Cracking down on spray drift

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is reminding pesticide users to spray responsibly following a challenging season last summer which saw hundreds of hectares of crops wiped out by pesticide spray drift.  

In response, we have rolled out several targeted compliance campaigns and issued nearly 130 advisory letters in recent months, reminding pesticide users of their obligations under the law. 

NSW EPA Executive Director Regulatory Practice & Services Steve Beaman said pesticides have a place in agriculture, but if they aren’t used responsibly, users can face strong regulatory action. 

“The EPA is travelling to agricultural regions across the state this year to talk to farmers and agronomists and hear their concerns about people misusing pesticides,” Mr Beaman said. 

“While most people want to do the right thing, we see some pesticide users operating with absolutely no regard for their neighbours or the legislation. 

“We’re launching an education campaign to raise awareness, and we won’t hesitate to take action against anyone who is spraying pesticides irresponsibly or deliberately causing harm.

“We’ve got around 15 investigations underway in Griffith, Narromine, Carrathool, Moree, Forbes, Warren and Yallaroi – we’re looking at people who may be operating without a license and others who are spraying in the kind of weather where pesticides are likely to drift and cause damage. 

“The harm is really serious – we’ve seen farmers lose more than a year’s income just from someone spraying recklessly. It’s devastating and it’s got to stop.” 

The EPA is hopeful that with increased education and compliance, the upcoming season will be a better one.  

“We’re reminding all pesticide users to carefully follow the label instructions for each chemical, store their chemicals safely and keep accurate and up-to-date records of spraying activity for three years,” Mr Beaman said.  

“There’s so much technology available to tell you what the weather’s doing and when it’s safe to spray. The message is simple – if you’re in any doubt, don’t put it out.” 

The EPA has launched a targeted social media campaign this week which will run until early January, raising awareness of the conditions that can cause spray drift and the impacts it can have.

We have also been engaging with farmers on safe pesticide use at a number of agricultural field days, offering no-consequence record checks at AgQuip at Gunnedah, Henty Field Days and at the upcoming Australian National Field Days at Borenore.  

To find out more, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/pesticides/preventing-pesticide-misuse/campaigns-investigations