CEO Matthew Cossey said the investment demonstrated a commitment to ensuring farmers have timely access to essential crop protection products.
He commended Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and the government for the one-off $5.2 million funding boost to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for next financial year.
“This investment provides the regulator with the resources needed to carry out basic public good functions, such as compliance and enforcement efforts, as well as the weighty chemical review program — something CropLife has long called for.”
The funding accompanies a decision by the government to maintain all existing fees and levies with the exception of annual registration fees while working on a sustainable funding model.
“We also commend the minister for delaying the official implementation of this cost recovery model until October 2025,” Mr Cossey said.
“In rejecting a much higher increase initially proposed by the APVMA, the minister has set the ground for developing a longer-term sustainable funding model for the regulator.
“With increasing demands the government has placed on the APVMA to deliver public good outcomes, it is imperative this model includes permanent government funding.
“This would bring to bring the APMVA into alignment with all other OECD countries and ensure Australian farmers are not disadvantaged compared to their international competitors.”
CropLife also welcomed the government’s $8.1 million commitment to funding a further four years of the Improved Access to Agvet Chemicals program.
“For 11 years this program has improved farmer access for a range of important crops and essential uses for pesticides,” Mr Cossey said.
“Funding for improved access to minor use chemicals not only supports growers with access to critical pesticides when they really need it, it’s a smart investment for our economy.
“A 2020 ABARES report estimated that for every grant dollar committed to the program, there is an average return of $117 in improved crop yield and quality.”
