Background

Growers and advisers constantly need new crop protection solutions to tackle emerging biotic threats and to replace those no longer viable due to the development of resistance and/or regulatory changes. However, developing these solutions is often hindered by market limitations. Small market sizes and insufficient financial returns discourage chemical registrants from investing in the necessary data to meet regulatory requirements.

A lack of authorised pesticide management options can lead to the 'off-label' (unregistered) use or inappropriate application of pesticides, posing serious risks. Such practices can result in unwanted pesticide residues in crops or animal products, compromising market access, QA accreditation, and international trade relations.

GRDC's Role

GRDC invests in data generation to support Minor Use Permits and Registered Product Label Extensions, facilitated through co-investment with product registrants. Providing growers with access to effective and approved crop protection options that meet both domestic and key international markets Maximum Residue Level (MRL) requirements.

Minor Use Permits are held by Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and other industry bodies on behalf of the grains industry.

GRDC’s Investment Principles

GRDC follows specific guiding principles and a decision-making framework when investing in crop protection registrations, as outlined in Figure 1.

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