A two-day Pineapple Field Days in Yeppoon last week attracted more than 100 people, with suggestions that 80 per cent of Australia's pineapple farms were represented. The event was used to brush up pineapple growers knowledge on the widely-used herbicide diuron.
In a break from the traditional field day structure, and a sign of the united effort to increase responsible chemical use, a full afternoon was given to an information and accreditation course.
Diuron is a broad-spectrum residual herbicide and algaecide used in agriculture for pre-emergent and post-emergent control of broadleaved and grass weeds.
The widely-used chemical appeared to be on the chopping block in 2011 by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
But lobbying from key grower groups resulted in a new minor use permit to use diuron at a rate equivalent to 1.8kg per hectare per year for pineapples.
During the negotiations, the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) repeatedly raised the issue of unlawful use during the time it was banned for use in pineapples.
Growcom subsequently developed an industry accreditation program for the pineapple industry to ensure all users were familiar with the conditions of the permit and to keep track of who can legally use the product.
Those who completed the training received an accreditation card.
In his address to the field days crowd, Pineapples Australia chairman Stephen Pace encouraged growers to make the most of the new diuron allowance.
"We've got this permit- do not abuse it. The industry will be scrutinised," he said.
