The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has delivered its long-awaited regulatory decision on the herbicides paraquat, and diquat. The APVMA announcement of the decision, together with the responses collected here, from Grain Producers Australia, Parkinson’s Australia, Graingrowers and NSW Farmers, show that the decision has been neither universally approved nor condemned.
Find background stories on paraquat here.
APVMA review finds new restrictions necessary for paraquat and diquat herbicides
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), Media Release, 23 June 2026
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has published its final decisions on the extensive chemical reviews (the reviews) of non-selective herbicides paraquat and diquat.
APVMA CEO Scott Hansen said the reviews applied contemporary risk management frameworks to rigorous scientific investigation of the impacts of paraquat and diquat on human health and the environment.
“Both chemicals remain available for use with significant new restrictions on application rates and permitted uses,” Mr Hansen said.
“To protect users from acute exposure, new restrictions will phase out backpack sprayers and require enclosed mixing and loading systems for all uses, and enhanced personal protection equipment.
“Overall, the maximum rate of application on paraquat and diquat will be 231 grams per hectare, when it was previously 1150 grams per hectare.”
A higher application rate applies to technology assisted spot spraying where application is capped at 30 per cent of total area.
Detailed information on new registration conditions for paraquat and diquat are available in the APVMA Special Gazette, 23 June 2026.
These restrictions are driven by acute toxicity risks for people handling the Schedule 7 poisons and a detailed assessment of data showing acute and chronic exposure risks to birds and mammals foraging in treated areas.
During the review process the APVMA received 171 submissions from scientists, doctors, the agricultural industry and other interested parties. Submissions on paraquat and diquat included a range of concerns including human health impact, farming viability and environmental impact.
The APVMA considered submissions which provided detailed scientific information or argument in line with contemporary international data requirements and test guidelines.
In making its decision, the APVMA found the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure through approved uses increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
New registration conditions will apply to the labels of all paraquat and diquat products manufactured from today. Existing stock will be phased out over a two-year period, allowing the industry to identify and adopt alternative weed management strategies, and prepare for the implementation of new occupational health and safety measures.
Further information on this decision can be found on the APVMA website, including:
- APVMA Special Gazette, 23 June 2026
- Paraquat Final Review Technical Report
- Diquat Final Review Technical Report
- Paraquat and diquat final regulatory decisions – consideration of submissions
- Paraquat final regulatory decision – consideration of neurotoxicity submissions
Paraquat retained in victory for science and grain producers:
GPA
Grain Producers Australia (GPA), Media Release, 23 June 2026
Australian grain producers will retain access to paraquat and diquat following the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) final review decision, delivering a positive outcome for the grains industry and a victory for science-based regulation and due process.
Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has welcomed the outcome of the review, which confirms paraquat and diquat will remain available for use in Australian broadacre farming systems subject to revised use conditions and label requirements.
GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the decision ensures grain producers have ongoing access to two critical weed management tools that underpin minimum and no-till farming systems across Australia’s grain-growing regions.
“These farming systems have driven significant productivity gains over recent decades while reducing soil erosion, improving moisture retention, lowering fuel use and supporting more sustainable grain production,” he said.
The final determination includes a range of changes to use patterns and label requirements.
Importantly for grain producers, paraquat will continue to be available for use through optical spot spraying technologies and also continues to allow the practice of crop-topping for pulse growers, with an increase from 7 to 14 days applying to the withholding period.
GPA Research, Development and Extension spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the decision demonstrated the value of Australia’s independent agricultural chemical regulatory system and the strength of collaboration across the grains industry to produce a logical and science-based submission to the process.
“Australia is fortunate to have an independent, evidence-based agricultural chemical regulatory agency in the APVMA,” Mr Weidemann said.
Mr Weidemann said GPA had invested significant effort throughout the review process because of the importance of paraquat and diquat to modern grain production systems.
The completion of the review is not the end of the process to inform use of paraquat and diquat, with the GRDC investing in research to further strengthen the evidence base underpinning future decisions.
GPA looks forward to continuing to work with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), researcher Chris Lee-Steere and other industry stakeholders to review the full detail of these decisions.
“Our work started some four years ago when GPA engaged Applebox Insights Founding Director Peter Arkle to identify upcoming chemical reviews and prepare industry for these challenges, and we want to acknowledge his contribution,” Mr Weidemann said.
“GPA prepared a comprehensive submission in response to the APVMA’s preliminary review decisions and we will take the time to review the rationale behind today’s final determination.
“This is a positive outcome for Australian grain producers and the ability to maintain minimum and no-till farming systems is one of the great success stories of Australian agriculture.
“These systems have delivered enormous productivity gains while helping growers protect their soils, conserve moisture and reduce the environmental footprint of grain production.”
Government watchdog fails Australians by refusing to ban chemical linked to Parkinson’s:
Parkinson’s Australia
Parkinson’s Australia, Media Release, 23 June 2026
A herbicide linked to Parkinson’s Disease will continue to be used in Australia after a national regulator rejected calls to fall into line with more than 70 countries that have banned the chemical.
After three decades of reviews and the submission of mounting scientific studies, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) today announced stronger controls around the use of paraquat.
Parkinson’s Australia has led the campaign for a ban – including a #Ban Paraquat petition with 20,000 signatures – and has slammed the APVMA over its shocking decision, warning it will have catastrophic health consequences.
Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris says the incidence of Parkinson’s is projected to triple by 2050, posing pressure to the health system and economy.
“This is going to be an absolute epidemic and we have to be doing something now if we are to stop it,” Ms Nassaris says.
“While we welcome the controls, including increasing PPE requirements and getting rid of backpack sprayers in favour of enclosed cabs, they simply don’t go far enough.
“The APVMA has failed not only farmers who use paraquat but all the other Australians exposed to it. In the 30 years they’ve been reviewing this chemical, 70 countries around the world have banned it – yet we’ve still got Aussie farmers using it every day. We’re the last to act here – and we’ve failed.”
Neurologist David Blacker, who has Parkinson’s, says the data on paraquat is overwhelming.
“Large scale studies have identified an association between paraquat and the incidence of Parkinson’s,” he says.
“Like myself, people who grew up on farms and live around places like golf courses that are using paraquat aren’t safe.”
Professor Blacker says banning paraquat is not just about reducing Parkinson’s, it’s about improving the quality of food for everyone – we missed an ideal opportunity to improve the health of everyone.
About Parkinson’s Australia
Parkinson’s Australia is the national advocacy body for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, researchers and health professionals. We promote the best possible quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
We advocate for the Parkinson’s community on issues of national significance. We work to reduce the impact of Parkinson’s by promoting best practice care to ensure that people can maximise their opportunities to live well and maintain their independence.
Graingrowers statement regarding APVMA ’s paraquat decision
Graingrowers, Media Release, 23 June 2026
The APVMA’s final regulatory ruling relating to the use of paraquat handed down today demonstrates progress from the preliminary determination but still impacts some major application rates.
GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton said research from across industry had been critical in ensuring science-based evidence was submitted to the APVMA.
“GrainGrowers has worked closely with industry to demonstrate the importance of these herbicides in Australian farming systems,” Mr Turton said.
“They underpin the sustainable grain production methods we practise today, which reduce soil erosion and fuel requirements on farm.
“Today’s ruling includes revised assessments which will restrict some major application rates, but it is positive that science-based evidence has prevailed in important areas of this decision.
“We thank all our growers who took part in surveys, trials on their farm and the grains industry experts who painstakingly compiled evidence.
“The GrainGrowers team will continue to work on behalf of its grower members and other key industry groups.”
Mr Turton said industry must continue to work on alternative chemistries to ensure growers have all the tools available to them.
“GrainGrowers will continue to work with the GRDC to ensure adequate ongoing research and development investment in maintaining existing chemistry and developing new solutions for Australian grain production.
“We now must look forward and work to ensure Australian growers can continue to do what they do best – produce world class food for customers here and abroad.”
Farmers express reservations at paraquat restrictions and call for practical solutions:
NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers, Media Release, 23 June 2026
NSW Farmers has expressed reservations at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) decision to impose onerous restrictions on paraquat and diquat, warning the outcome will have significant on-ground impacts for farmers.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said farmers respect the role of the APVMA as Australia’s independent, science-based regulator, but the decision raises serious and practical concerns for agricultural productivity, stewardship of the landscape and biosecurity.
“Farmers respect science – but we also need decisions that work in the paddock. Right now, there’s a real risk we’re being left without a tool we rely on, and without an equal replacement,” Mr Martin said.
“It is encouraging to see that some of the practical issues raised by farmers have been taken into account in the final decision, particularly the recognition of optical spraying systems and the higher rates for those targeted technologies.
“This shows that when farmers engage constructively and put forward evidence, regulators are prepared to listen – but the reality is that the final decision still falls short of what’s needed on farm.”
The ongoing concern is that the broadacre application rate remains too low to be effective in many real-world farming situations.
“Reducing application rates to the point where these products are potentially no longer effective doesn’t remove any perceived risk – it removes a critical solution.”
Paraquat and diquat are key tools for managing weeds particularly where herbicide resistance is already a significant challenge and alternative chemistry is limited or unavailable.
NSW Farmers warned that without effective use of paraquat and diquat, farmers will be forced to adopt practices that may undermine broader environmental and sustainability outcomes, including increased applications of chemicals and increased tillage.
“Farmers are deeply committed to managing their land responsibly, including minimising chemical use and protecting soil health,” Mr Martin said.
“But you can’t effectively remove or downgrade a vital tool like this without a viable alternative ready and expect there to be no consequences.”
NSW Farmers welcomed the two-year phase-out period, noting it provides some time for adjustment, but warned it does not reduce the challenge facing farmers.
“A transition period is important, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem – it simply shifts the pressure slightly down the road,” Mr Martin said.
“What farmers need now is not just regulatory change, but practical solutions – including investment in alternative chemistry and a clear pathway that reflects the realities of Australian agriculture.”
NSW Farmers emphasised that human health and safety remain paramount, and that farmers already operate under strict regulatory frameworks governing chemical use.
“Our members take chemical stewardship extremely seriously. They undergo training, operate within tight regulations, and want access to tools that are both safe and effective,” Mr Martin said.
NSW Farmers will be actively calling on government to support farmers and undertake further research around this decision and its practical implementation on the ground.
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