Safeguarding Exports of Australian Fodder from Future Methyl Bromide Withdrawals

The Australian fodder export industry currently relies on the fumigant methyl bromide (MB) to meet pest control requirements for access to key markets like Japan, China and Korea. However, due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer, there is increasing international pressure to phase out MB, which poses a significant risk to industry.

 

This project aims to find effective alternatives to MB with a focus on a few promising options such as fumigation with methyl iodide, ethyl formate and/or ethanedinitrile. None of these alternatives cause significant harm to the ozone layer. The project will conduct experiments to assess the effectiveness of these alternatives against key pests in fodder and complete a safety analysis to ensure new treatments comply with industry standards, helping to support their use.
Additionally, the project will evaluate the current use of MB in the industry, analyse the risks of its potential phase-out, and develop a strategic plan for adopting alternatives. This plan will include input from industry stakeholders and insights from existing research.

 

This project will help the fodder industry adapt to regulatory changes, enhance its sustainability practices, and maintain access to vital export markets. It strongly aligns with the industry’s strategic plan on export markets and biosecurity.