AUSTRALIAN MACADAMIA SOCIETY MARCH NEWSLETTER AND NOOSA FISH HEALTH ISSUES
It is recognised that the macadamia industry is using chemicals that the State and Federal Government said were safe. The Australian Macadamia Society are to be applauded for the stance they are taking and the open enquiry into the problems at the Noosa Fish Hatchery. The taskforce set up by the Qld State Government, by Hon Tim Mulherin, was not related to residues in macadamia nuts, but to the investigation of all causes, in particular agri-chemicals, of losses and mutation of fish at a Noosa Hatchery over the past 6 years.
Future Fisheries Veterinary Service is looking forward to developing safe solutions and working with industry to pressure APVMA to acknowledge potential problems and speed up this process of identifying alternatives. The Macadamia industry must be supported by the APVMA, which should immediately take all measures available to encourage improved farm management and biological control. Many leads are available in the growing organic sector of this industry, which should be encouraged.
For the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority(APVMA) to act in spin and denial – which chemical companies are not doing – short changes the chemical and agricultural industry and taxpayers. If better management is to evolve, then government institutions have to be mature enough to acknowledge problems and address them – just as the macadamia industry has done. An extract from their March 2010 newsletter is below, which offers excellent leadership.
“What can you do? If the media came knocking, can you face the scrutiny with confidence?
Every grower needs to look at their practices and ask;
Are you using only registered chemicals in strict compliance with label requirements
Are you using professional pest scouts
Are you choosing the right chemical and spraying only when absolutely necessary
Are you and your staff adequately trained in chemical use and spray application
Is your record keeping up to date and accurate
Do you inform your neighbours when you intend to spray
Are you doing all you can to ensure that the industry maintains its good reputation”
Dr Matt Landos BVSc(HonsI)MACVS Future Fisheries Veterinary Service Pty Ltd PO Box 364, Lennox Head NSW 2478
