THE AUSTRALIAN Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has issued a minor use permit for the use of glyphosate as a desiccant on feed barley.
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![Grain Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann is thrilled with news of a minor use permit for the use of glyphosate as a desiccant on feed barley. Grain Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann is thrilled with news of a minor use permit for the use of glyphosate as a desiccant on feed barley.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/5Q2j7ezUfQBfUJsaqK3gfB/fc026cc2-bc54-4000-bcf9-d010365efdaa.jpg/r0_731_3488_5239_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
It comes after controversy surrounding the practice with Barley Australia issuing a press release calling for farmers not to crop-top any type of barley.
However, grower groups wanted to have access to the tool in a season which has seen slow and uneven ripening, meaning a desiccant is a good option to allow even ripening, limit late season fungal diseases and reduce weed seed numbers.
Grain Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann said the response from the APVMA was a ‘great example of sensible, science-based decision-making’.
“We applaud the speed with which the matter had been considered and consider this will be of great benefit to grain producers ahead of harvest.”
“We simply have to have the right tools available for this job in barley and that means glyphosate, which is already registered for crop topping in Australia on various pulses, canola, wheat and sorghum.
“It is also registered for barley in the EU and North America, so the practice is well established.”
The APVMA permit lasts until 31 July 2019 and its purpose is to support wider access to late season use of glyphosate, building on a recently expired permit.
This new APVMA permit only applies for use on feed barley and does not support use on malting barley crops.