Empowering Farmers For Responsible On-Farm Chemical Use

On-farm chemical use can be very helpful, it can also result in huge safety problems when not handled correctly.

A report by Deloitte Access Economics in 2016 found the national value of chemicals used to control insects, diseases and weeds was about $20.6 billion per year, or 73 per cent of the value of total crop production.

The NSW Government, under the AgSkilled 2.0 program, has funded a two-day Agricultural Chemical Skill Set course aimed at helping farmers navigate the potential, and pitfalls, of on-farm chemical use.

Enrolments are now open for the fee-free course which will be conducted at the Hillston Ex-Servicemen’s Club on August 23 and 24, and delivered by TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Agriculture, Tim Carroll. Mr Carroll said it was critical that farmers were empowered to use chemicals in an effective and responsible manner.

“Chemicals are such an important part of controlling weeds and other pests, and one of the key issues is that irresponsible chemical use can impact on the environment and neighbouring properties,” he said.

“There are so many different crops grown close together now, like cotton next to other irrigated crops, and certain chemicals can do serious damage.”

“If you don’t apply the chemicals in the correct weather, farms kilometres away can be affected.”

Requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include the completion of a chemical skill set by farmers every five years.

Mr Carroll said in addition to safe application, the course included units on safely transporting chemicals.

He said the season looked promising for the region’s farmers, with commodity prices strong, and irrigators and dry area farmers enjoying good access to water.

Chairman of Riverina Local Lands Services, Barney Hyams welcomed the fee-free course.

“I think this TAFE NSW course is a great initiative and provides farmers in the Riverina a fantastic opportunity to refresh and upgrade their understanding of chemicals and their application,” Mr Hyams said.

For further information about the TAFE NSW Agricultural Chemical Skill Set, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131601.

• Topics:

• Rural Roundup
• Workshop / Short Courses
• Environmental Issues
• Agriculture & Farming