We acknowledge and sympathise with the farmers and families that were featured in Landline's program on Sunday 1 September. It is absolutely critical that the products farmers use are safe for humans and the environment.
Australian farmers put their faith in the Australia's independent and science-based regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA), to determine what products they can use and how to use them safely.
As part of its ongoing chemical review of paraquat, the APVMA investigated the link between paraquat and Parkinson's disease and reported that the overwhelming weight of evidence suggests that there is no connection. We are not scientists or medical experts, and that's why the role of the independent regulator is so important.
The NFF's continues to inform and guide our members and the industry more broadly on what is a complex, technical and highly sensitive issue. We will also continue to reinforce the importance of trust in our independent regulator and discourage commentary on misinformation and issues outside our technical expertise.
At the heart of our advocacy is ensuring federal policy is in the best interests of farmers.
