AgForce's Cane Board has called for the quick identification of safe and effective herbicides for weed control in sugarcane, following a ruling of "not supported" on the use of paraquat and diquat.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) review of the use of the chemical will ensure labels on newly manufactured paraquat drums will no longer mention use in sugarcane.
"That means these products can't be used in sugarcane fields at any rates," AgForce Cane Board President Chris Punzell said.
"It's disappointing that the regulator has come in so hard on sugarcane, before any tangible alternative, 'as effective' solutions for weed control have been identified.
"AgForce would also like to see Australian-specific high-tier ecological data showing that our bird populations are being adversely affected under current regulated uses.
"We support evidence-based regulation and acknowledge concern about the use of these products," Mr Punzell said.
"We simply want decisions based on robust Australian science that reflects our farming systems, our landscapes and our environmental conditions.
"This ruling leaves cane farmers without the ability to effectively manage biosecurity risks like toxic weeds, which could become an issue for local government communities and productivity in the future.
"It could also mean that many will rush to buy as much of the herbicide with existing labels as they can afford just to get through the next season.
"We're still recovering from the floods in the north, the escalating price of fuel and fertiliser and the impact of the reforms to the EPBC Act - it's a tsunami of events and not everyone can afford to stockpile.
"There is a real risk that some producers could simply stop planting sugarcane.
"And for those farmers who do continue, the quality and quantity of the crop could diminish."
Mr Punzell has also questioned why it's taking the industry so long to find alternative herbicides for farmers to use.
"Not only do we need to speed things up to find a way to control these weeds, but we also really need to think about some assistance for cane farmers in the interim,' he said.
"Authorities also need to consider the impact of their decisions on primary industries and the communities they support.
He said the industry was happy to adapt to changes and ensure zero harm provisions, but a transition period where cane farmers could put forward a case for lower usage would be helpful.
"The regulator is saying that if the cane industry can prove acceptable weed control at lower rates, then it's willing to consider adding sugarcane back onto chemical labels.
AgForce calls on the government give the sector more time and to fund the scientific research and case studies that may assist adding weed control for sugarcane back on label at scientific approved levels."
