Recent regulatory announcements have been made by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regarding agricultural chemicals used in the sugarcane industry.

Here is a summary updated in January 2026:

MCPA (dimethylamine salt)

The Emergency Use Permit, PER95459, held by Queensland Cane Growers Organisation Ltd (QCGO) issued by the APVMA for the period from 19 December 2024 until 31 December 2025 for the control of vine weeds in sugarcane has now expired.

The permit included all registered Agvet products containing 750 g/L MCPA present as the dimethylamine salt as the only active constituent.

This product is used to control vine weeds in Queensland and New South Wales, including Bellvine, Pin convolvulus, Red convolvulous, Morning glory, Star-of-Bethlehem and Stinking passionflower at a rate of 930 mL/ha. The permit allowed application as an over crop spray via a ground based boom spray or aerially using fixed wing or rotary equipment.

In the absence of the permit, growers can still apply 750g/L MCPA products as directed inter-row spray below the cane canopy, as per label.

APVMA is currently assessing the permit renewal application.

Imidacloprid

The Emergency Use Permit, PER95474, held by QCGO, for applications of imidacloprid of 350 g/L imidacloprid products to late harvested cane crops for control of canegrubs in ratoon cane from 9 January to 28 February, 2025 has expired, and product must now be applied according to label.

Regarding the neonicotinoids chemical review the risk assessment is still in progress and publication of the proposed regulatory decisions for individual neonicotinoid actives are now expected between December 2025 and October 2026.

2,4-D
Permit 95827 has been renewed until January 2028. This permit allows for 2,4-D products to be applied by helicopter, equipped with Accu-Flo nozzles, with a reduced downwind buffer zones for natural aquatic and vegetation areas of 40 metres. Permit 95827 Renewed

Gramoxone

Syngenta Australia has initiated a voluntary recall of its product, GRAMOXONE 360 PRO Herbicide (APVMA No. 68577), following the discovery that 20L drums supplied for batches 389865 and 389866 were not made to required specifications and may not be sufficiently durable during handling and use resulting in ruptures which may pose a hazard to handlers.

Growers who have this product from these batches should quarantine them in a locked, bunded pesticide storage area and contact Syngenta Customer Service (T: 1800 022 035) for instructions on collection and refunds.

Paraquat and diquat

The APVMA has revised timeframes for the publication of the final regulatory decision on paraquat and diquat and it is now expected in mid-2026, in order to consider new data provided during the consultation period.

SRA thanks Weed Scientist Emilie Fillols and all industry stakeholders involved in the work being done for the sugarcane industry to provide submissions and gather relevant data for the APVMA relating to some of these agricultural chemicals.