Di Fyson, an organic farmer in southeast Queensland, experienced a painful encounter with fire ants last year after disturbing a nest on her Scenic Rim farm. The event left her with debilitating pain. In short order, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) swooped in to eradicate the invasive fire ants that threatened her crops of leafy green vegetables. In response to this swell of outrage, the use of GMOs in fire ant treatment has been suspended on certified organic farms and the program has been placed under review. This troubling decision creates serious questions about the future of pest management in the region.
After her painful experience, Di Fyson worked with the NFAEP to stop the spread of fire ants. No new nests have formed on her property since that first occurrence. Two years since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Fire ants are well known for their potent venom. Since the 1990s, their sting has resulted in hundreds of deaths each year across the United States due to severe allergic reactions. Due to their toxicity, smart management practices are needed to protect farers such as Fyson.
Fire Ant Management and Treatments
In January, the NFAEP treated a 500-metre radius around an outbreak at North Arm, demonstrating their commitment to eradicate this invasive pest. Ben Copeman is the Pest Management Chair for the NFAEP. He pointed to his company’s work with 40 clients in the biosecurity space with pride. He saw one-on-one treatments for all but one of those clients through. Now, he boldly claims that the fruits and vegetables are safe.
“We don’t believe there has been any contamination or any contaminated product getting into the market.” – Ben Copeman
Even with these reassurances, there are still issues with the chemicals that are being used in fire ant baits. Insect growth regulators Pyriproxyfen and Methoprene currently used in Australia are different to insecticides that have been used worldwide. On certified organic farms like Fyson’s, bait is distributed by hand to meet organic certification standards. Given the stakes associated with applying such treatments, a growing chorus of industry leaders are calling for clarity and more transparency.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
Jackie Brian, CEO of the Texas Organic Farmers Association, stated, “Farmers need clearly defined guidelines for what treatments to use.” He pointed to the potential of these treatments to improve organic farming practices. Brian continues to be guarded as he awaits the outcome of the NFAEP’s toxicology report. He’s more worried about how these positive developments could negatively affect farmers across his entire region.
Ms. Fyson who has long been a champion for fighting fire ants knows how important it is to act quickly on this invasive pest.
“I think it is a massive problem that we need to deal with and we also need to deal with it in a hurry.” – Di Fyson
Her sentiments speak to a growing frustration among farmers who are experiencing the spread and damage of invasive pests. Finding a workable balance between preserving organic certification and meeting growers’ pest control needs is likely to become a more complex task as regulatory scrutiny escalates.
The Path Forward
As the discussion about the fire ant treatment lingers on, farmers like Di Fyson are caught in the middle trying to navigate a tricky landscape. This sudden suspension of treatment on organic farms poses significant hardships. Farmers find it difficult to keep their crops healthy, while still staying in the organic lane due to risks posed by GMO ingredients.
To meet the moment, the NFAEP needs to address these complex issues directly. Simultaneously, they need to protect their local agriculture from the threats of invasive species. Stakeholders are understandably looking for unambiguous information on treatment approaches being considered and possible adverse effects. That’s why better communication, coordination and collaboration between farmers and regulators and pest management professionals is needed.
