently,” Mr Cole said.
He said the report highlighted a solid correlation between responsible chemical use and increasing production in grain crops.
“The agricultural chemicals used in Australia are crucial in modern agriculture. Without them, global crop yields would decline, intensifying food insecurity and inequality.”
The report highlights how herbicides, insecticides and fungicides have revolutionised agriculture.
“Without chemicals, farmers would be forced to revert to extensive annual soil cultivation, using more labour and resources, reducing soil water retention, and elevating the risk of water run-off and soil erosion,” Mr Cole said.
“Using agricultural chemicals has allowed an increasing number of farmers to adopt conservation tillage practices that minimise soil disturbance and improve overall soil health.”
For more information and to read the report, go to the GrainGrowers website.
