'Shocking': Toxic Herbicide Approved for Ongoing Use
The regulator cited acute toxicity risks and said approved uses do not increase Parkinson’s disease risk, after 171 submissions from scientists, doctors and industry.
- On Tuesday, The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority announced that Paraquat can continue to be used in Australia with "significant" new safety restrictions.
- APVMA chief executive Scott Hansen said the maximum application rate will drop to 231 grams per hectare from 1,150 grams per hectare, driven by acute toxicity concerns.
- The regulator received 171 submissions from scientists and industry stakeholders, though the peak body for Parkinson disease criticized the decision as insufficient.
- While Paraquat is banned in 70 countries including the United Kingdom, European Union, and China, Aussie farmers have continued using it for 30 years.
- New registration conditions apply to product labels manufactured after June 23, 2026, while existing Paraquat stock will be phased out over a two-year period.
12 Articles
12 Articles
APVMA Slashes Paraquat Use
June 23, 2026 The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has published significant new restrictions on the use of the herbicides paraquat and diquat. APVMA CEO Scott Hansen said both chemicals would remain available for use but there would be new restrictions on application rates and permitted uses. “To protect users from acute exposure, new restrictions will phase out backpack sprayers and require enclosed mixing and l…
Statement on paraquat decision
The National Farmers’ Federation acknowledges the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) final decision following its review of paraquat and diquat. The decision will mean products remain approved for use, but with lower application rates and more controls. The NFF will now take the time to carefully consider the detail of the decision and its implications for farmers and Australia’s food and fibre production. NFF Pre…
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