Farm chemical regulator approves only 43.9% of applications on time
Only 43.9 per cent of major farm chemicals met their deadline in March, with over 200 overdue.
Australia's pesticide regulator, the APVMA, is slow at approving farm chemicals. In March, only 43.9 per cent of major applications met their deadline, based on the regulator's own data.
Over 200 applications are now overdue. CropLife Australia, the industry's peak group, says the regulator ended its help service and is slower on every measure.
Chief executive Matthew Cossey says farmers miss out on new chemistry because of delays. The regulator says it has changed how it works to focus on key decisions.
But CropLife says the APVMA is making excuses instead of fixing the problem.
- 43.9%
- On-time completion
- over 200
- Overdue applications
- March 2026
- Quarter measured
- APVMA
- Regulator
Why it mattersSlower chemical approvals delay access to new farming tools and put Australian farmers at a competitive disadvantage.
AustraliaAustralian farmers face delays getting new crop protection chemicals, risking their ability to compete and manage pest pressures effectively.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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