Organic Farmers Fear Threat to Certification from Council Weed Spraying

South-east Queensland organic farmers are voicing significant concerns over a local council's weed-spraying program, arguing it directly imperils their organic certification.

The program, targeting an invasive weed, has led to a feeling of powerlessness among some landholders, while the council asserts its adherence to strict guidelines and the necessity of its approach. The situation highlights a broader ethical dilemma concerning environmental management and the use of chemicals in sensitive ecosystems.

Farmers Feel "Powerless" Over Herbicide Program

Tim and Amber Scott, owners of a certified organic beef farm and chemical-free store in the Mary Valley, describe feeling "powerless" in the face of an impending herbicide application program. The program is set to target olive hymenachne, an invasive weed found along the banks of Amamoor Creek, a vital water source for their cattle.

"We feel 'powerless' to prevent a herbicide application program that targets the primary water source for our cattle." - Tim Scott

While the Scotts' property is on the Gympie Regional Council's "no spray" list, which typically protects them from roadside spraying, olive hymenachne's classification as a "weed of national significance" grants councils broad powers under the Biosecurity Act to manage its spread. Mr. Scott highlighted the potential ramifications: any herbicide use would necessitate costly water testing, approximately $400 per test, and potentially require destocking their property to safeguard against animal contamination.

Council Defends Targeted Approach

Gympie councillor Warren McEwan, who manages the council's weed and pest portfolio and also operates a chemical-free farm, explained that herbicide application is considered the most effective method for controlling olive hymenachne. Its vigorous growth characteristics, he noted, make manual removal particularly challenging.

Cr. McEwan affirmed that the spraying program strictly adheres to established guidelines, focusing specifically on creek banks while meticulously avoiding direct contact with waterways. He stressed the precision involved in both targeting and the measured chemical volumes used. The council's official statement also clarified that landholders who inform the council of their organic certification or preference for alternative control methods may opt for non-chemical solutions, provided these methods effectively prevent the weed's spread.

"The spraying program adheres to guidelines, specifically targeting creek banks and avoiding direct contact with waterways." - Cr. Warren McEwan

Chemical Concerns and Wildlife at Risk

Haloxyfop 520 is one of the confirmed chemicals designated for use against hymenachne. Its safety instructions explicitly warn of potential toxicity to aquatic life if misused and mandate a four-week grazing withholding period. The Scotts voiced strong skepticism regarding the council's assurances, expressing deep concern about potential impacts on cherished local wildlife, including platypuses, critically endangered Mary River turtles, and endangered Mary River cod.

"Safety instructions for Haloxyfop 520 indicate potential toxicity to aquatic life if misused and impose a four-week grazing withholding period."

John Tidy, a certified organic avocado grower who depends on Amamoor Creek, underscored its critical role. He noted that the creek serves as a vital water source for 70 irrigators, supporting both extensive agricultural operations and essential domestic needs.

The Broader Ethical Dilemma

Reece Pianta of the Invasive Species Council acknowledged that herbicides are indeed a viable tool for managing aggressive invasive plants such as hymenachne. He articulated the situation as an ethical dilemma, weighing the environmental degradation caused by invasive species against the risks associated with chemical use.

Despite holding agricultural science degrees, the Scotts fundamentally oppose the use of any poisons, even when applied within regulatory guidelines. They have openly reported experiencing verbal abuse due to their public stance against synthetic chemical use and are strongly advocating for increased community dialogue to address this complex issue.

"Herbicides are a viable tool for managing invasive plants... presenting an ethical dilemma between environmental degradation by invasive species and chemical use." - Reece Pianta, Invasive Species Council