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AgVet Chemicals

Agricultural and veterinary chemicals play a vitally important role in primary production by protecting crops and livestock from unwanted weeds, pests and diseases. This in turn leads to greater productivity, improved quality and increased competitiveness in the market place. However, the misuse of such chemicals can result in risks to human and animal health, the environment and trade relations. Consequently, users of agricultural and veterinary chemicals have a responsibility to ensure that they implement good practices when using agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

This website contains information that will guide you in the safe, responsible and effective use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals:

In this Topic

Codes of Practice, Guidelines and Information Sheets
A number of Codes and Guidelines prescribe responsibilities and minimum standards for users of agricultural chemical products.
Licences and Certificates
Other than for a small amount for home use - one needs a licence to spray agricultural & veterinary chemicals. Includes training information.
Chemical Registration and Permits
The registration of agricultural and veterinary chemicals is undertaken by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Poisons and Animal Pests
A register was made by the Minister on 17 September 2008 containing a list of the pest animals and substances that may be administered for pest control under section 8A of the Animal Welfare Act 1993.
Prohibited and Restricted Agricultural Chemical Products
A number of chemical products are prohibited from use in Tasmania.
Residues in Food and Fibre
There is some risk that residues in agricultural and veterinary chemicals may be found in agricultural products.
Pesticide Monitoring
The Pesticide Water Monitoring Program was conducted from 2005 to 2014.
Spray Drift and Reporting Incidents
Enquiries and complaints about spray drift or other off-target movement of agricultural chemicals in Tasmania.
Legislation and Subordinate Legislation
Within Tasmania, State legislation controls the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
AgVet Chemicals Contacts
Key positions within the AgVet Chemicals Program including contact details.
Agricultural, Silvicultural and Veterinary Chemicals Council
The Agricultural, Silvicultural and Veterinary Chemicals Council develops or approves Codes of Practice for managing the risks associated with handling and using agricultural and veterinary chemical products.

Fertiliser Legislation:
- Fertilizers Act 1993
- Fertilizers Regulations 2005

Legislation restricting access to Security-Sensitive Dangerous Substances (SSDS) came into effect in Tasmania from 21 November 2005. The first substance to be regulated by this legislation is Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN) because of its history of use by terrorists and concerns about its ready availability.

Contact

Chemicals Coordinator
Stuart Bowman
165 Westbury Road
Prospect TAS 7250
Phone: 03 6777 2133
Fax: 03 6343 2833
Email: Stuart.Bowman@nre.tas.gov.au