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Domestic Policy
The Agvet Chemicals and Farm leadership Branch in the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is responsible for leading the development of national policy on agvet chemicals.
Agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals include a range of chemicals primarily developed to protect crops, livestock and domestic animals. They have brought long term benefits to Australian agriculture by reducing the effects of weeds, pests and diseases on agricultural and forest production. This has led to increased productivity, better quality produce and more competitive industries.
The chemicals are well regulated to ensure they are used properly and do not harm humans and non-target animals and plants. The definitions of agvet chemicals are set out in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994.
An agreement between the Commonwealth and the states and territories establishing the National Registration Scheme requires DAFF to consult with all parties to the agreement on changes to agvet legislation. DAFF consults with the states and territories through the Product Safety and Integrity Committee (PSIC) whose membership includes representatives from the primary industries department in each state and territory. PSIC reports through the Animal Welfare and Product Integrity Taskforce and the Primary Industries Standing Committee as a sub-committee of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC).
01 Jun 2011