Latest news, updates and innovations in agricultural safety
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Australia’s first industry-led collection and recycling program for soft plastic agricultural input bags, bagMUSTER, was officially launched today in Ballarat, marking a significant step towards sustainability in Australian agriculture. The event brought together key industry leaders, government representatives, and media to celebrate the program’s commencement and its potential to transform agricultural plastic waste management.
Work Safe Victoria has amended Table 1 of Schedule 14 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 to include Paraquat products, increasing the threshold quantities before a premises is classified as a Major Hazard Facility. Previously, Paraquat was listed under Schedule 14, Table 2, with a 20-tonne threshold. The updated classification raises the limits to 80 tonnes for concentrations of 10% or more and 200 tonnes for lower concentrations.
The agricultural industry is making a significant stride toward sustainability with the opening of the first bagMUSTER collection sites. This pioneering, not-for-profit, industry-led program addresses plastic waste from single-use woven polypropylene (PP) bags. The program’s first phase is live in Western Victoria, with collection sites in Kyneton, Romsey, and Woodend. Farmers can drop off eligible bags, such as those used for fertilisers and stock feed.
The agricultural sector is a vital part of Australia’s economy, but with its growth comes an increase in plastic waste, particularly from single-use agricultural bags. Addressing this issue is the driving force behind bagMUSTER, a program designed to remove plastic bag waste on farms, guiding the industry towards more sustainable practices.
Agsafe is pleased to announce a ChemClear collection event in Victoria, providing agricultural producers and businesses the opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted or obsolete agricultural chemicals. The deadline for chemical registrations is Friday, 31 January 2025.
In a critical update for the agricultural industry, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has cancelled the registration of all products containing dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA, also known as Dacthal), effective immediately. All uses of DCPA are now banned, and it is now illegal to use the product. Retailers and farmers are urged to stop selling or using the chemical immediately and ensure its safe disposal.
On Wednesday, 31 July 2024, Agsafe announced a major advancement for the drumMUSTER program at a highly anticipated launch event. This pioneering initiative, in partnership with Pact Group, represents an Australian first in the recycling of used chemical drums into new ones.
Nearly one million plastic agricultural chemical containers could now be recycled directly back into new agricultural chemical containers each year, under a new drumMUSTER® initiative unveiled in Victoria today.
ChemClear proudly announces a significant milestone, having successfully removed over 1 million litres/kilograms of unused chemicals from farms across the country. Established in 2003, ChemClear has been at the forefront of environmentally responsible chemical disposal, providing essential services to farmers and agricultural communities.
In an exciting development for the agriculture industry, Agsafe is proud to announce the appointment of Alicia Garden as its new General Manager. Alicia brings with her a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that marks a significant shift in leadership for the long-standing organisation.