CropLinks Autumn Edition 2018

T H E L AT E S T P L A N T S C I E N C E I N D U S T R Y N E W S

AUTUMN EDITION 2018

The numbers speak for themselves E CO N OM I C CO N T R I B U T I O N

Did you know?

Crop protection products, commonly referred to as pesticides, are essential to Australian farming.

Without these tools Australian farmers would not be able to commercially produce almonds, blueberries, apples, peaches, strawberries, sweet peppers, tomatoes and many other crops.

A landmark report by Deloitte Access Economics has revealed that 73 per cent of the total value of Australian crop production can be attributed to the use of chemical crop protection products.

The report also shows that Australian production of hops, grapes, carrots, peanuts, onions and many other crucial food crops would be commercially unviable without these products.

FACT: In 2015–16, the value of Australian agricultural output attributed to crop protection products was

$20.6 billion.

That's 73% of the total value of Australia's crop production.

FACT: The Australian crop protection industry contributes

9,225

Read the full report at the CropLife Australia website croplife.org.au

FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE POSITIONS

A value add of $2.3 billion to our economy.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CropLife Australia @CropLifeOz

What does organic actually mean?

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Biotech products in the R&D pipeline

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#dyk: Without modern, targeted agricultural chemistry, Australian grocery bills would be almost twice as expensive and the variety of food to which we'd have access would be alarmingly narrow.

representing the best of the plant science industry

Matthew Cossey Chief Executive Officer, CropLife Australia

From the CEO Through innovative, modern agricultural practices, such as the use of chemical crop protection products, Australian agriculture continues to significantly contribute to our country’s economic output, both directly and indirectly. More importantly, the nation’s farming effort delivers essentially all our population’s food requirements and Australian farmers also export around 77 per cent of what they grow and produce. In 2015–16 agricultural exports accounted for 16 per cent of all Australian produce exports.

CropLife Australia’s recently commissioned Deloitte report on the Economic activity attributable to crop protection products in Australia details a conservative analysis of the positive impacts of the crop protection industry on the Australian economy not only in raising agricultural output, but as an important job creator.

The data presented in this landmark report demonstrates the crucial role of crop protection products in the current and continued success of Australian agriculture, as well as the importance of the plant science industry to the Australian economy. This is particularly significant in a public policy sense as crop protection products are some of the most tightly regulated products in Australia undergoing a rigorous

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registration process similar to that for human pharmaceuticals.

The findings of this study support and complement similar data from around the world. Other international studies also show that the value of crop protection products extends beyond agricultural production and employment figures. Crop protection products also directly improve the cost of living for consumers as well as the environmental sustainability of modern farming.

This report highlights not only the visible benefits of modern agriculture, such as increased food production, but also the multiple contributions the crop protection industry makes to the economy in areas including employment, exports, manufacturing and trade.

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

What does organic actually mean?

Use of pesticides is a critical element of integrated pest management that protects crops from the damage of pests, weeds and diseases ensuring that the global population has access to quality produce.

The difference with organic farming is not that it doesn't use pesticides, but that it is limited to using pesticides that are derived from natural compounds rather than new synthetic compounds.

Organic marketing standards vary worldwide but in general, organic farming features practices that strive to conserve biodiversity, cycle resources and promote ecological balance.

Conventional farming however can also feature these practices.

‘Natural’ is a word that is often used to portray a product as good, healthy or safe particularly when it is attached to

organics. It is important to understand, however, that some of the most toxic substances that exist are in fact ‘natural’ — for example, cyanide is a natural substance, as is spider venom and plant poison. Therefore, when consumers choose to buy organic produce, they are not buying a safer alternative to conventional produce, they are buying an equal one. In fact, safety is not a requirement of organic certification.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority assesses and determines the safety of ALL pesticides for use in Australia including both synthetic, non-synthetic, and biologicals.

This means that the ‘natural’ assurance of organic produce is not an indication it is more or less safe than conventional produce.

While choice in the supermarket is a good thing, Australians must also ensure they are properly informed about their food. Organic produce is not a healthier, safer or more environmentally friendly food choice. Australian consumers should make a conscious decision to support local and quality produce not simply the farming system used.

Did you know?

The term ‘organic’ is not currently regulated under Australian consumer law, however for organics to be labelled as such they must meet specific criteria.

K N OW T H E FAC T S Pesticides are used in both conventional and organic farming.

Like conventional farmers, organic farmers also need to manage destructive pests, weeds and diseases. The difference is organic farmers use non-synthetic chemical pesticides.

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

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Crop Protection

Let’s talk about glyphosate The European Commission Appeal

KNOW THE FACTS!

Committee recently voted for the re-authorisation of glyphosate for use in the EU. This is in line with the recommendations and assessments of European and global independent scientific chemical assessment and regulatory authorities.

However, the re-authorisation is only for five years, instead of the standard 15 years, despite there being no scientific basis for such a limit.

LD50 — (Lethal Dose/50 per cent)

There is overwhelming scientific evidence and assessments by regulators worldwide that glyphosate poses no unacceptable risks to human health or to the environment.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has assessed and approved glyphosate as safe for human health and the environment when used according to the label instructions.

CAFFEINE Alkaloid compound found in tea and coffee plants.

Stimulates the body's central nervous system.

LD50: 192mg/kg

Toxicity:

VERY HIGH

COPPER SULFATE A compound (blue crystalline solid) approved for use in organic production as a fungicide, also used in electroplating.

LD50: 300mg/kg

Toxicity:

VERY HIGH

SODIUM CHLORIDE Known as halite or, more commonly, salt (table salt or common salt).

Is an ionic compound with the chemical formula NaCl. LD50: 3000mg/kg Toxicity: MODERATE

While Australia is fortunate to have a regulatory system that is based on scientific, independent assessments rather than activist propaganda, it is important that Europe's decisions are also based on the same.

GLYPHOSATE A broad-spectrum systemic herbicide used to kill weeds, trade name 'RoundUp'.

LD50: 5600mg/kg Toxicity: SLIGHT

Any changes to the regulation of agricultural chemicals in the EU will result in critical crop protection tools and associated import tolerances being unnecessarily withdrawn from the EU market, severely impacting Australian trade. It is therefore imperative that the Australian Government continues its role as a key influencer and supporter of evidence-based regulatory decisions.

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It may be hard to believe but caffeine is over ten times more toxic than glyphosate. Should we stop drinking coffee? No, the main reason being that a typical dosage of caffeine is not high enough to cause toxicity. Toxicity is all about dosage which applies to all substances. Some chemicals like aflatoxin and botulin are toxic in small doses, while others like caffeine have low toxicity, becoming dangerous only at higher doses (see table below).

Posts

CropLife Australia 26 March at 09.30

Did you know? In contrast to the drawn-out glyphosate re-authorisation approval, the European Commission and the member states have recently extended once again the authorisation for copper sulphate, a controversial pesticide used in organic farming. Copper compounds are authorised in the EU as bactericides and fungicides. They are currently approved for use in organic farming, despite concerns over toxicity risks to farm workers, birds, mammals and soil organisms, as well as the impact of copper compounds on the wider environment.

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

Stewardship in the plant science industry is the responsible and ethical management of crop protection and biotechnology products from their discovery and development, to their use and the final disposal of any waste.

Industry stewardship is an important part of modern farming as it fosters the responsible and sustainable use of pesticides, ensuring these important tools for farmers are used safely and efficiently. StewardshipFirst is CropLife Australia’s suite of world-leading stewardship programs, which aims to assist all pesticide users in maintaining world’s best-practice use.

An award-winning, user-driven smartphone app enabling beekeepers, farmers and agricultural chemical spray contractors to communicate, collaborate and facilitate best-practice pollinator protection.

A one-of-a-kind best-practice digital reference guide with the most up-to-date advice and tools from across the industry to help manage spray drift.

Best-practice guides detailing measures to reduce risks from dust generated during handling and planting of treated seed and guidance on industry best practices to minimise off-target movement of pest and disease management products.

Strategies to assist in minimising the risk of the development of resistance in crops, whilst contributing towards the quality of the environment.

Agsafe is CropLife Australia's industry stewardship program organisation. Originally funded and established by CropLife and its member companies and actively supported

by Australia's farmers. Agsafe is an Australian non-profit offering programs that support product stewardship of agvet chemicals throughout the supply chain:

Providing Australian agvet chemical users with a recycling pathway for eligible agvet chemcial containers.

Since 1999 more than 31 million empty agvet containers have been collected for recycling nationally.

Offering Australian agvet chemical users with a collection and disposal pathway for their unwanted chemicals. More than 643,395 Lt/kg of unwanted chemcials have been collected for disposal.

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

Agsafe accredits stores supplying agvet chemical products to ensure they comply with all regulations for the transport, storage and handling of agvet chemical products. To-date 495 stores have been accredited.

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Crop Biotechnology Posts

CropLife Australia 26 March at 09.30

Did you know?

Crop biotechnology has the potential to produce novel products from plants, improve their nutritional quality, increase productivity and adapt crops to environmental stresses resulting from a changing climate.

Biotech products in the R&D pipeline The latest CropLife Plant Biotechnology Product Pipeline gives an insight into the next generation of genetically modified (GM) crops.

The Pipeline outlines both early development research and advanced developments that could be in the marketplace within the next five to seven years. Some of these developments include drought tolerant corn and health benefit soybeans with modified fat profiles. These new developments will assist farmers in protecting crops against disease.

For Australia, the Pipeline provides a peek into the future of agricultural biotechnology and the new innovations that could help Australian farmers provide high-quality food, feed and fibre for the world.

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Do GM crops even make a difference?

The increased productivity of GM crops has meant an additional 357.7 million tonnes of corn, 180.3 million tonnes of soybeans, 25.2 million tonnes of cotton and 10.6 million tonnes of canola have been produced around the world between 1996 and 2015.

The Pipeline includes information on new innovations in agricultural biotechnology including new varieties of canola with built-in consumer benefits such as healthy fatty acids and improved oil quality. It also includes new herbicide tolerant and insect resistant varieties of cotton, which could offer additional options to Australian cotton farmers who already primarily use GM cotton.

It is crucial that Australian farmers continue to have access to plant science innovations such as GM crops to provide them with additional tools for the many challenges and opportunities ahead.

The 2017 Plant Biotechnology Product Pipeline can be accessed at the CropLife Australia website croplife.org.au

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

The evolution of plant breeding innovation What is plant breeding innovation?

CropLife Australia @CropLifeOz

Plant breeding innovations like gene editing can allow plant scientists to precisely add, delete or replace specific characteristics using the plants own biological repair processes. An increased understanding of genetics, the capability to sequence plant genomes and the ability to link a specific gene(s) to a specific characteristic, means today’s plant breeders can more precisely and efficiently develop new and improved varieties to address the unmet needs of farmers and consumers.

#dyk: More than 99 per cent of Australia's cotton crop relies on GM varieties, including both herbicide tolerant and insect resistant. Without GM cotton there would be no commercial cotton in Australia. That means no Australian made shirts and undies!.

ION OF ICAT ST

AT HE W

DOM E

MILESTONES IN PLANT BREEDING Mendel’s laws Gregor Mendel describes the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next. His laws become the core of classical genetics.

CROP DOMESTICATION 10,000 BC RESISTANT R ST-

Understanding the structure of DNA

1865

CORN ID

MORE VI

ROUS HYBR GO

ICE

BLA

Farmers select the best wild species to develop crops

PLANT BREEDING BASED ON

CROSS BREEDING

James Watson and Francis Crick identify the double helix of DNA

MUTAGENESIS Developing new genetic diversity byexposing crop plants to chemcial agents or radiation

Development of improved varieties by combining good characteristics from two parents

HYBRID BREEDING Crossing two genetically different individuals to develop better performing hybrids

1926

1940 1953

RLEY RESIST BA

INSE C

ESISTANT CO T-R

GMO Introducing foreign genes into the DNA of a plant

ARF VIRU DW S

Development of improved varieties by working directly with the DNA

T TO YELLOW AN

N TTO

PLANT BREEDING BASED ON GENETIC INFORMATION

XY CORN WA

MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION Locating desirable traits in a plant for efficient selection and breeding

TARGETED BREEDING Using modern tools such as genome editing for more targeted breeding

1994 2000 NOW

FUTURE

THE FACTS For 10,000 years, farmers and breeders have been developing and improving crops.

For 150 years, plant scientists and breeders have improved breeding on a scientific basis.

Today, farmers feed at least 10 times more people using the same amount of land as 100 years ago.

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

By 2050, we will need 50% more food to feed a population of 10 billion.

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Industry Stewardship

The facts behind resistance management CropLife Australia promotes Resistance Management as an integral part of Integrated Pest Management and the stewardship approach to the use of crop protection and crop biotechnology products. This is just one part of CropLife’s world-leading StewardshipFirst Program.

What is resistance?

Resistance is an issue worldwide and can occur in as little as 3–4 years if not managed. Access to fewer crop protection tools would facilitate faster development of resistance among target pests, diminishing the efficacy of remaining chemical options. Encouraging the ongoing sustainable use of agricultural chemicals also results in economic benefits for Australian farmers.

Why is resistance management essential for sustainable pest control?

Understanding the impact of resistance and carefully using agricultural chemicals in strict accordance with their approved label instructions will help farmers prevent and delay development of resistant pests, weeds and diseases that harm farming systems and natural habitats.

What does this mean for Australian farmers?

CropLife Australia’s Resistance Management Strategies for fungicides, herbicides and insecticides, help farmers ensure that important crop protection products remain a viable tool for them against the pests, weeds and diseases that are a constant threat to Australia’s crops.

How is the plant science industry helping?

Each year CropLife updates and makes freely available Resistance Management Strategies developed by a number of scientific technical review committees in consultation with relevant national and international experts. The plant science industry invests considerable resources and hundreds of millions of dollars into research and development of new and innovative agricultural chemical products to ensure economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions that are most effective when used for registered purposes and in accordance with approved labels.

Agsafe launches online store for safety materials CropLife Australia’s stewardship organisation, Agsafe, has launched a one-stop shop for learning and safety materials. The Agsafe e-store makes it easier for chemical manufacturers, resellers, users and waste holders to access the latest posters, flyers and signage for warehouse and storage areas.

Free resources available include the new Agsafe 'We’re a Ute It Store' outdoor signage for display near store loading and parking zones to remind customers about safety during chemical transportation. Agsafe’s popular new cross-program poster 'Summer Safety Checklist', previously only available to Agsafe members as a PDF, is also available to the public for the first time as a full colour A2 poster. New items relevant to anyone who handles agvet chemicals will be added periodically.

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Visit the e-store at store.agsafe.org.au

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

#NationalTeaDay — protecting your cuppa Did you know?

TEA-PRODUCING COUNTRIES

Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world with billions of cups drank every day!

CHINA

TURKEY IRAN

JAPAN

INDIA VIETNAM

BUT one plant disease alone could cut tea production in half, with plant pests and weeds coming in at a close second.

SRI LANKA ARGENTINA

KENYA INDONESIA AUSTRALIA

The tea leaf hopper is attracted to the tea leaf liquid, the same way a mosquito is attracted to human blood.

While the threat to tea production is a valid concern for farmers and their consumers around the globe, tea production is thriving thanks to the innovations of the plant science industry.

Crop protection products help farmers manage all the threats of pests, diseases and weeds that place the tea industry at risk, ensuring you can sit back and enjoy a perfect brew.

LE ESH AV

ES

Yet in Asia, the main threat to the thriving tea market is the tea leaf hopper, which can cause devastating losses of up to 30 per cent if not controlled properly.

FR

BLACK TEA PRODUCTION In Australia, black tea is produced in northern Australia from plants descended from several sources of seed, most commonly Camellia sinensis var. assamica.

In Australia’s climate weeds are the main concern as they can contaminate the quality of the tea harvested from the crop if not managed.

SHREDDING FERMENTATION TWISTING

DRYING

TEA

ANNUAL TEA CONSUMPTION per capita

2.1kg

2.0kg

1.4kg

1.2kg

0.75kg

TURKEY

IRELAND & THE UK

IRAN

MOROCCO

AUSTRALIA

BREWING INSTRUCTIONS RATIO

WATER TEMP

1 tsp tea per cup

95°c– 100°C

BREW TIME

ENJOY

2–4 mins

CropLife Australia @CropLifeOz #dyk: Tea processing — the transformation of Camellia sinensis leaves into brewing tea — generally involves different manners and degrees of oxidation, firing and finally, sorting.

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

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News and Events

Bayer has released its Sustainable Agriculture in Australia base line report detailing a number of sustainability initiatives and projects.

Bayer’s vision for the future of agriculture aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is committed to partnering with likeminded stakeholders to proactively contribute to a sustainable future for agriculture in Australia.

BASF recently joined the World Plastics Council (WPC), a global organisation of key leaders in the plastics industry.

The WPC promotes industry topics of global relevance like the responsible use of plastics, efficient waste management and solutions to marine littering.

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From left: Kylie Calderwood, Steph Leach and Nic Tydens

Sipcam is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Leach as Registration Manager for operations in Australia and New Zealand. Stephanie has many years’ experience in regulatory affairs and is a longtime contributor to CropLife’s Crop Protection Committee.

The myriad of changes at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority over the past few years has meant the job of registration is ever more complex and very demanding to stay up-to-date.

ISK is working at delivering new and innovative insecticide options into the broadacre market using the patented insecticide Flonicamid — trade name Mainman — which is highly effective on a range of sucking insects and particularly friendly to the beneficial insect population especially bees. ISK is currently working in the Australian marketplace to introduce further products to extend its range and provide profitable solutions to the Australian farming community.

Sumitomo Chemical recently acquired 82.9 per cent of shares in Botanical Resources Australia Pty Ltd. The BRA group is a global leader in the production of the natural insecticide active ingredient, Pyrethrin which is extracted from Australian grown pyrethrum daisies. Since their inception in 1996 BRA have led the world in the cultivation of the pyrethrum daisy and now manage thousands of hectares of their own, and their growing partners pyrethrum daisies.

Nufarm has welcomed the announcement

by Australian regulators that approval has been granted for the production and use in feed and human consumption of omega3 canola. Developed by Nufarm’s subsidiary Nuseed, in collaboration with CSIRO and the Grains Research and Development Organisation this omega-3 canola is the world’s first plant-based source of long-chain-3 fatty acids.

It is anticipated that one hectare of Nuseed’s omega-3 canola has the potential to provide the omega-3 yield from 10,000 kg of wild caught fish.

Pictured from left to right. Back row: Matthew Greenhill (BRA), Hideo Wada (SCC), Sam Folder (BRA), Stuart Coles (BRA), Tony Brookes (Sumitomo Chemical Australia), Ross Blaikie (BRA). Front row: Mark Raspin (BRA), Ray Nishimoto (SCC), Peter Reading (BRA) and Rohan Kennedy (BRA).

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

DELIVERING FOOD, FEED & FIBRE How are we going to feed 10 billion people in 2050?

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT I've heard about declining numbers of bees around the world and colony collapse disorder.

What is causing this?

ENSURING HEALTH & SAFETY Are GM crops and pesticides tested?

Are they safe?

All you need to know about plant science CropLife Australia has recently launched a new website. It is a one-stop source for everything you need to know about plant science in Australia.

Each section focuses on issues relevant to the plant science industry in Australia including ensuring health and safety, delivering food, feed and fibre and protecting the environment.

Our media releases, campaigns and stewardship program are all easier to interact with using simpler navigation, infographics and colour coordination.

The layout and content has been completely redeveloped and restructured to ensure all relevant information is available and easy to find.

It is full of frequently asked questions on both crop protection and crop biotechnology and what’s more they are even answered by our team of experts.

Do you have questions about the plant science industry?

Why not visit croplife.org.au and let us provide you with the answers.

croplife.org.au — everything you need to know about plant science in Australia Plant Science in Australia

Ensuring Health & Safety

Delivering Food, Feed & Fibre

CROPLINKS THE NEWSLETTER OF CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA | AUTUMN 2018

Supporting Farmers

Protecting the Environment

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CropLife Australia is the peak organisation representing the best of Australia’s plant science and crop protection product companies.

CropLife ensures world’s best stewardship and responsible use of the industry’s products through its conduct of conduct and has set a benchmark for industry stewardship through initiatives in the StewardshipFirst™ program such as drumMUSTER, ChemClear, Agsafe Accrediation and Training and the Pollinator Protection Initiative.

That is why you can have full confidence when dealing with a CropLife member company.

CropLife represents Australia’s leading innovators, developers, manufacturers, formulators and registrants of crop protection and agricultural biotechnology products.

CropLife Australia is part of the CropLife International Federation, representing the plant science sector in 91 countries around the world.

LABEL SPECIALISTS

CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA LIMITED t 02 6273 2733 w www.croplife.org.au

www.facebook.com/CropLifeOZ

www.twitter.com/CropLifeOZ