NORTH-west Victorian canola growers and farm advisers are being notified the European Union will reduce the maximum residue limit (MRL) for the herbicide haloxyfop.To meet this changing MRL, 2023-24 canola treated with haloxyfop should not be delivered or received into the Australian grain handling system for canola segregations (grades) destined for export.
This change is necessary as, if delivered, it will jeopardise market access to the EU for Australian canola.
While haloxyfop remains a legally registered product in Australia, any future use on canola, would result in a residue detection above the new EU MRL.
To maintain access to the EU market, all Australian canola growers need to use alternative weed control options for the 2023 crop, and in future cropping programs.
Australian canola is highly sought after in overseas export markets.
To maintain our strong trading reputation and ensure continued market access, it is critical exported canola meets import country MRLs.
Key points
● Growers are advised to not use haloxyfop on export canola from the 2023-24 season.
● The EU has indicated it will reduce its MRL for haloxyfop on canola from 0.2mg/kg to 0.005mg/kg. While no specific timeframe can be provided, the Australian industry expects this change to be announced this year.
● Applying haloxyfop to canola according to current Australian label directions would create residues above the expected new EU MRL.
● If haloxyfop is used, the post-harvest supply chain cannot mitigate the risk of any residues arising being present on canola above the expected new EU MRL. That is why growers and others are being advised that canola from the 2023-24 season treated with haloxyfop should not be delivered or received into the canola export segregations in the Australian grain handling system.
● This decision is only for the use of haloxyfop on canola and applies to both GM and non-GM canola for export.
● Consideration will need to be made for any canola treated with haloxyfop from 2022-23 or earlier seasons that is already held on farm in storage – growers will need to speak with their respective grain traders for specific advice. The post-harvest supply chain will also need to review any stocks already held in storages.
