The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has just proposed new regulations on dimethoate. This widely used pesticide—thought to be an important tool in the production of fruits and vegetables—has been used since the 1950s. This proposal, which includes a suspension of dimethoate, has provided a rare window for public submissions, which are open until September 2. If the proposed changes are adopted, the effects on the berry industry would be drastic. These especially apply to widespread and effective control of the Queensland fruit fly, a pest with a global reputation that costs growers about $300 million annually in control costs and trade barriers.
Dimethoate is an invaluable chemical control tool for Australian growers, with the ability to control more than 80 insect pests on a wide range of crops. The APVMA’s proposed suspension has created quite a furor among farmers. Not surprisingly, industry leaders are concerned that it might jeopardize the long-term viability of berry production, and thus market supply. The APVMA prioritizes the protection of human health and the environment. If the proposed regulations are not carefully crafted, they could unwittingly tip the balance between ensuring public safety and fostering agricultural productivity.
The Impact of Queensland Fruit Fly
The Queensland fruit fly is considered the single greatest pest threat to the horticultural industry. Additionally, its omnipresence can wipe out crops with the threat of precipitating a multi-billion-dollar economic loss. Dimethoate is extremely important to these growers because it is the best alternative available for fighting this pest in berries.
Anthony Poiner, chairman of Berries Australia, expressed his dismay at the dimethoate suspension. He pointed out its important part in keeping up the quality and yield of berries.
“This [suspension] would be highly damaging to the berry industry because it is the most efficacious of all the chemical applications,” – Anthony Poiner.
Berries typically need to be picked at intervals of two to seven days depending on the variety. If the required waiting period between spraying and harvest lengthens, that could mean losing a crop. Until then, growers spraying blueberries need to wait at least one day before harvesting and sending the fruit to market. With rubus berries, as with blackberries and raspberries, the wait is seven days post-application.
Health Concerns and Residue Levels
Public health advocates add their voices to the debate over dimethoate safety. Dr. Sheila Logan, a prominent scientist in food safety research, discussed the problem of dimethoate residue in human food. She indicated that these levels would not be expected to rule out meaningful health risks to consumers. She recommended increasing the waiting period between pesticide spraying and harvesting food to 14 days. This important change would increase safety.
“Our tests are telling us that levels of residual dimethoate after 24 hours of being sprayed are low and below the medically acute level,” – Dr. Poiner.
On these assurances, Dr. Logan told us to temper our enthusiasm. In making his final decision, he even admitted that no full margin of safety may exist for dimethoate exposure.
“It’s a concern that there may not be that full margin of safety, which has led us to propose to suspend these uses,” – Dr. Logan.
She reassured consumers by stating that there is no need to avoid eating berries despite ongoing discussions about pesticide use.
“I certainly wouldn’t suggest that anyone needs to avoid eating berries,” – Dr. Logan.
Dr. Rozita Spirovska Vaskoska reiterated that all fresh food carries some inherent risk but emphasized that safe food handling practices can mitigate potential contaminants.
“It’s not that organic food does not have any risks, or traditionally produced food doesn’t have risks, they just have differing risks,” – Dr. Rozita Spirovska Vaskoska.
Future of Berry Production
The future of berry production in Australia rests with how the APVMA responds to this critical issue. Berry consumption exploded from 611 grams in 2017 to an average of 1.3 kilograms per person per year. Dr. Logan points out this historic doubling as a sign that demand is at a historical high. If regulations suddenly change overnight, growers won’t suddenly be able to supply the market.
With flames literally licking the skies behind him, Dr. Poiner conveyed the urgency of the situation. He reiterated how long wait times between growing cycles could be disastrous for producers.
“Berries are picked every two to seven days, so if you spray one day and have to wait 14 days, all the berries have gone overripe and are no longer usable,” – Dr. Poiner.
This dynamic presents a daunting challenge for regulators and farmers alike. They have to protect people and the environment through safe and sustainable pesticide use, while responding to serious pests like the Queensland fruit fly.
