The APVMA has issued two additional permits for the use of certain pesticides to combat fall armyworm in sweetcorn, safflower and sunflower.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud said the Australian Government was committed to supporting efforts here and abroad to manage and minimise the impact of this pest on production industries.
"Since fall armyworm arrived in Queensland via natural pathways in January 2020, it has spread to the Northern Territory, Western Australia and northern New South Wales.
"Fall armyworm is a serious agricultural pest. The larval or caterpillar stage of the moth's lifecycle, can damage and destroy a wide variety of crops with the potential for large economic loss," Minister Littleproud said.
"Approval of additional permits provide farmers and landowners with more tools to manage this pest.
"Industries and governments are collaborating to support farmers manage this pest.
"The Australian Government recently provided $600,000 to Plant Health Australia to address critical gaps in national research and development which were identified in a national workshop.
"Projects will investigate fall armyworm genetic research, pesticide resistance, commercial and native hosts, and modelling of seasonal impacts on population dynamics.
"We are also investing through the Grains Research and Development Corporation. I welcome the recent publication of the National Fall Armyworm Continuity Plan. The plan will be an invaluable reference for professionals, specialist and consultants to prepare localised material."
"Through these and other projects, we are supporting industry to minimise the impact of fall armyworm in Australia."
In collaboration with the states and territories and industries, APVMA prioritises permit applications for pesticides to combat threats to biosecurity, including fall armyworm.
