The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has announced a final decision to allow continued use of the herbicides paraquat and diquat under stricter conditions. The decision follows a decades-long review of the chemicals, which are widely used in Australian agriculture.
The APVMA concluded that, based on its review of scientific papers and long-term data, the evidence did not establish a causal link between paraquat exposure through approved uses and the development of Parkinson's disease.
Regulatory Decision
The APVMA's new restrictions include:
- Application Rate: The maximum application rate for both chemicals has been reduced from 1,150 grams per hectare to 231 grams per hectare. A higher rate is permitted for technology-assisted spot spraying, provided this is limited to 30% of a total area.
- Equipment Ban: The use of backpack sprayers has been phased out.
- Safety Requirements: Enclosed mixing and loading systems are now mandatory. Enhanced personal protective equipment is required for handlers.
The APVMA chief executive, Scott Hansen, stated that the restrictions address acute toxicity risks for handlers. He added that while the regulator would have liked to find a clear cause of Parkinson's disease, the evidence did not support a causal link for approved uses.
New label conditions apply to all paraquat and diquat products manufactured from the date of the decision. Existing stock will be phased out over two years.
Background on Paraquat
Paraquat is a fast-acting, non-selective herbicide used in broad-acre farming, including grains, sugarcane, cotton, and horticulture. It has been under review by the APVMA since 1997; the regulator declared it a priority in 1994, settled a work program in 2015, and released an interim report in 2024.
Reactions
Parkinson's Australia
CEO Olivia Nassaris criticized the decision, stating the APVMA "has failed not only farmers who use paraquat, but all the other Australians exposed to it." She questioned whether Australian lives are considered less valuable. The organization will continue to advocate for a ban.
Medical Professionals
Melbourne neurologist Professor Wes Thevathasan stated that multiple epidemiological studies suggest paraquat increases the risk of Parkinson's disease by around threefold, and criticized the APVMA for failing to engage with researchers.
Neurologist David Blacker, who has Parkinson's disease, described the data on paraquat as "overwhelming."
Farming Groups
The National Farmers' Federation, through president Hamish McIntyre, acknowledged community concern but emphasized paraquat's role in sustainable farming. Grain Producers Australia described the decision as a "victory for science-based regulation."
Political Figures
Independent Senator David Pocock criticized the decision as an example of vested interests prevailing over community interests.
Manufacturer
Syngenta, the main manufacturer of the chemical in Australia, confirmed it is assessing the impact of the restrictions on its product portfolio.
International Context
Paraquat has been banned in over 60 countries, including the European Union, the UK, and China, due to toxicity concerns. The APVMA noted that Australia uses a risk-based assessment for chemical approvals, requiring actual risk to be established, which differs from the precautionary approach employed by the EU and other nations.