Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Research Compendium 1993 - 1994

Research Project

NATIONAL FARM CHEMICAL USERS TRAINING PROGRAM (WA)

Objectives

• To raise farmers' level of competency to improve understanding and selection of farm chemicals and to ensure that they are adequately trained in transporting, storing, handling, applying and disposing of chemicals.
• To conduct an independent survey to measure the effect of the course on how farmers use chemicals.

Background

Society is becoming increasingly concerned over the use of chemicals in agriculture, horticulture and service industries. Australia's reputation as a producer of clean, green food and fibre relies on everyone in the industry taking a responsible attitude towards chemical use and safety. Extensive controls at State and Federal Government levels and registration and clear labelling go part of the way, but ultimately the chemical user is responsible.

To assist chemical users, the National Farmers Federation and the Rural Training Council of Australia have jointly developed a voluntary, self regulatory national Farm Chemical User Training Program for primary producers and service industry users.

Research

A Management Committee of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the agricultural chemical industry, the Agriculture Veterinary Chemical Association, the Country Women's Association and the Agricultural and Pastoral Industry Employment and Training Council was convened and a marketing plan commissioned to develop the program.

Outcome

An intensive one-day course was developed. It is run by one of ten trainers with a sound knowledge of the use of chemicals in agriculture and uses the West Australian Program Manual. The manual covers six main topics: the product label, personal and environmental safety, employer liability, more informed choice of chemical use, integrated pest management, and record keeping. The course has been approved and accepted by the Skills Standards and Accreditation Board (WA).

Implications

This program will:

• improve knowledge of personal and environmental safety for users of agricultural chemicals;
• help employers understand how to reduce accidents with chemicals;
• maintain and improve industry competitiveness as a producer of 'clean food';
• allow more informed decisions about the correct use of chemicals; and
• through improved knowledge, result in more efficient crop and animal production.

Phase two of this program is its evaluation by the Curtin University School of Public Health. Funding has been carried over to support the completion of the evaluation and its report will be included in the next RIRDC Research Report.

RIRDC Project No: API-1A

RESEARCHER: Mr S. Trevenen

ORGANISATION: Agricultural & Pastoral Industry Employment &

PHONE: 09 277 8000

PUBLICATIONS:

Anon. 1989. Proc. of a symposium on Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals: The Need for Care. BRS, Canberra.

Anon. 1989. The Attitudes and Behaviour of Farmers and Retailers Towards Rural Chemicals in Victoria. Research Report Series No. 84. A summary of a consultants report. Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Victoria.

Last updated: 10 October 1996
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